Despite being one of the oldest sports in human history — with some estimating the roots of the sport go back to at least 4,500 BCE — horse racing is still big business today. In fact, in the US alone, the horse racing industry is estimated to have around $3.68bn in direct economic impact in 2022.
Horse racing events are also still very much big business, which continue to attract millions of eagerly watching eyes each week across the country. People from all parts of the country gather to watch races both online and in-person, hoping that one of the many cash or free bets they have placed will pay off.
The 2021 edition of the Kentucky Derby, for example, is estimated to have drawn in around 15.7 million viewers at its peak. While this is still only one race of the thousands that are run around the world throughout the year, it still gives us a sense of how important and popular horse racing remains.
Although what often captivates us most during these famous races is the skill, grit and determination of the jockeys as they hurtle round the track at break-neck speeds, an equally compelling aspect is the horses themselves.
While many of the horses that have captivated the world’s attention throughout human history have long been forgotten, in the more modern history of the sport there are a handful that have been elevated to the highest levels of the sport.
In this short article, we will discuss some of the most famous racehorses throughout history.

CASH IN BIG AT THE BREEDERS' CUP!
Did you know active subscribers receive our Betting Bibles absolutely FREE? Subscribe today and be the first to receive our upcoming MONSTER 2024 Breeders’ Cup Betting Bible!
Secretariat
Of the few racehorses that have had their lives turned into major motion pictures, Secretariat is arguably one of the highest achieving.
During his esteemed career, Secretariat achieved a string of the highest accolades in the sport. This includes winning American Horse of the Year on two occasions in 1972 and 1973, as well as the American Triple Crown in 1972.
Perhaps most notably, Secretariat became the first American Triple Crown winner in 25 years when he won it in 1972, doing so in dominant fashion with a lead of 31 lengths. Secretariat set the fastest time record in all three races.
Despite winning a long list of accolades in his career, it is this 1972 victory that has led many in the industry to view him as the greatest racehorse of all time.
Tournament Challenge Championship Series
Compete against the Dudes for HUGE cash prizes and a chance to be crowned the 2022 Racing Dudes Tournament Challenge Champion! LAST CHANCE TO QUALIFY & WIN CASH!
Seabiscuit
Much like Secretariat, Seabiscuit is one of the few racehorses to have been immortalized on the silver screen.
In the 1930s, Seabiscuit won more money than any other horse on the racing circuit. In addition, Seabiscuit also took part in some of the most famous horse races in history, which includes the so-called “match of the century” where he took on the 1937 American Triple Crown winner War Admiral.
However, it isn’t just his success in races that helped Seabiscuit to gain such notoriety, it is his entire story.
Seabiscuit’s jockey was known for having one eye, with Seabiscuit himself also suffering from various ailments during his career.
This ability to persevere and win in the face of adversity has turned the Seabiscuit story into the stuff of legends. For this reason, Seabiscuit’s story has spawned three major movies and a bestselling book.
Man o’ War
While his name might not be that well known by the average bettor today, for many decades, Man o’ War was one of the most recognizable names in horseracing.
Born all the way back in 1917, Man o’ War was an American thoroughbred racehorse regarded by many as the greatest racehorse of all time.
During his racing career, Man o’ War racked up a staggering $250,000 in career winnings, which is equivalent to around $3.5m today.
Some of his career accolades include winning the 1920 American Horse of the Year, as well as being honored along with Babe Ruth as an outstanding athlete by The New York Times in the same year.
Man o’ War was the odds-on favorite in every start of his professional career and suffered only one defeat to 20 victories. He was known for being an incredibly dominant racer, often winning by more than 20 lengths. His career included securing a Triple Crown win in 1920, as well as a string of other prestigious races.
Man o’ War’s legacy lived on beyond his retirement, and he would eventually go on to become the grandsire to Seabiscuit, as well as horses such as In Reality, Tiznow, Da’ Tara and Tourist.
- 2025 Bowling Green & Diana Picks + Haskell & Jim Dandy Previews | Blinkers Off 734The Racing Dudes preview and give picks for the Grade 2 Bowling Green Stakes and Grade 1 Diana Stakes, both key turf events at Saratoga this weekend. Then, the Dudes… Read more: 2025 Bowling Green & Diana Picks + Haskell & Jim Dandy Previews | Blinkers Off 734
- Diana Stakes 2025 Picks and Preview | She Feels Pretty Aims to Extend Winning StreakAaron previews the 2025 Diana Stakes at Saratoga, a key Saturday contest on what should be a great weekend of racing. He also shares his top pick to win this… Read more: Diana Stakes 2025 Picks and Preview | She Feels Pretty Aims to Extend Winning Streak
- Bowling Green Stakes 2025 Picks and Preview | Far Bridge Stands OutAaron previews the 2025 Bowling Green Stakes at Saratoga, a key Saturday contest on what should be a great weekend of racing. He also shares his top pick to win… Read more: Bowling Green Stakes 2025 Picks and Preview | Far Bridge Stands Out
- Handicappers, Get Ready: 2025 Saratoga Summer Meet Kicks Off July 10The 2025 Saratoga Summer Meet—arguably the most anticipated season in North American horse racing—returns Thursday, July 10 and runs through Labor Day, September 1. For horseplayers, this 40-day stretch offers… Read more: Handicappers, Get Ready: 2025 Saratoga Summer Meet Kicks Off July 10
- Weekend Recap | Saratoga Shines Bright During Major Week of Holiday RacingAaron recaps the previous week of horse racing and looks forward to what might happen next for all the strong finishers of each race. This week, Saratoga highlighted a tremendous… Read more: Weekend Recap | Saratoga Shines Bright During Major Week of Holiday Racing
- The Changing Landscape of College Athletics | Dudes Who Bet Sports 246Aaron and Papa Dude give their thoughts on the ever changing landscape of college athletics. Is it better or worse for the fans? What does the future hold? Will we… Read more: The Changing Landscape of College Athletics | Dudes Who Bet Sports 246