Horse racing has not only been a sport, but a reflection of the passion, genetic excellence and competitive spirit of the human being. Over the centuries, some extraordinary specimens have transcended the track to become authentic legends, symbols of an era and obligatory references when talking about the great horses of history.

These animals didn’t just win races; They changed the way of training, breeding and understanding the potential of the thoroughbred horse.

Behind each of these champion horses are stories of vision, patience and strategic decisions made by breeders, trainers and riders who knew how to recognize a unique talent. From muddy tracks in the middle of the Great Depression to modern racetracks with state-of-the-art technology, these horses proved that greatness does not understand context, only character.

On this tour of the legends of turf, you’ll discover the secrets of the success of some of the most influential horses of all time, how they marked a before and after in racing, and why their legacy lives on today. We begin this journey with three names that defined generations.

Secretariat, the great of the horses of history (1970–1989)

Secretariat is, for many experts and fans, the greatest racehorse of all time.

When it comes to the horses of history, Secretariat is a central figure . Born in 1970 in the United States, this imposing chestnut revolutionized turf with an almost perfect combination of power, endurance and extraordinary lung capacity, scientifically proven after his death.

His greatest feat came in 1973 when he won the American Triple Crown (Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes and Belmont Stakes), something that had not been achieved for 25 years. The most shocking thing was not only winning, but how he did it. In the Belmont Stakes he won by 31 lengths, setting a time record that remains unbeaten. That race is considered one of the greatest demonstrations of athletic dominance in the history of sport.

Secretariat also stood out for its intelligence and competitive nature. His final smashes, especially in the Kentucky Derby, where he ran every quarter mile faster than the previous one, broke paradigms about the management of effort in the race. His influence didn’t end on the track: as a stallion, he left a deep imprint on the genetics of the modern thoroughbred.

Beyond the numbers, Secretariat became a cultural icon. Covers of magazines, films and books cemented their legendary status. His legacy remains a must-see for breeders, trainers and turf lovers around the world.

Man o’ War (1917–1947)

Man o’ War was the horse that dominated the American tracks at the beginning of the twentieth century and one of the most influential horses in history of all time. Born in 1917, this powerful specimen won 20 of the 21 races it contested, an impressive figure considering the demanding conditions of the time.

His only loss was due more to human error than a lack of talent, reinforcing the idea that his potential was virtually unbeatable. Man o’ War not only won but did so with wide margins and an evident superiority over their rivals, even forcing them to modify weights and conditions to balance the competitions.

This horse stood out for its imposing physique, long stride and fierce determination. In an era where the science of training was limited, his natural ability marked a before and after in the perception of the thoroughbred as an elite athlete. His fame transcended sports, becoming a symbol of national excellence in the United States.

As a breeder, Man o’ War left a fundamental genetic heritage. His son War Admiral also won the Triple Crown, cementing a historic dynasty. Decades later, his name still appears in the lineages of modern champions, confirming his lasting impact on the racing world.

Seabiscuit (1933–1947)

Seabiscuit represents one of the most inspiring stories among horses in history, not so much because of its privileged origin, but because of its ability to exceed expectations. Born in 1933, during the Great Depression, this small and seemingly unpromising horse became the symbol of hope for an entire nation.

At the beginning of his career he was underestimated and overdemanded, accumulating defeats that seemed to condemn him to anonymity. However, everything changed when he found the right team: a patient trainer, an empathetic rider, and an owner who believed in his potential. From that moment on, Seabiscuit began a historic comeback.

Their confrontation and victory against War Admiral in 1938 is one of the most remembered duels in world turf. That race was not only a sports competition, but a social event that paralyzed the United States. Seabiscuit embodied the idea that effort, perseverance and confidence can change any destiny.

Beyond his triumphs, his legacy is deeply cultural. Books, films and documentaries have told his story over and over again, making him an eternal myth. Seabiscuit proved that greatness is not always born of favoritism, but of resilience.

Citation (1945–1970)

Citation occupies a privileged place among the horses of history for its versatility, consistency and adaptability. Born in 1945 in the United States, he was the first horse in history to win more than a million dollars in prizes, a revolutionary figure for his time.

In 1948, Citation won the American Triple Crown, excelling not only in classic races, but also in subsequent competitions against older horses, which is unusual for Triple Crown winners. His ability to perform at his best over different distances and conditions made him an exceptional competitor.

Trained by Ben Jones and ridden by Eddie Arcaro, Citation represented the excellence of teamwork. His sleek, efficient and tactically intelligent racing style allowed him to dominate in both speed and distance, adapting to every challenge with surprising ease.

As a stallion, Citation also left an important mark, providing quality and genetic solidity. His legacy is that of a complete horse, capable of shining on any stage, and an example of competitive longevity that continues to inspire breeders and trainers.

Northern Dancer (1961–1990)

Northern Dancer is, without a doubt, one of the most genetically influential horses in history. Born in Canada in 1961, he broke prejudices from the beginning, as his relatively small stature raised doubts about his competitive ability.

Those doubts were quickly dispelled when he won the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes in 1964, setting time records. Although he did not achieve the Triple Crown, his impact was immediate and profound. Northern Dancer showed that genetic quality and biomechanical efficiency could overcome any apparent physical limitations.

His true greatness was consolidated after his retirement. As a stallion, Northern Dancer revolutionized the breeding industry, becoming the father and grandfather of countless champions in Europe, the United States, and Asia. Their descendants dominated the great classics for decades.

