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Famous Horses

Each year famous horses, such as Coneygree and The Tin Man hold racegoers in thrall at many thousands of horse racing events worldwide. Such events reveal many champion jockeys and horse racing facts over the years.

Which Horses Have Won The Biggest Races Back-to-back?

Barbaro was one such champion that caused quite a stir in the horseracing world.

Although he lived only a short life, he was still a renowned horse and one that most definitely earned his place in the winner’s circle.

He shared an ultra fine, athletic appearance with both power and speed. It was these characteristics that allowed him to do so well in the many races he took part in.

This striking horse was owned by Roy and Gretchen Jackson and was bred by Lael Stables.

He began his career as an undefeated horse and this was probably due to the intense and experienced training he received from his specialist trainer, Michael Matz.

His first race came in the shape of the Kentucky Derby and due to his natural talent and striking pace, he actually crossed the finish line seven lengths ahead of the rest of the field. This win was accomplished without him even reaching his peak speed.

This Famous Horses' Tragic End

Unfortunately this athlete’s life was cut short at just four years old. The reason behind this tragedy was a premature start.

Barbaro broke through the starting gate early in the 2004 Preakness Stakes, this happened after he accidently disengaged the magnetic gate bars with his nose. Barbaro had in fact managed to break his leg in three different places and this in turn meant that he ran the race on only three working legs.

These breaks lead to further incurable problems and although Barbaro’s career was only short lived, he made a huge impact on the horseracing world and due to this he was well known and loved by millions of fans.

Kauto Star

Kauto Star

In the UK one of the most famous and popular horses was Kauto Star who excelled in races over jumps. Bred in France in 2000 he was soon bought by Clive Smith and trained in the UK by Paul Nicholls.

His many victories at the highest level included the blue riband of national hunt racing the Cheltenham Gold Cup which he won twice in 2007 and 2009.

He also won the King George VI Chase a record five times and ended his career with a record £3,775,883 in earnings which included £1,000,000 bonus for completing the Stayers Chase Triple Crown.

More recently here is some advice on How To Understand The Cheltenham Odds 2024

He retired from racing in 2012 and against his trainer's better judgement was sent by his ower Clive Smith to Laura Collett where he was assessed to see if he was suitable for a second career in dressage.

Sadly in 2015 he had to be put down after a fall in his paddock resulted in serious injuries.

Cougar II: The Chilean-Bred Champion

Bred in Chile, Cougar II was a major stakes winner in his home country before enjoying success on both dirt and turf in America and winning the 1972 Eclipse Award for Champion Turf Horse. This remarkable horse became the first Chilean-bred to earn induction into the Racing Hall of Fame, a testament to his extraordinary international success.

Upon the advice of Hall of Fame trainer Charlie Whittingham, Mary F. Jones (later Mary Jones Bradley) purchased Cougar II from Joe Hernandez as a 4-year-old in 1970 for $125,000. What began as a modest request to her trainer to "get me out of the claiming ranks" evolved into ownership of one of the 1970s' most celebrated champions.

Under Whittingham's expert guidance, Cougar II earned his first American stakes victory that year in the Escondido Handicap. In 1971, Cougar II defeated Fort Marcy in both the San Juan Capistrano Handicap and the Ford Pinto Invitational Handicap. His career highlights included victories in prestigious races such as the Santa Anita Handicap, Century Handicap, and Sunset Handicap.

Cougar II won or placed in 34 of 38 U.S. starts, but his popularity wasn't simply due to his fans leaving the betting windows happy. It was more of a case of cheering for a horse that tried hard time and time again. Known affectionately as "The Big Cat," he embodied the fighting spirit that endears horses to racing fans worldwide.

George Washington: The Ballydoyle Speedster

George Washington (3 January 2003 – 27 October 2007) was an Irish thoroughbred racehorse. Having won four Group 1 races including the 2,000 Guineas, he was retired to stud at the end of 2006 only to be brought back to racing in June 2007 after it emerged that he had fertility problems.

Trained by the legendary Aidan O'Brien at Ballydoyle, George Washington represented the pinnacle of modern European sprinting excellence. His career was marked by devastating speed and an ability to dominate at the highest level of international competition.

The bay colt's most memorable victory came in the 2006 2,000 Guineas at Newmarket, where he demonstrated the explosive acceleration that became his trademark.

Trainer Aidan O'Brien enthused after the race: "George Washington must have been all of 12 lengths clear at one point", highlighting the dominant nature of his performances when on song.

George Washington's win in the 2005 National Stakes had already marked him as a star in the making, and he fulfilled that promise with Group 1 victories that showcased his exceptional class.

A Champion's Complicated Legacy

George Washington's story took an unusual turn when fertility issues at stud led to his return to racing in 2007. This rare occurrence in modern racing demonstrated the complexities of thoroughbred breeding and the sometimes difficult transition from racing to stallion duties.

Tragically, his comeback was short-lived, as he suffered a fatal injury later that year while competing on a rain-soaked dirt track in the U.S., cutting short the career of one of Europe's most talented sprinters of the 2000s.

The Enduring Legacy of Racing Champions

These famous horses — from different eras and continents — remind us why racing continues to captivate audiences worldwide. Their stories of triumph, heartbreak, and unwavering spirit embody the very essence of what makes horse racing "the sport of kings."

From Barbaro's brief but brilliant career to Kauto Star's sustained excellence over seven seasons, from Cougar II's international success bridging South American and North American racing, to George Washington's explosive speed on European tracks, these champions have left indelible marks on the sport they graced with their presence.

Their legacies live on not just in record books, but in the hearts of the millions of fans who witnessed their greatness and in the ongoing efforts to make racing safer for future generations of racehorses.

One in a series of articles on Famous Horses

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