In the realm of horse racing, the measure of greatness often comes down to performance in Grade One races, the pinnacle of the sport. The most lucrative races on the planet such as Longchamps' Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, Cheltenham's Champion Hurdle - as well as plenty more at the lucrative festival - and the Land Down Under's Everest all fall into this category, providing millions to their ultimate victors. However, over the years, some horses' names have become more synonymous with success on the grandest stage than others.
One horse that has been making waves in 2024 is the American horse City of Troy. The 3-year-old has already won two Grade Ones in 2024, romping to glory in the lucrative Derby at Epsom earlier in the year, before cementing his legacy with another impressive victory in the Coral-Eclipse in July. Subsequently, becoming the first horse since Golden Horn to win both races in the same year. Now, websites offering horse racing betting make the Aidan O'Brien trained horse a +800 third-favorite to win the Breeders Cup later this year, behind the +500 favorite Arthur's Ride and the +700 Fierceness.
But while the City of Troy has shone this year, he still has some way to go before he can catch up with these five. Here are the five horses with the most Grade One victories in history.
Winx
Throughout her illustrious career, Winx picked up a whopping 25 Grad One victories, the most by some distance. The Australian thoroughbred mares exploit secure winnings of over AUD 26 million for owners Magic Bloodstock Racing, the most ever accumulated by one single horse.
Trained by Chris Waller, her dominance was most notably seen in her four consecutive Cox Plate victories between 2015 and 2018, a feat unmatched in the race's 102-year history.
Her rivalry with Hartnell was a narrative that thrilled fans, as her competitor frequently played the role of the valiant but vanquished contender. Winx's almost surreal ability to accelerate in the final furlongs made her a living legend, and her 33 consecutive wins only cemented her status.
Hurricane Fly
With 22 Grade One victories; Hurricane Fly is a name synonymous with dominance in hurdle racing. Trained by Willie Mullins and owned by George Creighton and Rose Boyd, this Irish-bred horse became a legend in jumps racing. His most significant triumphs came in the Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham, which he won twice, in 2011 and 2013.
Hurricane Fly's career earnings topped €2 million, a testament to his prowess over hurdles. His fierce rivalry with Jezki and Faugheen added drama to the racing scene, often drawing large crowds eagerly anticipating the next thrilling showdown. However, it was the aforementioned Jezki that brought an end to the Fly's dominance, winning the 2014 Champion Hurdle as a 9/1 outsider and sending his old rival into retirement.
John Henry
John Henry's story is one of the most inspiring in horse racing history, with 16 Grade One wins to his name. Initially overlooked due to his modest pedigree, the Ron McAnally trained horse managed to claim back-to-back Santa Anita Handicaps victories in the early 1980s, as well as picking up two victories in the Arlington Millions as well.
His impressive victories saw him capture over USD 6.5 million in prize money, a staggering sum that underscored his grit and determination. His rivalry with Perrault in the 1982 Santa Anita Handicap is legendary, with John Henry winning by a nose in a photo finish. The gelding's ability to defy expectations and capture the public's imagination remains a benchmark for underdogs everywhere.
Kauto Star
Kauto Star was a titan in National Hunt racing, matching John Henry's record with 16 Grade One victories. Trained by Paul Nicholls and owned by Clive Smith, he was best known for his exceptional performances in the King George VI Chase, which he won five times. His dual Cheltenham Gold Cup victories in 2007 and 2009 further solidified his legendary status, a feat made all the more impressive considering that he got beat by Denman as an odds-on favorite in 2008.
Kauto Star's career earnings exceeded £3 million, reflecting his dominance over jumps. His rivalry with the aforementioned Denman - a stablemate of Star's no less - added a unique layer of excitement, often pitting fans of the two horses against each other in friendly rivalry. In the end, however, it was the incomparable Kauto that came out on the winning side, with his agility and stamina leading him to dramatic victories that made him a beloved figure even still today.
Black Caviar
Black Caviar is another Australian marvel that captured the imagination of the racing world, picking up 15 Grade One wins. Trained by Peter Moody and owned by a syndicate led by Neil Werrett, the mare was undefeated in her 25-race career. Her most notable victories include the Diamond Jubilee Stakes at Royal Ascot in 2012, a race that showcased her international appeal.
Like the mighty Winx before her, Black Caviar reeled in an impressive AUD 7.9 million in prize money, earnings that mirrored her exceptional talent. Her rivalry with Hay List was one of the most talked-about in sprint racing, often drawing record crowds to witness their exhilarating duels. Ultimately, however, it was Moody's favourite mare that won that rivalry throughout her stellar career.
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