Greatest Moments in Horse Racing History

 

Horse racing is often seen as much more than just a sport. It is a tradition, a status and a constant battle all at once. While many have tried to bet horses online or right at the racetrack bookies, the partnership of two living beings – the horse and the jockey – can turn up rather unpredictable.

 

The following list is a reminder of just that – the most incredible moments in horse racing history, some even making a mark in the sport’s record books.

 

 

Crisp vs. Red Rum

 

At the 1973 Aintree Grand National race, spectators were able to witness one of the impressive catch-ups. With a 20 lengths lead and just a couple of fences to go, Crisp was the definite champion in everyone’s eyes. However, in a stunning turn of events, Red Rum managed to pick up speed and not only level, but also surpass his dominant figure. Having won this race by a ¾ length against Crisp, Red Rum gained momentum and continued this trend in the next two Grand Nationals.

 

 

Grundy vs. Bustino

 

The ‘Race of the Century’ would have crashed traffic capabilities on most racebook software for bookies should they have existed in the distant 1975. In the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes, the Ascot audience watched a live showdown between two Europe champions, three-year-old Grundy and four-year-old Bustino.

 

A tie dominated the 1 mile 4 furlong race result up until the end which saw Grundy push speed limits with amazing effort and win by ½ a length. Unsurprisingly, this also bought the winner a place in record books that stands until this day as Grundy managed to finish the race in 2 minutes and 26.98 seconds, 2 and ½ seconds faster than the previous record holder.

 

 

Mine That Bird

 

On a soggy racing day not too long ago in 2009, the Kentucky Derby went down in history as the race which saw the most amazing comeback. Mine That Bird was evidently not considered a success story, as the horse’s odds for that race were 50 to 1, and the start of the race seemed to prove that prediction. After being 8 lengths behind the rest, Mine That Bird and its jockey somehow transformed and achieved their goal to end victorious with nothing short of a 6 and ¾ length lead that even left commentators dumbfounded for a moment.

 

 

Secretariat

 

Secretariat is a well-known legend whose story even enjoyed success on the big screens, primarily due to the record-breaking achievement at the 1973 Belmont Stakes. This winner’s time of 2 minutes and 24 seconds still stands, but this horse refused to stop there. Many claimed that something about Secretariat made it destined for great things, which proved true as the horse went on to win the US Triple Crown of Thoroughbred Racing in the same year.
Such was the glory of Secretariat that some horse racing enthusiasts still hold on to their winning betting tickets from that day, unwilling to have them cashed in due to sentimental value.

 

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