From the 1930s to date, American racing has seen fillies and mares capable of beating the colts, rewriting the record books, and winning over the public’s heart more than their male counterparts. Here are the 15 greatest of all time, for impact, public love, and wins.
Zenyatta — 19 wins from 20 starts, the first mare to win the Breeders’ Cup Classic, 2010 Horse of the Year. Worth noting: most of her career (2007-2010) was run on synthetic surfaces — Cushion Track at Hollywood Park, Polytrack and Pro-Ride at Santa Anita and Del Mar. She raced on dirt only three times: two Apple Blossom Stakes wins at Oaklawn and her only career defeat, by a nose, in the 2010 Breeders’ Cup Classic at Churchill Downs.
Ruffian — Unbeaten in 10 of 11 starts, legend and tragedy of 1975.
Gallorette — Voted “greatest filly ever” in a 1955 poll of trainers; beat the colts in the Whitney, Metropolitan, and Brooklyn Handicap.
Personal Ensign — 13-for-13, never defeated, won the 1988 Breeders’ Cup Distaff by a nose.
Twilight Tear — 14 wins from 17 starts in 1944, the first filly named Horse of the Year in 40 years.
Rachel Alexandra — Won the 2009 Preakness, the first filly to do so in 85 years, Horse of the Year.
Top Flight — 12 wins from 16 starts, undefeated at 2, the “Queen of the Turf.”
Beholder — 18 wins from 26 starts, three Breeders’ Cup victories.
Busher — 1945 Horse of the Year, daughter of War Admiral.
Songbird — 13 wins from 15 starts, 11 in a row before her showdown with Beholder.
Genuine Risk — Won the 1980 Kentucky Derby, the second filly in history to do so.
Winning Colors — Won the 1988 Kentucky Derby, ran the entire Triple Crown against colts.
Real Delight — Won the 1952 Triple Tiara, the second filly in history to do so.
Azeri — 17 wins from 24 starts, 11 in a row, 2002 Horse of the Year.
Lady’s Secret — Her 1986 “Iron Lady” season earned her Horse of the Year.
After all, greatness has no gender.