The tapestry of UK horse racing history is richly woven with the exploits of its most famous equine stars. Frankel, the unbeatable wonder; Kauto Star, a legend over jumps; Best Mate, thrice a Cheltenham Gold Cup hero; Arkle, whose name is synonymous with greatness in steeplechasing; and Red Rum, the Grand National’s most endearing champion. Each of these remarkable horses has left an indelible mark on the sport, captivating fans with their breathtaking performances and unparalleled courage on the racetrack.
Frankel
Frankel, born on February 11th, 2008, is a retired champion British Thoroughbred racehorse renowned for his undefeated racing career over 14 races. He was named after the legendary American trainer Bobby Frankel. Frankel was bred by Juddmonte Farms, trained by the legendary Sir Henry Cecil, and owned by the late Saudi Prince Khalid bin Abdullah.
Frankel’s racing career was extraordinary, starting as a two-year-old in 2010 and extending to his retirement in 2012. His debut race was on August 13th, 2010, at Newmarket, where he showcased his potential by defeating Nathaniel despite the challenging conditions. Throughout his career, he displayed an exceptional level of performance that had rarely been seen in the racing world, eventually earning a rating of 140 by the World Thoroughbred Racehorse Rankings Committee, a testament to his unparalleled abilities on the track.
Major Wins
Among his most significant victories were the 2000 Guineas Stakes at Newmarket, where his victory by a stunning margin set the tone for his future successes, and the Queen Anne Stakes at Ascot, where he triumphed by 11 lengths in what was described as “one of the greatest displays on a British racecourse”. Frankel’s dominance extended to multiple Group 1 races, including the Sussex Stakes at Goodwood, which he won twice, the Juddmonte International at York, and the Champion Stakes at Ascot, among others.
Beyond his racing career, Frankel has made a significant impact as a sire, producing notable offspring like Classic winners Adayar (Epsom Derby), Hurricane Lane (Irish Derby, St Leger), Logician (St Leger), Anapurna (Epsom Oaks), and others, showcasing his enduring legacy in the world of horse racing.
Frankel’s unique combination of speed, stamina, and racing intelligence, along with the guidance of Sir Henry Cecil and the support of Prince Khalid bin Abdullah, has solidified his status as one of the greatest racehorses of all time. His career and legacy continue to be celebrated in the racing world, where his unbeaten record stands as a testament to his exceptional talent and spirit.
Best Mate
Best Mate, born on January 28, 1995, was an Irish-bred, English-trained racehorse celebrated for winning the Cheltenham Gold Cup three times consecutively in 2002, 2003, and 2004, a feat that firmly established him as a National Hunt racing legend. His story is a testament to his incredible talent, consistency, and the deep connection he shared with his fans, trainer, and jockey.
He was trained by Henrietta Knight and owned by Jim Lewis. Best Mate’s racing record is remarkable for its consistency; out of 22 starts, he finished in the top two in every race except his last one, showing an exceptional level of performance and avoiding the fate of becoming a beaten favourite on nearly every occasion.”. His career included victories in six Grade 1 races and four Grade 2 races. Notably, he never fell at a fence or hurdle, underscoring his skill and the excellent guidance of his trainer.
Best Mate’s journey to stardom began when he was purchased by Knight and her late husband, Terry Biddlecombe, for owner Jim Lewis. His racing career under rules started with a win in a bumper at Cheltenham in 1999, and he quickly became known for his extraordinary jumping ability and high cruising speed, characteristics that his regular jockey Jim Culloty greatly admired. Despite his dislike for soft ground, Best Mate showcased his dominance on “good” ground, which played to his strengths and enabled his Gold Cup victories.
Best Mate was more than just a racehorse; he was a cherished figure in the world of horse racing, drawing crowds wherever he competed. His popularity was such that he received fan mail and attracted visitors on open days. Sadly, his life came to a sudden end on November 1, 2005, when he collapsed and died of a suspected heart attack at Exeter Racecourse, a moment that deeply affected all who had been part of his journey.
Henrietta Knight, reflecting on Best Mate’s impact, highlighted not just his achievements on the track but also his role in elevating her career and life. His legacy is commemorated with memorials at the farm where he was trained and at Cheltenham Racecourse, ensuring that the memory of “the people’s champion” lives on.
Kauto Star
Kauto Star, a French-bred National Hunt racehorse, became an icon in the world of steeplechasing under the care of trainer Paul Nicholls and owner Clive Smith. His career spanned from 2004 to 2012, during which he etched his name into racing history with remarkable victories across a range of distances, showcasing unparalleled versatility and skill.
