Latest news with #WarAdmiral
Time Magazine
15-05-2025
- Sport
- Time Magazine
The Top 10 Racehorses of All Time According to AI
This article is published by a partner of TIME. Horse racing has captivated audiences for centuries with its thrilling combination of speed, strategy, and skill. The beauty of a racehorse in full stride, the intensity of the competition, and the stories behind the legends make horse racing one of the most enduring sports in history. Over the years, some racehorses have risen above the rest, carving their names into history with their extraordinary performances and undeniable charisma. What makes a racehorse truly great? It's not just about wins but also about the way they raced, the records they set, and the impact they left on the sport. From dominating performances at the Triple Crown races to breaking records that seemed untouchable, these horses earned their place in the pantheon of legends. Each one brought something unique, inspiring generations of fans and horsemen alike. This article celebrates the top 10 racehorses of all time with research assistance from ChatGPT, highlighting their achievements, iconic races, and the people who believed in their greatness. These stories remind us why horse racing remains such a beloved sport, rich with history and unforgettable moments. 1. Secretariat Secretariat is universally recognized as the greatest racehorse of all time. His breathtaking performance in the 1973 Belmont Stakes, where he won by an astonishing 31 lengths, solidified his status as a legend. Known for his unmatched speed and power, Secretariat broke records in all three Triple Crown races that still stand today. Owner: Meadow Stable (Penny Chenery Tweedy) Trainer: Lucien Laurin Jockey: Ron Turcotte Major Wins: 1973 Triple Crown (Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes, Belmont Stakes) Notable Records: Fastest times in all three Triple Crown races, including 2:24 at the Belmont Stakes. Legacy: Inducted into the Racing Hall of Fame in 1974; widely regarded as the benchmark for greatness in horse racing. 2. Man o' War Man o' War dominated the racing world in the early 20th century, losing only one of his 21 starts. His incredible stride and power made him virtually unbeatable, and his influence on breeding is still felt today. Known as 'Big Red,' his victories often came by such large margins that he redefined what dominance meant in horse racing. Owner: Samuel D. Riddle Trainer: Louis Feustel Jockey: Clarence Kummer Major Wins: Preakness Stakes (1920), Belmont Stakes (1920), Travers Stakes (1920) Notable Records: Won by 100 lengths in one race; carried heavy weights and still won easily. Legacy: Sire of champions, including Triple Crown winner War Admiral. 3. Seabiscuit Seabiscuit was the ultimate underdog, rising from obscurity to become a symbol of hope during the Great Depression. His most famous victory came in 1938 when he defeated the heavily favored War Admiral in a one-on-one match race. Small in stature but big in heart, Seabiscuit's story inspired books, movies, and millions of fans. Owner: Charles Howard Trainer: Tom Smith Jockey: Red Pollard Major Wins: Match Race vs. War Admiral (1938), Santa Anita Handicap (1940) Notable Records: Named 1938 Horse of the Year. Legacy: Immortalized in Laura Hillenbrand's bestselling biography and a feature film. 4. Frankel Frankel, an undefeated British Thoroughbred, is often regarded as the greatest flat-racing horse in Europe. His explosive acceleration and consistency earned him 14 wins in 14 starts, including iconic performances at the 2,000 Guineas and Queen Anne Stakes. Timeform rated him as the best racehorse of all time, with a near-perfect score. Owner: Prince Khalid Abdullah Trainer: Sir Henry Cecil Jockey: Tom Queally Major Wins: 2,000 Guineas (2011), Queen Anne Stakes (2012), Champion Stakes (2012) Notable Records: Undefeated with 14 wins in 14 starts. Legacy: Retired to stud as one of the most sought-after sires in the world. 5. Citation Citation was the first horse to earn $1 million in prize money and won the 1948 Triple Crown. Known for his versatility and endurance, he dominated his era with 16 consecutive victories. Even after a career-threatening injury, Citation returned to racing and added to his impressive record. Owner: Calumet Farm Trainer: Ben A. Jones Jockey: Eddie Arcaro Major Wins: 1948 Triple Crown (Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes, Belmont Stakes) Notable Records: First horse to earn $1 million in winnings. Legacy: Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1959; symbol of consistency and class. 