Horse racing has delivered some of the most thrilling and historic sporting moments ever witnessed. Whether it’s legendary horses, dramatic finishes, or monumental upsets, these races have captivated fans and racing bettors alike.
Here, we count down the best 20 horse races of all time for betting on, highlighting the winners, bookmakers’ race odds, and their impact on horse racing history in 2025.
1. The Grand National 1973 – Red Rum’s First Victory
Red Rum, the greatest Grand National horse, secured his first of three victories in 1973 by chasing down Crisp in a dramatic finish. Crisp had led by 15 lengths before Red Rum caught him at the post.
The winner’s odds were 9/1 on this race, making for a great pay out for those lucky enough to bet on Red Rum. Many consider this the best horse race of all time to bet on, with Red Rum taking hist first Grand National of three in this race.
2. The 2009 Kentucky Derby – Mine That Bird’s Shocking Win
Mine That Bird stunned the racing world with his 50/1 upset at Churchill Downs, making it one of the biggest surprises in Derby history and an unforgettable moment for longshot bettors.
With £50 returns on every £1 staked on Mine That Bird, anyone lucky enough to bet on this horse would have loved cashing in at the bookies after the race. This is one of the most popular horse races for sports betting fans.
3. The 1978 Belmont Stakes – Affirmed vs. Alydar
In one of the most exciting Triple Crown races ever, Affirmed narrowly beat Alydar in all three races, completing the Belmont Stakes win at 6/5 odds in an epic duel.
This was considered one of the best horses for horse bettors, with a massive amount of stakes being made at the bookies on these two horses.
4. The 1989 Breeders’ Cup Classic – Sunday Silence vs. Easy Goer
Sunday Silence and Easy Goer battled down the stretch in one of the most intense finishes ever seen. Sunday Silence edged it at 2/1 odds, sealing his place in horse racing betting history.
We believe this races goes down as one of the best races in betting for punters, many who cleaned up at the bookies on this race.
5. The 1933 Epsom Derby – Hyperion’s Dominance
Hyperion, one of the most celebrated horses in history, dominated the 1933 Epsom Derby, winning at odds of 4/1 and leaving a legacy that shaped modern breeding.
This Epson Derby has huge interest from bettors with a huge amount of racing bets being placed on this horse. This race will go down as one of the most interesting in for betting in racing history, and one of the most popular races for betting in the early 20th century.
6. The 2015 Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe – Golden Horn’s Triumph
Golden Horn defied expectations with a stunning victory at 9/2 odds, beating some of the best in European racing.
Many experience racing punters had bet on Golden Horn and those lucky gamblers did well at the bookies that day.
7. The 1970 King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes – Nijinsky’s Masterclass
Nijinsky, the last UK Triple Crown winner, dazzled at Ascot, cementing his place as one of the greatest horses of all time.
Bookies were unlikely overly surprise as Nijinsky romped home in first place that day.
8. The 1990 Melbourne Cup – Kingston Rule’s Record Time
At odds of 7/1, Kingston Rule set the fastest time in Melbourne Cup history, a record that still stands today.
In hindsight perhaps those 7/1 odds should have been closer to 3/1, as Kingston Rule romped home in a record time that surprised most bookmakers that day.
9. The 2018 Cheltenham Gold Cup – Native River’s Epic Battle
Native River and Might Bite engaged in a thrilling duel, with Native River winning at 5/1 odds in one of the greatest Cheltenham finishes ever.
Bookies and bettors alike were sweating over a close finish with Native River pipping Might Bite at the post.
10. The 1973 Belmont Stakes – Secretariat’s Unbeatable Record
Secretariat destroyed the field by 31 lengths, completing the Triple Crown and winning at 1/10 odds, still the fastest Belmont ever.
There was no in-play betting back then, if there was the bookies would’ve been paying out halfway round the course!
11. The 1993 Grand National – The Race That Never Was
A false start led to one of the most infamous races in history, with Esha Ness “winning” in a voided race.
This was a highly controversial betting market for the bookies that probably still haunts most of them.
12. The 2011 Dubai World Cup – Victoire Pisa’s Shock Victory
Victoire Pisa won at a massive 12/1 odds, surprising bettors worldwide in one of the richest horse races.
13. The 1986 Arc de Triomphe – Dancing Brave’s Legendary Finish
At 6/4 odds, Dancing Brave unleashed an astonishing late run, cementing his place in racing folklore.
Any racing bettors lucky enough to bet on Dancing Grave, would have enjoyed slim odds, which turned out to be fair after this horse took the lead right at the end of the race in an epic finish for racing betting fans.
14. The 2005 Epsom Derby – Motivator’s Triumph
Motivator stormed home at 3/1 odds, delivering a memorable Classic win.
For those motivated enough to take the 3/1 odds available before the face, they really enjoyed a highly exciting race and finish.
15. The 1999 Belmont Stakes – Lemon Drop Kid’s Surprise
Lemon Drop Kid shocked everyone with a 29/1 victory, ruining Charismatic’s Triple Crown bid.
Anyone one lucky enough to bet on this outsider in this race would have got anything from 25/1 to 40/1 before the race.
16. The 2012 Grand National – Neptune Collonges by a Nose
At 33/1 odds, Neptune Collonges won the closest Grand National ever, thrilling punters.
Those bettors lucky enough to stake on Neptune Collonges at a health 33/1 would have been smashing the bookies doors down to collect their winnings after these impressive lengthy odds.
17. The 1964 Cheltenham Gold Cup – Arkle’s Dominance
Arkle crushed the field at 4/6 odds, starting his legendary status as one of the greatest jumpers ever.
A firm bookies favourite before the race, the bookies turned out to be right as this odds-on favourite smashed the opposition.
18. The 2010 Kentucky Derby – Super Saver’s Triumph
Super Saver gave jockey Calvin Borel another Derby win at 8/1 odds.
This reliable Derby winner repeatedly beat the bookies odds that fluctuated at around 8/1 to 12/1.
19. The 1992 Breeders’ Cup Classic – A.P. Indy’s Victory
A.P. Indy dominated at 2/1 odds, showing his class on the biggest stage.
A firm favourite with the bookies before the race, AP Indy proved he has ahead of the field, and those 2/1 odds before the race were pretty fair despite a competitive field.
20. The 2003 Melbourne Cup – Makybe Diva’s First of Three
At 7/1 odds, Makybe Diva started her Melbourne Cup dynasty with her first of three wins.
One of the most famous Melbourne Cups for bettors ever, this enthralling race for bettors ended up with a fair 7/1 winner.
Our The Best 20 Horse Races of All Time for Betting Summary
These legendary races provided breathtaking moments, huge betting upsets, and legendary performances.
Whether you’re looking for historical insights or great betting tips, BestOfBets.com is your go-to source for everything Horse Racing including Racing Tips, Racing Insights and Free Racing Bets.