Today, his lineage is ubiquitous in modern pedigrees, and his influence continues to define the standard of high-performance thoroughbreds. Northern Dancer didn’t just win races; forever changed the way elite horses were bred.

Phar Lap (1926–1932)

Phar Lap is one of the most iconic horses in history in the Southern Hemisphere and a true national symbol of Australia. Born in New Zealand in 1926, this imposing sorrel was acquired at a low cost due to his gangly and unpromising appearance in his youth. However, with the right training and a progressive adaptation to high performance, Phar Lap became a living legend of turf.

During his career, Phar Lap won 37 of 51 races, including the prestigious 1930 Melbourne Cup with a crushing lead. His ability to carry heavy weights and still win with authority made him an almost invincible phenomenon. In the midst of the Great Depression, his triumphs offered hope and pride to a country hit by the economic crisis.

Phar Lap was also surrounded by controversy. It was the victim of sabotage attempts and threats, which forced extreme security measures to protect it. His mysterious death in 1932 in the United States, presumably by poisoning, added a tragic aura to his story.

Today, Phar Lap is remembered not only for his sporting exploits, but for his cultural impact. His heart, of exceptional size, is displayed as a symbol of his physical and emotional strength. He represents overcoming against all odds and occupies an eternal place among the great horses of history.

Red Rum (1965–1995)

Red Rum is one of the UK’s most beloved horses in history and an absolute legend of obstacle racing. Born in 1965, this gelding defied all expectations by becoming the only horse to win the Aintree Grand National on three occasions: 1973, 1974 and 1977.

Their story is even more extraordinary when you consider that Red Rum suffered from chronic hoof problems that, in theory, should have ended their career early. Thanks to careful handling, adapted training and a special connection with his rider, he managed not only to compete, but to dominate one of the most demanding events in the world.

The Grand National, with its towering hurdles and extreme course, demands bravery, endurance and exceptional intelligence. Red Rum demonstrated all these qualities, earning the marks of “people’s horse” for their perseverance and indomitable spirit.

Beyond the numbers, Red Rum represents perseverance and the ability to overcome physical limitations. His legacy transcends the tracks, making him a British cultural icon and an inspiring example in the history of world turf.

Arkle (1957–1986)

Arkle stands for absolute domination in the world of obstacle racing and occupies a privileged place among horses in history. Born in Ireland in 1957, this powerful chestnut horse redefined the standard of excellence in steeplechase testing during the 1960s.

Winner of three consecutive Cheltenham Gold Cups (1964, 1965 and 1966), Arkle competed carrying extremely high weights and still won with authority. His superiority was such that he forced the handicap system to be modified, as no opponent could match his performance.

The relationship between Arkle and his rider Pat Taaffe was key to his success. Both formed an almost perfect pairing, based on mutual trust, reading the race pace and impeccable technical execution in the jumps.

Arkle didn’t just win races; established an era. His name is used today as a reference of greatness, and his rating remains one of the highest ever recorded. In Ireland, Arkle is a symbol of national pride and an eternal benchmark for obstacle turf.

American Pharoah, one of the horses of recent history (2012–2021)

American Pharoah is one of the most important horses in history of the 21st century, recognized for having achieved an unprecedented feat: conquering the American Triple Crown and the Breeders’ Cup Classic in the same year, in 2015, which is known as the “Grand Slam” of turf.

Born in 2012 and trained by Bob Baffert, American Pharoah stood out for his fluid style, sustained speed, and surprising ability to lead from start to finish. Unlike other champions who rely on a late finish, he set the pace and wore down his opponents without showing signs of fatigue.

His victory in the Belmont Stakes, breaking a 37-year drought without a Triple Crown, marked a before and after in American careers. His triumph at the Breeders’ Cup Classic subsequently sealed his legendary status.

As a stallion, American Pharoah continues to influence modern turf, transmitting speed, endurance and competitive mentality. His legacy represents the evolution of the modern racehorse and his impact is already being felt by new generations.

The Timeless Legacy of History’s Horses That Changed Turf

The great horses of history are not only those that accumulated victories or broke records. They are, above all, exceptional animals that transformed the way we understand horse racing, left their mark on generations of fans and elevated turf to an unprecedented cultural, sporting and emotional expression.

When analyzing the trajectories of legends such as Secretariat, Man o’ War, Seabiscuit, Frankel, Eclipse, Citation, Northern Dancer, Phar Lap, Red Rum, Arkle and American Pharoah, common elements emerge that explain their greatness. The first is carefully selected genetics, the product of visionary breeders who understood the importance of lineage, physical conformation and temperament. The second key factor is intelligent training, adapted to the unique characteristics of each horse, respecting their times, strengths and limits.

Another fundamental aspect is the relationship between the horse and its human environment. Riders, trainers and caretakers played a decisive role, creating bonds based on trust, discipline and mutual respect. Many of these horses achieved greatness not only because of their natural talent, but because they were properly understood and guided.

Horses of history, their legacy beyond the sporting field

Beyond the sporting field, these horses influenced popular culture, inspired books, films and documentaries, and became symbols of hope, resilience and overcoming. In times of economic crisis, wars or social changes, his triumphs offered comfort and pride to millions of people.

For breeders and turf lovers, these legends leave a clear lesson: lasting success is not the result of chance. It is the result of vision, patience, passion and respect for the horse as an athlete and living being. The great horses of history not only won races; they wrote indelible chapters in the collective memory of sport.

His legacy lives on in every track, in every promising foal and in every amateur who dreams of witnessing the birth of a new turf legend.