6. Zenyatta Zenyatta is one of the greatest female racehorses in history, known for her heart-stopping come-from-behind finishes. She won 19 of her 20 races, including the Breeders' Cup Classic against a field of male champions. Her charisma and dominance made her a fan favorite, redefining what a mare could achieve in modern racing. Owner: Jerry and Ann Moss Trainer: John Shirreffs Jockey: Mike Smith Major Wins: Breeders' Cup Classic (2009), Apple Blossom Handicap (2008, 2010) Notable Records: Undefeated in 19 consecutive races. Legacy: Elevated female racehorses to new heights in a male-dominated sport. 7. American Pharoah In 2015, American Pharoah ended a 37-year Triple Crown drought with his dominant sweep of the Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes, and Belmont Stakes. He went on to win the Breeders' Cup Classic, becoming the first horse to achieve the "Grand Slam" of racing. His combination of speed, stamina, and temperament made him a once-in-a-lifetime champion. 8. Kelso Kelso was a five-time Horse of the Year, an unmatched achievement in racing history. Known for his endurance and versatility, he excelled over a variety of distances and carried high weights in handicaps. Kelso's consistency over eight seasons made him one of the sport's most admired champions. Owner: Bohemia Stable Trainer: Carl Hanford Jockey: Eddie Arcaro, Ismael Valenzuela, among others Major Wins: Jockey Club Gold Cup (5 times), Woodward Stakes (3 times) Notable Records: Career earnings of over $1.9 million. Legacy: Symbol of durability and excellence in racing. 9. Phar Lap Phar Lap became a national hero in Australia during the Great Depression, winning races with incredible dominance. Known for his massive size and gentle demeanor, Phar Lap's career was tragically cut short when he died under mysterious circumstances. His legend continues to captivate fans worldwide. Owner: David J. Davis Trainer: Harry Telford Jockey: Jim Pike Major Wins: Melbourne Cup (1930), Cox Plate (1930, 1931) Notable Records: Won 37 of 51 starts. Legacy: Australia's most beloved racehorse, honored in museums and films. 10. Ruffian Ruffian was a dominant filly who captured hearts with her stunning speed and determination. She was undefeated in her first 10 races before her tragic breakdown during a match race against Foolish Pleasure. Ruffian's legacy remains as a reminder of both the beauty and fragility of horse racing. Conclusion on Top 10 Racehorses These 10 racehorses each brought something extraordinary to the sport, whether through record-breaking performances, emotional stories, or unprecedented dominance. They inspired generations of fans and demonstrated the incredible potential of human and equine partnerships. Horse racing's history is richer because of these legends, whose legacies continue to influence the sport today. From Secretariat's breathtaking Belmont victory to Ruffian's unforgettable brilliance, these athletic champions embody the heart and soul of horse racing. Related Articles: About the Authors: Richard D. Harroch is a Senior Advisor to CEOs, management teams, and Boards of Directors. He is an expert on M&A, venture capital, startups, and business contracts. He was the Managing Director and Global Head of M&A at VantagePoint Capital Partners, a venture capital fund in the San Francisco area. His focus is on internet, digital media, AI and technology companies. He was the founder of several Internet companies. His articles have appeared online in Forbes, Fortune, MSN, Yahoo, Fox Business and Richard is the author of several books on startups and entrepreneurship as well as the co-author of Poker for Dummies and a Wall Street Journal-bestselling book on small business. He is the co-author of a 1,500-page book published by Bloomberg on mergers and acquisitions of privately held companies. He was also a corporate and M&A partner at the international law firm of Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe. He has been involved in over 200 M&A transactions and 250 startup financings. He can be reached through LinkedIn. Dominique Harroch is the Chief of Staff at She has acted as a Chief of Staff or Operations Leader for multiple companies where she leveraged her extensive experience in operations management, strategic planning, and team leadership to drive organizational success. With a background that spans over two decades in operations leadership, event planning at her own start-up and marketing at various financial and retail companies. Dominique is known for her ability to optimize processes, manage complex projects and lead high-performing teams. She holds a BA in English and Psychology from U.C. Berkeley and an MBA from the University of San Francisco. She can be reached via LinkedIn.
