Horses have always been symbols of power, grace, and speed. For centuries, humans have been fascinated by these majestic creatures, breeding them for various tasks including agriculture, transportation, and certainly, racing. Speed is a coveted attribute in horses, especially on the racetrack, where the thrill of the race can hinge on the breakneck sprints of these equine athletes. In this article, we’re going to look at some of the fastest horses in the world, animals that have earned their place in the records of racing history and the hearts of fans with their incredible athleticism and breathtaking speeds.
#10 American Pharoah
American Pharoah galloped into the spotlight when he won the American Triple Crown in 2015, the first horse to do so in 37 years. Trained by Bob Baffert and ridden by Victor Espinoza, this speedster didn’t just win; he did so with style, often outpacing his competitors with ease. American Pharaoh’s top speed has been recorded at a swift 37.78 mph (60.75 kph) during his racing days, showcasing why he was a champion on the track.
#9 Winning Brew
Winning Brew holds a Guinness World Record for the fastest speed for a racehorse, hitting a maximum speed of 43.97 mph (70.76 kph) during a two-year-old maiden race at Penn National Race Course on May 14, 2008. Trained by Francis Vitale, this Pennsylvania-bred filly may not have had a long or illustrious career like some others on this list, but her record-breaking sprint deserves a place in the annals of equine history.
#8 Secretariat
Secretariat, or “Big Red” as he was affectionately known, is possibly the most famous racehorse of all time. He won the Triple Crown in 1973, setting race records in all three events that, to this day, have yet to be broken. While individual speed records for Secretariat were not as meticulously kept as they are today, estimates place his top speed at around 37.82 mph (60.86 kph), garnered from his Belmont Stakes performance where he left the competition a staggering 31 lengths behind.
#7 Man o’ War
Man o’ War is often mentioned in the same breath as Secretariat when discussing the greatest racehorses in history. His top speeds were not officially timed, as he raced in the years before such records were consistently kept. But this equine legend, with an incredible winning percentage of 95%, was known to outpace his rivals with shocking ability and is believed to have reached speeds well above 35 mph (56.33 kph). His dominance in the early part of the 20th century is a testament to his impressive speed and racing ability.
#6 Black Caviar
The Australian sprinter Black Caviar is a mare that redefined greatness in horse racing, retiring undefeated after 25 races. While her top speed was not officially recorded, her acceleration and consistency to cover distances in minimal time earned her a spot here. Experts speculate that she hit speeds over 40 mph (64.37 kph), and her performances in races like the Diamond Jubilee Stakes at Royal Ascot in 2012 left no doubt about her ability to fly past the competition.
#5 Peppers Pride
Peppers Pride is perhaps not as well-known internationally as other horses on this list, but her achievement is nonetheless remarkable. She retired undefeated after 19 starts and, like Black Caviar, demonstrated an exceptional turn of speed. Estimates put her velocity somewhere in the range of 40 mph (64.37 kph), testament to her dominance in New Mexico where she raced exclusively. Her speed and perfect record make her one to remember.
#4 Frankel
The British thoroughbred, Frankel, is one of the most remarkable racehorses of the 21st century, with a perfect record in his 14-race career. His speed on the gallops was the stuff of legend; with reports suggesting he could sustain speeds of over 40 mph (64.37 kph), especially notable in his 11-length victory in the 2012 Queen Anne Stakes at Ascot. Frankel’s cruising speed was unmatched by any horse in Europe during his racing years.
#3 Ghostzapper
Ghostzapper, the American thoroughbred who won the Breeders’ Cup Classic in 2004, was known for his astonishing speed over a range of distances. His 2004 campaign earned him Horse of the Year and a reputation for blistering pace, with racing experts suggesting he could reach speeds close to 42 mph (67.59 kph). Ghostzapper’s speed and versatility on the track make him one of the fastest North American horses in recent memory.
#2 Seattle Slew
Another Triple Crown winner, Seattle Slew, captured the commemorative title in 1977. His combination of speed, stamina, and tenacity was rare. Although the technology of his racing era did not track speeds as accurately as today, Seattle Slew was known to run incredibly fast, with race times projecting his highest speeds at approximately 37 to 38 mph (59.55 to 61.16 kph). He is remembered not only for his ferocious pace but also for his influence on the breed as a sire.
#1 Zenyatta
At the top of our list is Zenyatta. While she may not hold a record for absolute top speed, her performances on the track were nothing short of phenomenal. Known for her dramatic come-from-behind wins, Zenyatta’s top speed was estimated to be around 39 to 40 mph (62.76 to 64.37 kph). Over her 20-race career, she won 19 times and captured the hearts of fans with her charismatic style and thrilling finishes. She is a prime example of sustained speed and competitiveness, with an ability to get faster as a race progresses – a true mark of a champion sprinter.
In conclusion, while the actual speeds of many legendary racehorses were not scientifically measured during their careers, their extraordinary abilities have left a lasting impact on the sport of horse racing. The horses listed above exemplify the incredible athleticism, heart, and sheer velocity that make thoroughbred racing such a captivating spectacle. With contemporary methods now in place for measuring speeds, we continue to gain a better understanding and appreciation of these remarkable animals’ capabilities, honoring their legacies and the excitement they bring to the track.