Famous Race Horses

Like any popular sport, horse racing has, over its many years of existence, created heroes for fans to worship. Unlike many other sports though, many of the heroes of horse racing are animals. This does not mean though, that they are not as revered as the famous names of other sports. There are many race horses from around the world that have become household names due to their exploits on the track and these are the horses that we measure all winners against today. Here are just a few of the most famous race horses in the history of the sport.

Seabiscuit

Seabiscuit was an American horse but has become famous all over the world due to his race wins and, of course the film about the horse starring Toby Maguire. He, at just the age of 4, set records in four Handicaps, won another three and received the honour of being named Champion Male Handicap Horse. Seabiscuit also famously defeated another legendary horse, War Admiral in 1938 and finished his career having won 33 of his 89 races.

Red Rum

Red Rum is so revered in Great Britain that he is not only considered one of the best race horses but one of the greatest sporting icons in British history. Red Rum won the Grand National three times, in 1973, 74 and 77 despite having an incurable bone disease on his foot for the majority of his life. A genuine legend.

Desert Orchid

Another legendary British horse, Desert Orchid was renowned for his unflinchingly aggressive style, leading from the front in almost all of his races beginning in the national hunt and then switching to steeplechasing to great effect. In 1986 Desert Orchid won the King George VI Chase by 15 lengths despite the line up being packed full of star horses and this is considered one of, if not the greatest, moment in British racing history.