Every now and again there is a horse that comes along that captures the imagination of racing fans around the world. These horses are often the ones that go on to win the most illustrious races of the season, such a signature wins in the Triple Crown races or the Breeders’ Cup. Only the most successful horses are inducted into the Hall of Fame, with one inducted every season.
The horse that will be inducted into the Hall of Fame is named before the Kentucky Derby, while the official ceremony doesn’t take place until August, on the same day as a race meeting at Saratoga. But, which illustrious horses have been inducted into the Hall of Fame for their efforts on the track?
American Pharoah
It wouldn’t be more fitting to start with the most recent horse that was inducted into the Hall of Fame. American Pharoah’s induction into the prestigious class looked inevitable, as his performances on track surpassed what many believed to be possible throughout his career. It’s hard to believe that American Pharoah only spent two years racing during his career, but he amassed a massive $8.65 million during his time on the course.
Bob Baffert trained this legendary horse, with his biggest victories coming in the 2015 season. He made history by becoming the 12th horse to win all Triple Crown races in the same season, while he also added the Breeders’ Cup Classic for good measure. American Pharoah also won the Arkansas Derby and Haskell Invitational in 2015, before being named the American Horse of the Year in the same year.
Curlin
There aren’t many horses that have accumulated more in prize money throughout their career than Curlin. He held the record for the most winnings during his career until 2016, as he amassed more than $10 million in winnings during his career on the track.
He was trained by Steven Asmussen, and won a host of Graded races throughout his time racing. His biggest wins would come at either end of the 2017 season, as he won the Preakness Stakes, before adding the Breeders’ Cup Classic later in the season.
During the same year, he also won the Rebel Stakes, Arkansas Derby and Jockey Club Gold Cup. He would win the Jockey Club Gold Cup on a further occasion the following season. During the 2008 season, he also won the Jaguar Trophy Handicap, Woodward Stakes and Dubai World Cup.
His achievements were honoured throughout his career, as he was named the American Horse of the Year in both 2007 and 2008. Curlin was also named the World’s Bets Racehorse in 2008 by the IFHA. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2014.
Man o’ War
There are few more celebrated horses in the history of the sport that Man o’ War. He is still regarded as one of the best racehorses that has ever graced the track, and was ranked as number one by Associated Press and ESPN.
His time on the track came after the First World War, where he would win 20 races on 21 starts over the 1919 and 1920 seasons. His only defeat was suffered at Saratoga, where he was beaten by a neck by Upset.
However, he won virtually every race that there was to win during his time on the track. That included wins in two of the Triple Crown races; Preakness Stakes and Belmont Stakes. During his final season on the track, he won the Dwyer Stakes, Travers Stakes and Jockey Club Gold Cup. He was named the American Horse of the Year in 1920, and was dually inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1957.
Here you have it, some of the most famous horses to have been indicated to the Hall of Fame. If you like racing, you can place bets on online betting sites like TwinSpires.com and enjoy all the events.