8. Arrogate (2013–2020)
Arrogate’s brief but stellar career included victories in the 2016 Breeders’ Cup Classic and the 2017 Dubai World Cup. Retiring to stud at Juddmonte Farms in Kentucky, his promising second career was cut short by his untimely death in 2020 due to a neurological condition.
9. Winx (Foaled 2011)
Australia’s Winx dazzled the racing world with a 33 consecutive win streak, including four Cox Plate victories. She retired in 2019 and has since embarked on a broodmare career, with her first foal born in 2020, marking the beginning of a new chapter in her illustrious legacy.
10. Cigar (1990–2014)
Cigar captivated fans with a 16-race winning streak in the mid-1990s, including triumphs in the Breeders’ Cup Classic and the Dubai World Cup. After retiring in 1996, he resided at the Kentucky Horse Park’s Hall of Champions until his passing in 2014, where he was honored as one of the sport’s greats.
11. Galileo (1998–2021)
Galileo’s illustrious career included victories in the Derby and the Irish Derby in 2001. Post-retirement, he became a leading sire at Coolmore Stud in Ireland, fathering numerous champions. His death in 2021 marked the end of an era, but his legacy endures through his progeny.
12. Sea The Stars (Foaled 2006)
Half-brother to Galileo, Sea The Stars had a stellar 3-year-old season in 2009, winning six Group 1 races, including the 2000 Guineas, the Derby, and the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe. Retiring to stud at Gilltown Stud in Ireland, he has sired multiple Group 1 winners, cementing his influence on the breed.
13. Rachel Alexandra (Foaled 2006)
Rachel Alexandra’s 2009 campaign was one for the ages, with victories in the Kentucky Oaks and the Preakness Stakes, making her the first filly in 85 years to win the Preakness. She retired in 2010 and became a broodmare, though complications from foaling in 2013 nearly claimed her life. She survived and continues to be a beloved figure in the racing world.
Conclusion
These legendary horses have left an indelible mark on the world of horse racing, whether through their record-breaking performances, influential bloodlines, or sheer dominance on the track. While some have passed, their legacies live on through their descendants and the lasting impact they’ve had on the sport.
Who was your favorite racehorse of the last 50 years? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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