Horse racing has always been a sport threaded through with intense rivalries that define eras and inspire stories told again and again. From the heady days of classic Flat contests to the drama of National Hunt battles, great horses squaring off against one another have captured public imagination for generations. As fans explore Cheltenham Festival betting odds and begin to analyse which names could take the event by storm, it is a good time to remember the intense rivalries we have in the past, which have helped shape the sport and interest a lot of fans. Some rivalries have spanned multiple seasons, while some of them have lasted for only a single memorable clash, yet all of them are still spoken about today.
Secretariat vs Sham: 1973 Kentucky Derby
The 1973 clash between Secretariat and Sham remains one of the most talked about duels in American racing history. Secretariat entered the Triple Crown season with high expectations after already showing exceptional skill and breaking records for race wins. Sham had emerged as his closest rival after finishing close behind in a series of prep races, and even being able to chase Secretariat in the actual Kentucky Derby itself. On that first Saturday in May, Secretariat clocked a blazing time, with Sham running strongly but ultimately unable to match his rival’s remarkable pace.
Seabiscuit vs War Admiral
In 1938, two great American horses, Seabiscuit and War Admiral, met in what became known as the “Match of the Century.” War Admiral had completed the Triple Crown in the previous year and was also known as a champion on the East Coast, while Seabiscuit had become a fan favourite as a result of his success in Western races. When they eventually met at Pimlico, Seabiscuit managed to tear away at the final stages to win by around four lengths, creating one of the most enduring stories in the history of horse racing.
Frankel vs Canford Cliffs
One of the most eagerly anticipated British Flat clashes of recent times took place at Goodwood’s Sussex Stakes in 2011 when unbeaten Frankel faced leading miler Canford Cliffs. Frankel, trained by Sir Henry Cecil and ridden by Tom Queally, was already considered one of the best horses of his generation and carried that form into the Sussex Stakes. Although Canford Cliffs arrived with all the tools in the locker, a strong record, and multiple Group One victories, Frankel’s turn of foot proved decisive as he went clear to win with a commanding performance.
Arkle vs Mill House
The mid‑1960s produced one of the most celebrated rivalries in National Hunt racing history, between Irish steeplechaser Arkle and England‑based Mill House. Their contests began in the 1963 Hennessy Gold Cup, where Mill House finished a narrow winner. However, it was at the 1964 Cheltenham Gold Cup that Arkle avenged that defeat, travelling prominently and overcoming Mill House to win by several lengths, signalling the start of Arkle’s legendary status as one of the sport’s greatest jumpers.
Affirmed vs Alydar
There are few rivalries in horse racing that have been as competitive as that between Affirmed and Alydar, especially when looking at the 1978 American Triple Crown. The horses had met a few times prior, but it was the Triple Crown that captured the attention of horse racing enthusiasts. At Churchill Downs, Pimlico, and Belmont Park, Affirmed managed to edge Alydar slightly by very minor margins, which made every race an intense matchup between the two. Their duel reached its height in the Belmont, where Affirmed won by a head, sealing his place in history as a Triple Crown winner.
Sea The Stars vs Rip Van Winkle
In 2009, Sea The Stars and Rip Van Winkle became two of Europe’s most talked‑about Flat rivals. Sea The Stars, trained in Ireland by John Oxx, produced an incredible campaign that year, winning the 2,000 Guineas, Epsom Derby, and Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe. In the Eclipse Stakes at Sandown, he faced Rip Van Winkle and was able to take the win by about a length in what was one of the most memorable rematches between two top horses. Their contest is still spoken about today, and really highlighted the quality and depth of European racing at the time.
Arkle vs Little Owl
In the early 1980s, Little Owl became one of Ireland’s top steeplechasers after winning the 1981 Cheltenham Gold Cup after a performance that highlighted the courage and consistency he had over some incredibly difficult fences. While Arkle had already cemented a legendary status, Little Owl was one of the main focuses that fans were often attracted to when comparing the two horses. Their careers didn’t overlap too often, but the ability of both horses often kept them in the same conversation regarding being some of the best steeplechasers in the sport.
