The Top 10 Most Thrilling Horse Races in History

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Horse racing is a sport that has been enjoyed by many for centuries. The excitement of watching powerful thoroughbreds thunder down the track is unparalleled. Over the years, there have been some truly unforgettable races that have left fans breathless and on the edge of their seats. Here are the top 10 most thrilling horse races in history.

The Top 10 Most Thrilling Horse Races Ever!

  1. Secretariat vs. Sham (1973) – Widely regarded as one of the greatest horse races ever run, the 1973 Kentucky Derby saw Secretariat and Sham engage in an epic battle that had fans roaring. Secretariat eventually pulled away to win by 2 1/2 lengths, setting a new track record that still stands today.

  2. Zenyatta vs. Blame (2010) – Zenyatta was a beloved mare who had won her first 19 races, but in the 2010 Breeders’ Cup Classic, she faced her toughest test yet in Blame. In a thrilling finish, Blame held off Zenyatta’s late charge by a head, ending her unbeaten streak.

  3. Affirmed vs. Alydar (1978) – Two of the greatest thoroughbreds of all time, Affirmed and Alydar, battled it out in all three legs of the Triple Crown in 1978. Affirmed narrowly won each race, cementing his status as one of the all-time greats.

  4. Seabiscuit vs. War Admiral (1938) – The "Match of the Century" pitted two of the most famous horses in history against each other in a winner-take-all race. Seabiscuit, the underdog, pulled off the upset in stunning fashion.

  5. Ruffian vs. Foolish Pleasure (1975) – Ruffian was undefeated and considered one of the greatest fillies ever when she faced Foolish Pleasure in a match race in 1975. Tragically, Ruffian broke down during the race and had to be euthanized, but the race remains one of the most memorable in history.

  6. Curlin vs. Street Sense (2007) – In a battle of two Kentucky Derby winners, Curlin and Street Sense put on a show in the 2007 Breeders’ Cup Classic. Curlin won by a head in a thrilling finish that had fans on their feet.

  7. Sunday Silence vs. Easy Goer (1989) – The rivalry between Sunday Silence and Easy Goer was one of the greatest in racing history. In the 1989 Preakness Stakes, Sunday Silence won by a nose in a photo finish that still gives fans chills.

  8. Northern Dancer vs. Hill Rise (1964) – Northern Dancer was a Canadian icon who won the Kentucky Derby in 1964. In the Travers Stakes, he faced off against Hill Rise in a race that saw the lead change hands multiple times. Northern Dancer won by a head in a thrilling finish.

  9. Rachel Alexandra vs. Mine That Bird (2009) – Rachel Alexandra was a superstar filly who was entered in the Preakness Stakes against the boys. She faced off against Mine That Bird, who had won the Kentucky Derby as a longshot. In a race for the ages, Rachel Alexandra held off Mine That Bird to win by a length.

  10. American Pharoah (2015) – One of the most dominant Triple Crown winners of all time, American Pharoah won the Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes, and Belmont Stakes in 2015. His thrilling run to the Triple Crown captivated fans around the world.

Epic Battles, Unforgettable Moments & Stunning Upsets!

These 10 races are just a small sample of the thrilling moments that horse racing has provided over the years. From legendary rivalries to unforgettable upsets, the sport has captured the hearts and imaginations of millions. As we look forward to the next great race, let’s take a moment to appreciate the incredible moments that have come before.

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