The Most Memorable Moments in Horse Racing History

Like any other sports event, horseracing is filled with surprising and unforgettable moments that racegoers will treasure forever. Many nations love equestrian sports. That’s why many horseracing events are broadcasted around the world.

Racing fans probably know some unforgettable moments in the most popular races. They are well documented, given that most of these events are promoted worldwide.

These moments have made the headlines and become the talk of the town for weeks. Let’s all relive these beats in horseracing history and discover how they become one of the most special recollections a racing fan could ever have.

Secretariat’s Incredible Speed

Secretariat is considered one of the greatest horses of all time. He was regarded as the second most outstanding horse next to Man-O-War. He was the record holder for speed in the Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes, and Belmont Stakes.

The chestnut colt finished the Kentucky Derby in 1 min, 59 sec.; the Preakness Stakes in 1 min, and 53 sec.; and the Belmont Stakes in 2 min, 24 sec. His records in all three races still stand today.

Secretariat was inducted into the U.S. Racing Hall of Fame in 1974, the Kentucky Athletic Hall of Fame in 2007, and the Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame in 2013.

American Pharoah’s Triple Crown Win

There was a 37-year drought of the Triple Crown Series until American Pharoah won the title in 2015. Bob Baffert trained the bay colt. He has been racing for Ahmed Zayat, CEO of Zayat Stables, LLC.

Pioneer of the Nile sired American Pharoah out of Littleprincessemma.

In the 2015 Kentucky Derby, the colt was a 2.9–1 favorite in the field of 18. His name was all over online horse racing betting forums.

He finished the Run for the Roses with an official time of 2:03.02. He went to conquer the Preakness Stakes, completing the race in 1:58.45 winning time. He also triumphed in the final leg of the Triple Crown, the Belmont Stakes, with a winning time of 2:26.65.

With such accomplishments, American Pharoah became the first thoroughbred to win the Grand Slam of Thoroughbred racing. Moreover, he was inducted into the American Racing Hall of Fame in 2021.

Shergar and the Telescope

BBC radio commentator Peter Bromley said on the mic, “Shergar wins the Derby, and you need a telescope to see the rest.”

These words immortalized the iconic 10-length Epsom Derby win of Shergar in 1981. The Irish-bred iconic colt completed the 1+1⁄2 mile Epsom Downs Racecourse by ten lengths. This is the biggest winning margin recorded in the race.

Donerail’s Longshot Win at Kentucky Derby

With 91-1 odds in a field of eight, Donerail is the biggest longshot to have won the Kentucky Derby. His jockey, Roscoe Goose, became a popular rider who mentored some of the best-performing jockeys like Charlie Kurtsinger and Eddie Arcaro.

His winning time in the 1913 Run for the Roses is 2.04.80. He continued racing until 1916 and later retired at the Glen-Helen Farm.

Red Rum Defeating Crisp

The 1973 Grand National win of Red Rum against Crisp is one of the most unforgettable bits in horseracing history.

Crisp was set to dominate the race, leading the pack in most parts of the race. However, just when the race ended, Red Rum stormed past Crisp ahead and won the race.

He triumphed in the 1973 Grand National with three-quarters of a length. The race’s outcome shocked everyone, marking it as one of the most epic races in history.

Arcangue’s Breeders’ Cup Win

Arcangue was sent in the Breeders’ Cup with 133–1 odds. Obviously, he was a big long shot in the race. The chestnut colt wasn’t expected to win the 1993 Breeders’ Cup Classic, but he became the biggest underdog to prevail in the Cup.

It was his debut in American racing since he’s only been in European grass tracks. In most parts of the race, the chestnut colt was only trailing the other horses, but he sprinted past the frontrunners just when the race was about to end.

Today, Arcangue is popular for beating Bertrando, the heavy favourite in the 1993 Breeders’ Cup Classic.

Mine That Bird’s Longshot Victory at Kentucky Derby

Sent at odds 50-1, Mine That Bird conquered the 2009 Kentucky Derby after finishing the race in 2 minutes and 2.66 seconds.

He was initially eight lengths behind in the early parts of the race. However, Calvin Borel, the bay gelding’s jockey, maneuvered the horse along the backstretch, keeping the horse in the rail.

From there, Mine That Bird ran past Pioneer of the Nile and Musket Man, the leading horses in the race.

Conclusion

Horseracing is usually concluded in a short period. Generally, thoroughbreds can run 71 kph, making horseracing a short-lived sports event. However, it takes months of preparations for horses and jockeys to compete in stakes races.

Within minutes, these races get done, but some of the most unforgettable horse actions are contained within this fleeting moment. The good thing is that they can now be memorialized with digital copies of the events, available for review anytime.