A Look at the Most Favored Horses in Betting History
Throughout horse racing history, some thoroughbreds have stood out not just for their victories, but for their ability to captivate bettors around the world. Certain horses achieved legendary status through record-breaking performances and consistent wins, making them favorites at the betting windows and beyond. Their extraordinary careers highlight why these horses were and still are celebrated as icons of the racing world. This article explores the stories of Secretariat, Citation, and Black Caviar.
Secretariat
Secretariat, a famous racehorse, became a hero in the world of horse racing. Starting his career with a loss, he quickly turned things around by winning the Eclipse Award as Horse of the Year when he was just two years old. The award was unanimously given to this horse. This was a rare honor, previously only given to one other young horse, Favorite Trick in 1997.
In 1973, Secretariat amazed everyone by winning the Kentucky Derby. He started in last place but finished first, setting a record time of 1:59 2/5th seconds that no one has beaten since.
His biggest moment came at the Belmont Stakes in 1973, where he was the 1-to-10 favorite to win. With a lot of people watching and high expectations, he raced brilliantly and won. This victory made him a legend, remembered for how he turned high hopes into great achievements.
Citation
Citation was a legendary racehorse, often the favorite at betting windows because of his impressive track record. Across his career, Citation raced 45 times, winning 32 of those races and rarely finishing outside the top three.
His reliability made him a favorite choice for many bettors. In 1950, during his final races, Citation set three world records, showing off his speed and endurance. He was the first racehorse to earn over $1 million, which was a big deal at the time. His success wasn’t just about winning races; it was about setting high standards and breaking records, which made him a legend in horse racing and a consistent favorite for those betting on him.
Black Caviar
Black Caviar, a racehorse from Australia, firmly established herself as one of the most favored horses in betting history. Her streak began in the 2010-11 season, captivating bettors by securing her sixth consecutive Group 1 victory at the BTC Cup in Brisbane.
Beyond her victories on the track, Black Caviar was celebrated as Australian Horse of the Year and featured on ABC’s Australian Story, making her the first non-human to appear on the show. Her global appeal soared after her commanding victory at the Newmarket Handicap at Flemington, where she was recognized as the top active racehorse in the world in early 2011, a distinction that only Frankel (another horse) managed to surpass. Black Caviar’s legendary status made her a perennial favorite among bettors, securing her place in racing history as a betting icon.