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The popularity of horse racing worldwide cannot be understated. From Louisville’s Kentucky Derby in the States to Australia’s Melbourne Cup; from the Dubai Cup in the UAE to the French Prix de L’Arc de Triomphe in glamorous Paris, horse racing is well loved in all corners of the globe but nowhere is it more so than in Britain.
There are 60 racecourses in the UK from Perth in Scotland to Ulster in Northern Ireland to Devon in the south and they each attract droves of enthusiasts throughout the racing season. Approximately 6 million people attend the races each year making it the country’s second most popular sport behind football. Unlike football, however, horse racing crowds are made up of 40% female attendees.
Organised horse racing dates back to the reign of Queen Anne where the first meet at Newmarket took place in 1702, but the sport today has been modernised and updated. The sport was and is still very well-known for its connection with sports betting. For years, punters in the UK have been placing bets on horses at horse racing meets and now can also do so on their smartphone device. Major bookies and new sports betting operators now offer a range of horse racing bets and odds online for Britons to bet at their own convenience contributing to the popularity of this sport.
Every once in a while, there are horses that set the racing community ablaze – names that go down in history as greats of the sport and become household names even away from the track. We take a look through some of history’s greatest racehorses.
Secretariat
Foaled: USA 1970
Stallion
Immortalised for a new generation in the 2010 movie of the same name, the horse also known as Big Red was the ninth winner of the prestigious Triple Crown in 1973 becoming the first to achieve the feat in 25 years. In doing so, the 16.2 hands high stallion set the fastest time record for all three races, which to this day remain unbeaten.
Secretariat’s performance in the Belmont Stakes is considered the finest in all of American racing history, winning by 31 lengths. The chestnut champion thoroughbred won Horse of the Year honours at ages 2 and 3 and was inducted into the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame in 1974.
Black Caviar
Foaled: Australia 2006
Mare
There are few horses that retire with an undefeated record and fewer still that claim double digit wins to their name. Black Caviar is one of those horses and retired with an illustrious 25 wins and no losses including 15 Group One victories – an Australian record.
The dark bay thoroughbred from Victoria, Australia was ridden in all but three races by jockey Luke Nolen. Throughout her career she was named Australian Racehorse of the Year, three times and even earned the title of European Champion Sprinter at the Cartier Racing Awards – becoming the first non-European horse to achieve this. Black Caviar was retired on 17 April 2013.
Kincsem
Foaled: Hungary (formerly Austria-Hungary) 1874
Filly
If Black Caviar’s run seems impressive, Kincsem or “My Treasure” in Hungarian holds a record that will surely never be beaten. The Hungarian champion romped home in 54 separate races across four seasons without ever failing to win.
Kincsem won at meets across Europe against male and female competition alike and has since become a national icon in her homeland, a park and statue are erected in Budapest in honour. Her titles include the Goodwood Cup in England and the Grand Prix de Deauville in France. Descendants of the champion include English classic winners Polygamy and Camelot.
Red Rum
Foaled: Ireland 1965
Gelding
Between 1973 and 1977, the formidable steeplechaser Red Rum won a historic three Grand Nationals – an achievement yet to be repeated – and placed second in the two intervening years. Renowned for his jumping ability – never falling in 100 races – Red Rum won the hearts of the British and Irish public (and beyond) during a time of economic hardship and austerity.
His name came from a portmanteau of his parents' names – the sire Quorum and the dam Mared – and he was originally trained as a sprinter, intended to specialise over one-mile races. His 1973 Grand National win, in which he came back from 30 lengths behind is often considered one of the most courageous wins in the race’s history. Red Rum is buried at Aintree where a statue of the horse also stands.
Man o' War
Foaled: USA 1917
Stallion
Widely regarded as one of the greatest racehorses of all time, the war era stallion from Kentucky, USA won 20 of his 21 races. Throughout his career he amassed prize winnings of $250,000 USD roughly the equivalent of $3.5 million USD today.
The original Big Red, Man o’ War has many striking similarities to Secretariat, not least his speed on the turf. He set seven track records for speed at various distances and won the Preakness Stakes and the Belmont Stakes.
His owner, however, refused to enter him into the Kentucky Derby – believing a distance of 10 furlongs was too far for a horse of his age. This would deny him the chance of achieving what has now become known as the American Triple Crown.
Racing has remained a sport that captures the hearts and minds of people the world over. Having stood the test of time for as long as it has, it’s clear, especially as a betting sport, horse racing and other horse events will continue to be adored for many years to come.
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