Paul Nicholls discovered Kauto Star through a video of him racing at Auteuil and purchased him for 400,000 euros on behalf of Clive Smith. Kauto Star moved to England for the 2004/05 season, marking the beginning of an illustrious career.
Despite a fractured hock in one of his early races in England that sidelined him for the rest of the season, Kauto Star came back stronger to dominate the racing scene for years to come.
Kauto Star’s Achievements
Kauto Star’s accolades include winning the King George VI Chase five times and the Cheltenham Gold Cup twice, where he was often the nap selection of tipsters due to his dominance on the track.” Notably, he was the first horse to regain the Cheltenham Gold Cup, showcasing his extraordinary comeback ability and resilience.
His 2006/07 season was particularly dominant, beginning with a sweeping victory in the Betfair Chase, followed by wins in the Tingle Creek Chase and his first King George VI Chase at Kempton. This culminated in winning the 2007 Cheltenham Gold Cup, thereby securing the Stayers Chase Triple Crown and a £1 million bonus, along with the National Hunt Order of Merit for the 2006/07 season.
Despite facing new challenges from stablemate Denman and others, Kauto Star continued to excel, regaining his Gold Cup crown in 2009 in a memorable fashion and earning the highest official rating of any horse since Arkle. His career was punctuated by comebacks, including winning his fifth King George and fourth Betfair Chase against younger rivals, illustrating his enduring class and fighting spirit.
Kauto Star’s legacy as a “horse of a lifetime” is cemented not just by his impressive record but also by his resilience, bravery, and the sheer joy he brought to racing enthusiasts, his trainer, and his jockey, Ruby Walsh. His story is a testament to the heights of achievement possible with talent, courage, and dedication
Arkle
Arkle, born on April 19, 1957, and passing on May 31, 1970, was an Irish Thoroughbred racehorse renowned for his remarkable achievements in the world of National Hunt racing. Owned by Anne, Duchess of Westminster, and trained by Tom Dreaper, Arkle became a legend in his own time, with Pat Taaffe as his regular jockey. Bred by Mary Baker, Arkle came from modest beginnings, with his sire, Archive, having never won a race, making his ascent in the racing world even more remarkable.
Throughout his career, Arkle captivated the public and racing enthusiasts with his exceptional talent and dominance on the racecourse. From the 1962/63 season through the 1965/66 season, he amassed 24 wins from 26 starts, showcasing his prowess across various distances and competitions. His ability to carry significantly higher weights than his competitors in handicaps was a testament to his extraordinary capabilities, setting him apart as one of the greatest steeplechasers of all time.
Arkle’s Biggest Wins
Arkle’s most notable achievements include three consecutive victories in the Cheltenham Gold Cup from 1964 to 1966, establishing a benchmark for excellence in steeplechase racing. His rivalries, particularly with Mill House, added to his legend, with Arkle proving his supremacy in memorable races that are still talked about today. His performances were so dominant that races and weight systems were adjusted in attempts to level the playing field for other competitors.
Despite facing stiff competition and the physical demands of racing, Arkle’s legacy endures, not just for his triumphs but also for the spirit and joy he brought to the sport. His story, from his rural upbringing on the Dreaper farm to his monumental victories and the immense public adoration he received, illustrates the profound impact he had on horse racing and Irish culture. Arkle wasn’t just a racehorse; he was a national icon, affectionately known as “Himself,” whose memory continues to inspire and captivate the hearts of many.
Red Rum
Red Rum, an Irish-bred Thoroughbred, emerged as one of the most celebrated steeplechase horses in history, renowned for his remarkable triumphs in the Grand National at Aintree, England. Born on May 3, 1965, and passing on October 18, 1995, Red Rum was owned by Noel le Mare and masterfully trained by Ginger McCain, showcasing an incredible career that included winning the Grand National three times (1973, 1974, 1977), with two additional second-place finishes in 1975 and 1976. His jockeys included Brian Fletcher and Tommy Stack, who were integral to his successes.
Originally bought as a seven-year-old with a challenging condition, Red Rum was revitalized by McCain’s unique training methods, which included running him on the sand and in the sea. This unconventional approach paid dividends, enabling Red Rum to achieve his first Grand National victory in 1973 in a dramatic fashion, coming from behind to beat Crisp in the final stretch.
Red Rum’s agility and capability were unparalleled, especially at Aintree, where he became a symbol of resilience and determination. His ability to conserve energy and efficiently navigate fences were key factors in his success. Remarkably, he managed to secure his place in history by winning the Grand National for the third time in 1977, a feat unrivaled to this day.
Beyond his racing accomplishments, Red Rum became a national icon, celebrated for his impact on the Grand National and horse racing at large. His legacy is preserved through various commemorations, including statues at Aintree and Southport, and he remains a beloved figure in British sports history