Supreme racehorses are precious diamonds. Breeding them, like finding rare minerals, is complex – but once unearthed, to push the analogy, the end result is stunning and lucrative.
You don’t just stumble upon an elite thoroughbred; it’s a painstaking process of strategy, investment and development, and one which combines science, art and tradition to produce fast animals capable of winning races again and again, whether on the flat or over jumps. The origins of thoroughbreds – so-called ‘hot-blooded’ horses that are deeply revered for their personality, agility, and speed – can be traced back to 17th- and 18th-century England, when native mares were crossbred with imported stallions. Once established, they were gradually imported across the world and now number in their millions. Selection of bloodlines is key to finding a champion – breeders hunt for speed, stamina, temperament and all-round good health, while simultaneously tapping into pedigrees of mares and stallions that are genetically compatible and boast proven performance records. Racehorses are analysed with the same attention to detail as a human, if not more: genetic testing is even used on occasion to search for the ultimate sweet-spot combination of fast and slow-twitch muscle fibres. et it all right and you’ve got a potential great in your stable. Still, they have to prove it out on the racetrack – in all conditions, under different types of jockeys, and often with the deafening roar of the crowd as a soundtrack. That’s what separates the best from the rest, whatever the era: the ability to perform and win amid the stimulus of the horse racing circus. Here is our pick of the best.
RED RUM
Nearly 200 years old, the Grand National is one of the world’s most famous horse races. Steeped in folklore, this steeplechase at Aintree near Liverpool – run over more than 4 miles with horses jumping 30 fences over two laps – is deeply woven into British culture: in fact there was a time, long before the digital age, when it almost brought the country to a standstill. So when Red Rum romped to a remarkable and still-unmatched three Grand National wins (in 1973, 1974 and 1977), it was only natural that his standing as one of the greatest ever was cemented. The first victory was a classic; securing a truly astonishing comeback victory from 30 lengths behind. Born on 7 May 1965, Red Rum was celebrated for his exceptional jumping ability and entertaining style, having not fallen in 100 races. What’s more, he was originally only trained to race over relatively short distances – not four miles-plus – and he also suffered from a life-long bone disease condition in his foot.
SECRETARIAT
Comfortably one of the most celebrated horses in history, Secretariat was hailed for his sensational speed and dominance of the 1970s racing scene in North America. The pinnacle of his career came in 1973 when he achieved the ‘Triple Crown’ of thoroughbred racing, winning the Kentucky Derby, the Preakness Stakes, and the Belmont Stakes. The victories in these races still inspire awe – in the Derby, he set a record time which still stands today, and in the Belmont Stakes he won by an almost-unbelievable 31 lengths and, while doing so, set a world record time (of two minutes 24 seconds) for 1.5 miles, which also remains unbeaten. These displays are among the best in horse racing history, and he became a national hero. Make no mistake, Secretariat was a phenomenal beast: his stride length was measured at 25 feet, which is significantly longer than average, and what really stopped the clocks upon his death – sadness aside – was the discovery of the size of his heart. The autopsy revealed that it was approximately three times the size of an average horse's heart: simply extraordinary.
DESERT ORCHID
It’s not often an animal becomes a cultural icon, but Desert Orchid hit those heights while captivating racing fans and the British public during his pomp in the 1980s and early 1990s. Commentators were agog, one of them even comparing the level of fandom for “Dessie” with that of ‘Beatlemania’ in the mid 1960s. One horse versus four men: he was quite the charmer. Not unlike The Beatles, physical appearance played a part initially – Desert Orchid was simply beautiful, a distinctive grey thoroughbred gelding that was easy on the eye and stood out among the crowd. Talent was the defining factor though, and Dessie was remarkably versatile, excelling in both hurdles or steeplechases, prolifically notching up major wins in both (34 wins from 70 starts). The highlights came in the King George VI Chase, which he won four times, and his most famous victory of all came in the 1989 Cheltenham Gold Cup, where he wowed the critics, overcoming heavy ground conditions that were far from ideal. Style and flair came easily: fans loved Desert Orchid’s resilience and courageous style. Such was his popularity and affection, he was never ‘risked’ in the Grand National at Aintree.
SEABISCUIT
Context is everything, so they say. This is especially the case when it comes to the American phenomenon of Seabiscuit, who was the ultimate money-winning racehorse of 1930s and 1940s and sealed enduring fame as the subject of a Hollywood movie. This iconic status was far from likely in his early days – initially he was considered highly unsuitable for a racing career: constantly eating or sleeping, yet too small and just too odd, winning only a quarter of his first 40 races. But when he was handed over to trainer Tom Smith, everything changed. Smith had an unshakeable belief – and with jockey Red Pollard – set about transforming what was considered to be a ‘dud-colt’, with knobbly knees and an unsightly appearance, into one of the best of all time. From 1937 to 1940 Seabiscuit won almost every big race in the United States, but it is his underdog story that really captured hearts and minds during the Great Depression era: his triumph became a symbol of hope for people.
BEST MATE
Bursting onto the UK racing scene in 2000 as a five-year-old gelding, the brilliantly-named Best Mate was an instant hit, sweeping all before him as he thrillingly tore down the track without fear or hesitation. Between 2002 and 2004 Best Mate won the Cheltenham Gold Cup three times consecutively, drawing level with the much-loved Arkle and then usurping him. While winning 14 of his 22 races and finishing second in seven more, he never fell at a fence or hurdle and also amassed over £1m in prize money. Trained by Henrietta Knight, ridden mostly by Jim Culloty, owned by Jim Lewis, and a friend to all racing fans. But the lifespan of this famous racehorse was all too short, its potential unfulfilled: Best Mate suffered a suspected heart attack and died in front of devastated crowds while racing at Exeter in 2005.
Make no mistake: racehorses, just like the jockeys that ride them, are elite athletes. The racing world trades on the performances of its horses on the track and to say that breeding thoroughbreds is big business is something of an understatement. But underpinning the science of it all, and the money, is emotion. A fine horse commands both respect and love.