National Geographic
29-04-2025
- Sport
- National Geographic
Why America's greatest racehorse still dominates the track today
Lexington, the most legendary thoroughbred of the 19th century, left a genetic legacy throughout the Kentucky Derby. Here's how his DNA still shapes modern horse racing. Lexington was the most celebrated steed of the antebellum South. His prowess sprang from an unlikely partnership between a white doctor and a Black horseman. Image By Artokoloro / Alamy Stock Photo 'Best Time ever Made' declared the headline in the Louisville Daily Courier on April 4, 1855. Two days earlier, at a racecourse in New Orleans, a champion thoroughbred named Lexington had run four miles in seven minutes, 19 and three-quarter seconds, smashing the previous record by more than six seconds. Lexington's blazing speed record would stand unmatched for 20 years. But a severe infection had left the stallion blind in one eye and nearly so in the other. No longer able to race, he was sent to a stud farm, where he earned even greater renown. One of the few known photographs of Lexington, this stereoscopic image was included in a series titled Gems of Kentucky Scenery. Photograph via James Mullen, Gift of Weston J. and Mary M. Naef/ Getty Museum 'Lexington sired a powerful lineage filled with champions today,' says Kim Wickens, author of a forthcoming book on the legendary racehorse. 'He was the most dominant horse of his day and passed those genes down to a phenomenal line of winners, including War Admiral, Citation, Secretariat, Affirmed, and Justify.' Twelve of 13 winners of the coveted Triple Crown, a trifecta of races consisting of the Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes, and Belmont Stakes, are descend from Lexington. Lexington's greatness traces back to a partnership that was highly unusual in the antebellum South. His first owner, Elisha Warfield, was a prominent Kentucky obstetrician who delivered thousands of babies, including future First Lady Mary Todd Lincoln. In 1821, he opened a stud farm and became so devoted to breeding, training, and racing thoroughbreds that today he's remembered as the 'father of the Kentucky turf.' Lexington was born on Warfield's farm in 1850. Originally named Darley after an illustrious Arabian stallion, he was big and strong like his father—another legendary thoroughbred who won 40 of 45 races—but he needed the guiding hand of a trusted track sage. Harry Lewis, in top hat and tailcoat, prepares to saddle the champion racehorse Richard Singleton in this portrait by famed equine painter Edward Troye. Image via Edward Troye, Paul Mellon Collection, Virginia Museum of Fine art Enter Harry Lewis, an African American born into slavery who grew up to become a highly esteemed horse trainer. A painting from 1835 shows an impeccably dressed Lewis standing beside an impeccably groomed thoroughbred. 'If they were good, Black trainers and jockeys enjoyed a certain amount of liberty in the South,' Wickens says. 'They moved about more freely because of their horsemanship skills. Still, they were treated about the same as the horses.' But Lewis was a horseman of exceptional talent, and by 1850 he had earned his freedom. Known to turfmen across Kentucky as Old Harry, he was just the man Warfield needed to turn his promising young colt into a champion racer. (Why the Kentucky Derby is a celebration of hats.) 'Warfield wouldn't have turned over his prized thoroughbred to just anybody,' Wickens says. 'He would have been familiar with Lewis' reputation, who had trained the champion racehorse Richard Singleton, as well as other winners.' By 1853 the aging Warfield was in failing health, and his wife insisted that he ease back on running the horse farm. So he agreed to lease Darley's racing rights to Lewis, who set to work training the young stallion. Racehorses speed toward the finish line in this vintage print by Currier and Ives. Horse racing was one of 19th-century America's most popular sports. Illustration via GraphicaArtis / Bridgeman Images In those days thoroughbred racing was a grueling endurance sport. Whereas today horses may sprint a mile, back then they might run four—and they had to win two races to earn the title of champion. It was not uncommon for a steed to run eight to 12 miles in a single afternoon of exhausting competition. While Lewis put Darley through his paces, Warfield offered advice from afar. His wife had issued strict orders that he abstain from the daily rigors of horse rearing, but he still found a way to stay involved. 'He'd sneak upstairs to the attic of his home with binoculars so he could watch Darley being trained and raced at the track next to his farm,' Wickens says. For two men of opposite races to work together in the then slave state of Kentucky surely raised eyebrows. The unusual pairing occurred at a time when tensions were high as the nation edged closer to Civil War. What made their partnership possible? 'We don't know the exact nature of their relationship,' Wickens says, 'but I'm betting it was one of mutual respect.' Their combined efforts paid off for both men. Darley won his first set of races with such distinction that Richard Ten Broeck, a New Orleans racetrack owner, told Warfield to name his price. They settled on $5,000—equivalent to nearly $200,000 today. But the event included a second set of races four days later. When Darley again finished first, a dispute arose over who was entitled to the purse, Ten Broeck or Lewis. In a landmark decision, the racing authority ruled in Lewis' favor. He collected $2,150, almost $85,000 today. Ten Broeck took Darley to New Orleans and, in keeping with the custom of the day, renamed his new horse Lexington, in honor of his hometown. The powerful thoroughbred went on to win four of his next five contests—many of them arduous four-mile events—before faltering eyesight cut short his racing career. Retired to a stud farm, he sired more than 230 horses who won nearly 1,200 races. When Lexington died in 1875, the celebrity stallion was given a lavish funeral and buried in a custom-built coffin. His massive skeleton was later exhumed and today is reverently displayed at the International Museum of the Horse in Lexington's namesake town. Will there be a Triple Crown winner this year? If so, odds are the triumphant racehorse will be related to a famous forebear made great by Lewis and Warfield's unusual partnership.
