The sport of horse racing has captured the hearts of millions worldwide, with its adrenaline-pumping races and thrilling finishes.
And when it comes to the most expensive racehorses ever sold, their prices reflect not only their exceptional pedigree, but also the potential for greatness that lies within them. These elite athletes command jaw-dropping sums at auction houses, attracting wealthy buyers who see not just a horse but a champion in the making.
So next time you watch a thrilling horse race or witness history being made on the track, remember the incredible journey that each racehorse has taken to get there.
Why is horse racing such a popular sport?
Horse racing is not just a sport; it’s an exhilarating display of speed, agility, and sheer determination. The thrill of watching these majestic animals thunder down the track at breath-taking speeds captivates audiences worldwide. The adrenaline rush as they compete neck to neck towards the finish line is unmatched in any other sport.
The history and tradition surrounding horse racing draw people in, connecting them to a rich heritage that spans centuries. From the prestigious races like the Kentucky Derby to international events like the Dubai World Cup, there’s an undeniable allure that keeps fans coming back for more.
Beyond the excitement of the races themselves, horse racing also offers a unique opportunity for spectators to witness the bond between human and horse. The partnership between jockeys and their steeds showcases teamwork and skill in its purest form. It’s a connection built on trust, respect, and mutual understanding. Horses are incredibly intuitive creatures, able to sense their rider’s emotions and respond accordingly.
In moments of triumph or defeat, the bond between human and horse remains steadfast. It’s this unwavering loyalty and companionship that makes the relationship between them so extraordinary in the world of racing.
What makes racehorses so valuable?
Racehorses are not just ordinary animals; they are bred for greatness, possessing a rare combination of speed, agility, and stamina. Their genetic lineage plays a significant role in determining their value, with bloodlines tracing back to legendary champions fetching top dollar at auctions.
Training and care also contribute to their worth, as meticulous grooming, specialised diets, and expert conditioning ensure peak performance on the track. The potential for lucrative winnings further elevates their value, attracting investors willing to bet big on these equine superstars.
Moreover, the mystique surrounding racehorses adds an intangible allure – the thrill of watching them thunder down the stretch towards victory ignites passion among fans and collectors alike. In this high-stakes world where every stride matters, racehorses symbolise prestige and promise like no other animal can.
The most expensive racehorses ever sold
With all of this in mind, we take a look at four of the most expensive racehorses sold and how much they were worth.
Fusaichi Pegasus – $70m (£55.2m), 2000
Pegasus is a thoroughbred racehorse that rose to fame in the year 2000. The same year as his purchase, he won the Kentucky Derby. This was and still is the highest amount of money ever paid for a racehorse and it quickly made this wonderful horse a star.
During his career, he won the 2000 Irish Derby and the Dubai World Cup, set a lot of world records and ended his career in 2003 as one of the most successful horses of all time. Since his retirement, he has been a sire to a lot of successful horses of his own, some of whom are always on the top of Boylesports horse racing pages as the best horses to bet on, proving even after retirement he is still hugely influential in horse racing.
Justify – $60m (£47.2m), 2018
Justify was born in 2015 and quickly sold for a price of $500,000 (£393,625). The same year of this initial sale, he won the Kentucky Derby, which attracted the attention of a lot of interested buyers across the world, and when he was sold again, the agreed fee was $60m (£47.2m).
However, an extra caveat was added, if Justify won the Triple Crown the buyers would have to pay an extra $15m (£11.8m) on top of the $60m (£47.2m) already paid. In 2018, the same year as his purchase, he won the Triple Crown, taking his fee to $75m (£59m). Since this, he has retired and is now living on a farm in Kentucky.
Shareef Dancer – $40m (£31.5m), 1983
Shareef Dancer, a very famous horse from the 1980s, was sold for $40m (£31.5m) in 1983 – the highest fee paid for a racehorse at that time. One of the reasons he was so expensive was because of his impressive heritage; his father was a very impressive horse named Northern Dancer who bred a lot of great racehorses.
The sale of Shareef Dancer made global headlines and brought a lot of attention to this horse’s career. Fortunately, he became one of the best racehorses of his generation and is still remembered 40 years later.
The Green Monkey – $16m (£12.6m), 2006
The Green Monkey was sold for a whopping $16m (£12.6m) in 2006 which was the highest ever paid for a two-year-old racehorse. He was born in the USA but trained in Ireland and was another descendant of Northern Dancer, which increased his price and expectations.
He was trained to run on the flat and had a record worth his fee then, unfortunately, during his debut at the 2006 Royal Ascot, he got injured and did not finish the race. This was the beginning of the end, as he never lived up to the hype his price gave him and he only made a small number of prize winnings during his career.
