The Most Successful Horse, Ranked

Voting rules: Choose the horse you think is the most successful!

Updated on May 3, 2024 06:57

In the world of equine sports, the performance and pedigree of a horse can significantly influence both its own legacy and the success of those involved in its training and care. Ranking these majestic creatures helps enthusiasts and professionals alike gauge which horses are making a mark in the field. This insight proves vital for breeders, trainers, and even casual fans who follow the sport closely. By participating in the voting process, you contribute to a dynamic list that reflects current standings and public opinion. This not only feeds into a broader conversation about equine excellence but also ensures that your voice is heard in the community. Engage with us in celebrating and recognizing the achievements of these powerful animals as we compile and regularly update the list based on your input.

What Is the Most Successful Horse?

1

77
votes

Secretariat

Widely regarded as the greatest racehorse of all time, Secretariat won the Triple Crown in 1973 and set records in all three races. He also won several other major races and was named Horse of the Year twice.
2

29
votes

User Handicapper on en.wikipedia · Public domain

Man o' War

Another legendary racehorse, Man o' War won 20 of his 21 career starts and set several records. He was also the grandsire of Triple Crown winner War Admiral.
3

21
votes
Charles Daniel Pratt · Public domain

Phar Lap

Harry Telford

This Australian racehorse won 37 of his 51 career starts and was a national hero during the Great Depression. He also won several major races in the US.
Phar Lap was a famous Australian Thoroughbred racehorse who achieved great success in the 1930s. He was known for his incredible speed and durability, making him one of the most renowned horses in racing history. Despite his untimely death, Phar Lap's legacy continues to live on.

Birthdate: October 4, 1926

Color: Bay

Height: around 16.1 hands (165 cm)

Weight: approximately 1,000 kg (2,200 lb)

Racing career: 66 starts with 37 wins
4

18
votes

Citation

The eighth Triple Crown winner, Citation won 32 of his 45 career starts and was named Horse of the Year twice. He also set several records that stood for decades.
5

18
votes
Pawneese · CC BY-SA 4.0

Seattle Slew

This undefeated Triple Crown winner won 14 of his 17 career starts and was named Horse of the Year in 1977. He also sired several successful racehorses.
Seattle Slew was a highly successful Thoroughbred racehorse who became the tenth horse to win the American Triple Crown. He was widely regarded as one of the greatest racehorses of his time.

Breed: Thoroughbred

Color: Dark bay or brown

Foaled: February 15, 1974

Sex: Stallion

Sire: Bold Reasoning
Seattle Slew in other rankings
- Position 4 of 10 in Most famous Triple Crown winner
6

11
votes
Maryland GovPics · CC BY 2.0

American Pharoah

The most recent Triple Crown winner, American Pharoah won nine of his 11 career starts and was the first horse to win the Grand Slam of Thoroughbred racing. He retired in 2015 and is now a successful sire.
American Pharoah is a legendary Thoroughbred racehorse that became the first horse in 37 years to win the Triple Crown in 2015. Regarded as one of the greatest racehorses of all time, American Pharoah captivated the world with its phenomenal speed, agility, and determination.

Breed: Thoroughbred

Color: Bay

Foaled: February 2, 2012

Sire: Pioneerof the Nile

Dam: Littleprincessemma
American Pharoah in other rankings
- Position 2 of 10 in Most famous Triple Crown winner
7

13
votes
Zenyatta

This mare won 19 of her 20 career starts and was named Horse of the Year in 2010. She was known for her late-closing style and her ability to win from behind.
Zenyatta is a legendary racehorse known for her exceptional talent and record-breaking achievements. She is considered one of the greatest thoroughbreds in modern horse racing history.

Breeding: Zenyatta is a bay mare sired by Street Cry and out of the mare Vertigineux.

Race record: Zenyatta had an astonishing career with 19 wins out of 20 starts, including victories against male horses in prestigious races.

Unbeaten streak: She captured the hearts of racing fans with an amazing 19-race winning streak before narrowly losing her final race.

Triple Crown races: Although she didn't participate in the Kentucky Derby, Preakness, or Belmont Stakes, Zenyatta excelled in other major races.

Breeder's Cup victories: She claimed two consecutive wins in the Breeders' Cup Classic, becoming the first filly or mare to achieve such a feat.
8

8
votes
Frankel

This British racehorse won all 14 of his career starts and was named the best racehorse in the world in 2011, 2012, and 2013. He retired undefeated and is now a successful sire.
Frankel is a racehorse that is widely regarded as one of the most successful in the history of horse racing. He achieved an undefeated record and earned the title of being the highest-rated racehorse in the world during his racing career.

Year of Birth: 2008

Breed: Thoroughbred

Sex: Stallion

Color: Bay

Height: 16.1 hands
9

13
votes
Northern Dancer

Edward Plunket Taylor

This Canadian-bred racehorse won the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness in 1964 and was named Horse of the Year that year. He was also a successful sire, with many of his offspring becoming top racehorses.
Northern Dancer was a highly successful Thoroughbred racehorse. He was foaled on May 27, 1961, in Canada. Known for his small size but exceptional speed and heart, he became one of the most influential sires in the history of horse racing. Northern Dancer's offspring were sought after worldwide for their racing ability and strong pedigrees.

Foaling Date: May 27, 1961

Origin: Canada

Breed: Thoroughbred

Size: Small

Speed: Exceptional
10

7
votes

Seabiscuit

This undersized racehorse became a national sensation during the Great Depression, winning several major races and defeating larger, more powerful horses. He was also the subject of a popular book and movie.

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Ranking factors for successful horse

Race wins

The number of races a horse has won is a crucial factor in determining its success. This includes major races such as the Kentucky Derby, The Preakness Stakes, and The Belmont Stakes.
Prize money earned

The amount of prize money a horse has earned throughout its career is another important factor to consider. This includes both major and minor races, as well as any bonuses or incentives awarded to the horse.
Consistency

A successful horse should have a consistent track record of performance throughout its career. This includes its ability to perform well under various track conditions and distances.
Legacy

A horse's legacy in the sport is also important to consider. This includes any records or milestones it achieved, as well as its impact on the sport of horse racing overall.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most successful horse. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or Horse is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

1544 views
214 votes
10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each Horse once every 24 hours. The rank of each Horse is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

More information on most successful horse

Horses have been a crucial part of human history for centuries, serving as transportation, companions, and even participants in competitive sports. When it comes to the most successful horse, there are a few contenders that come to mind. One of the most well-known is Secretariat, who won the Triple Crown in 1973 and set records that still stand today. Another top-performing horse is Black Caviar, an Australian mare who retired undefeated with 25 wins in 25 races. Other notable horses include American Pharoah, who also won the Triple Crown, and Frankel, a British thoroughbred who won all 14 of his races. With so many accomplished horses throughout history, it's hard to choose just one as the most successful.