From the 18th century till today, folks from all over the globe come together every year to watch horse races. Even though lots of horses race every year, only a handful become true “history makers.”
We’ve made a list of the seven most amazing racehorses ever. They’re on this list because of their amazing accomplishments, records, and the mark they’ve left in the horse racing world.
Denman
Affectionately called “The Tank,” Denman (April 17, 2000 – June 5, 2018) was a cherished figure in the world of National Hunt horse racing. Paul Nicholls was the skilled trainer who guided him throughout his remarkable journey. Denman triumphed in 14 out of his 24 races, securing victories in prestigious events like the 2008 Cheltenham Gold Cup and the Hennessy Gold Cup in both 2007 and 2009.
But it wasn’t just his victories that made him famous. Denman’s intense rivalry with his stable companion, Kauto Star, added an extra layer of excitement to his career. Maggie Findlay and Paul Barber were the proud owners of this remarkable horse. Denman was known for his bold, front-running style and his unwavering determination, which captured the hearts and imagination of racing enthusiasts throughout his career.
Did you know: In horse racing, the prize money the winning horse or horse receives is called the purse money. It comes from multiple sources – people betting, race entry fees, and sponsors. As more people bet at a given race, larger its purse becomes throughout its season. If you’re interested in betting on horses, consider checking this Sports betting guide from Lottoland; it will show you the basics.
Enable
Enable, born on February 12, 2014, was a true legend in modern Flat racing. From November 2016 to October 2020, she graced the tracks and left an indelible mark, claiming victory in 15 out of her 19 races, including a remarkable 11 Group One triumphs.
This exceptional mare, owned by the late Khalid Abdullah (the same owner as the legendary Frankel), earned over £10 million in prize money. Under the expert guidance of trainer John Gosden and frequently guided by the talented Frankie Dettori, Enable showcased her prowess on the racetrack.
Her impressive list of victories includes the Cheshire Oaks, Irish Oaks, Epsom Oaks, the Yorkshire Oaks, three King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes, and not one but two Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe. She achieved another milestone by becoming the first Arc winner to conquer the Breeders’ Cup Turf in the same year.
Now, in a well-deserved retirement, Enable has transitioned to a new role as a broodmare, ensuring her legacy lives on in the next generation of racing champions.
Zenyatta
They often called Zenyatta the “Queen of Racing.” Her name was inspired by the Police’s album Zenyatta Mondatta. Zenyatta was a bay filly who raced in the same era as Black Caviar. Even though Black Caviar eventually broke Zenyatta’s record for consecutive wins, Zenyatta was an absolute force on the track.
Zenyatta was unique because she didn’t start racing as a two-year-old. Born in 2004, she made her racing debut in 2007. This large and imposing horse stood over 17 hands tall and weighed more than 1200 pounds. Interestingly, Zenyatta had a touch of claustrophobia, especially at the starting gate.
But perhaps what she was most famous for was her pre-race ritual. Before each race, she would dance and prance around, almost like she was putting on a joyful show for the spectators. It was as if she had so much energy to burn that she just had to dance it out.
Seabiscuit
Seabiscuit, born on May 23, 1933, and crossing the finish line for the last time on May 17, 1947, wasn’t just any horse. He was a true American hero, a champion of the racetrack. In the 1940s, he held the title of the highest-earning racehorse, leaving everyone else in the dust.
One of his most memorable moments was when he outpaced War Admiral, the Triple-Crown winner of 1937, by a clear four lengths in a thrilling two-horse showdown at Pimlico. That victory made him the darling of the 1938 American Horse of the Year.
At the start, Seabiscuit didn’t shine brightly, winning just a quarter of his first 40 races. But then came his lucky break when he teamed up with trainer Tom Smith. That’s when his destiny truly unfolded, and he soared to greatness.
Seabiscuit’s incredible story has been etched into the pages of books and brought to life on the silver screen. Among these tales, the movie “Seabiscuit” stands out, earning itself a nomination for the prestigious Academy Award for Best Picture.
Citation
Citation, a true legend, came into the world at Calumet Farm in Lexington, Kentucky. It all started in 1941 when the farm’s owner, Warren Wright Sr., purchased Hydroplane II from Britain. This British mare and Bull Lea got together, resulting in a magnificent bay colt, christened Citation. Mr. Wright’s luck in the world of horse racing was quite something.
Just three years after his birth, in 1948, Citation achieved what every horse dreams of: the Triple Crown. He was the shining star among Mr. Wright’s champions, stealing the spotlight.
Citation wasn’t just any horse; he was the first to pocket a million dollars in winnings and did it swiftly. His reputation? Impeccable. So much so that during one Stakes race, he found himself alone on the track, not because it was an unpopular event, but because Citation’s dominance in the racing world was so absolute that no one dared to challenge him.
That’s a wrap for our list of the best racing horses ever. There are more great and majestic horses throughout history; for our list, we just picked the ones that really stood out.
