Famous Race Horses of All Time: Red Rum & Best Mate

Any "top horses" article would not do horse racing justice because of so many notable runners. We could spend hours reading record books and media headlines about former greats and unbelievable successes from throughout the world. 

Red Rum

In the 1970s, Red Rum, the legendary racehorse, brought in substantial winnings for horse racing enthusiasts with its three victories in the Grand National and the Scottish Grand National. His triumphs were devastating blows for the bookmakers, and he gained popularity on both sides of the Irish Sea. Under the guidance of Ginger McCain, Red Rum showcased an impressive array of abilities, leaving no doubt about his potential. Unfortunately, his career came to an end due to a fracture prior to the 1978 Grand National. His retirement garnered so much attention that it made headlines in newspapers.

Red Rum is widely recognised as one of the most famous racehorses in the United Kingdom and Ireland. His products were sold several years after he retired, and he passed away in 1995, being laid to rest at the victorious marker at Aintree.

Best Mate

Best Mate, a beloved horse in the world of horse racing, achieved a remarkable feat by winning the prestigious Cheltenham Gold Cup three times consecutively in 2002, 2003, and 2004. It had been decades since a horse had achieved back-to-back victories in the Gold Cups until Best Mate came along. In fact, he even matched Arkle's impressive record of winning three times in a row, just like the legendary horse from the 1960s. In addition, he emerged victorious in the King George VI Chase and the Ericsson Chase, which is now known as the Savills Chase.

Best Mate, a beloved horse, is often associated with both his victories on the racecourse and the unfortunate circumstances surrounding his untimely passing. In 2005, a horse trained by Henrietta Knight tragically passed away due to a suspected heart failure while competing in the Haldon Gold Cup at Exeter. He was laid to rest at Cheltenham after being cremated.