# What is the most legendary Kentucky Derby winning horse of all time?

> The Kentucky Derby has been run since 1875, producing legendary champions who captured hearts worldwide. Which Derby winner is the greatest racehorse in the history of the Run for the Roses?

*By YPB Team · Published May 3, 2026 · https://youpick.best/ranking/what-is-the-most-legendary-kentucky-derby-winning-horse-of-all-time*

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## Current results (0 votes)

1. **Secretariat**
   The greatest racehorse in history who set the still-standing 1973 Derby record of 1:59 2/5 en route to the Triple Crown.
2. **Seattle Slew**
   The only horse to win the Triple Crown while undefeated, sweeping all three races in dominant fashion in 1977.
3. **American Pharoah**
   The first Triple Crown winner in 37 years, ending a drought in 2015 with an electrifying performance at the Belmont.
4. **Justify**
   The 2018 unbeaten Triple Crown champion who incredibly never raced as a two-year-old before sweeping the Crown.
5. **War Admiral**
   A powerful 1937 Triple Crown champion immortalized by his legendary match race defeat against Seabiscuit.
6. **Whirlaway**
   A popular and flashy 1941 Triple Crown winner known for his free-running style and distinctive long flowing tail.
7. **Spectacular Bid**
   One of the greatest horses to win the Derby and Preakness (1979), narrowly missing the Triple Crown in the Belmont.
8. **Northern Dancer**
   The 1964 Derby winner who became the most influential sire in modern Thoroughbred history, reshaping racing forever.
9. **Genuine Risk**
   One of only three fillies to ever win the Kentucky Derby (1980), becoming an enduring fan favorite.
10. **Rich Strike**
   An extraordinary 80-to-1 long shot who delivered the second-biggest upset in Derby history in 2022.
11. **Sir Barton**
   The very first Triple Crown winner in 1919, though the concept was not formally recognized for another decade.

Tags: usa, sports, historical, racing, classics, legends