Thoroughbred Champions: Top 100 Racehorses of the 20th Century

by Blood-Horse Publications

Follows The Blood-Horse's Top 100 list, beginning with Man o' War in the No. 1 spot and ending with Blue Larkspur at No. 100.

Genres: Horse Racing, Horses, Nonfiction, History

255 pages, Paperback

Published November 21, 2000

Reviews

[Lisa James · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could not WAIT to get into this book. I have loved TB's all my life, since my Dad used to take me to the races at Delaware Park in DE when I was a kid. I studied everything I could get my hands on, & even though I would debate their choice of the Number One horse, I loved it. It's a book I keep on my shelf where I can reference it any time I get "the itch", usually when the Run to the Roses kicks up in spring, or when Breeder's Cup time comes around in the fall.

[Marjorie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book. One hundred of the greats are listed with their bloodlines. I found the Leaders Lists at the back helpful. Each animal is accompanied by a picture. Jockey position has changed over the years.

[Melanie Martines · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book! Very informative. If you love horse racing, you will appreciate this book.

[Wendy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't always agree with the numbering in here, or certain horses making it onto the list at all, but as the committee says in the beginning, such a list is doomed to be subjective. All things considered, this is a pretty even-handed list, and about as close to objective as you're likely to find in the horse racing community.

It's an enjoyable, informative read, too, with at least one picture for each horse and their stats and pedigree. A good reference and a good pleasure read for any horse racing fan.

[Colin · Rating 4 out of 5]

While it does not portray my personal thoughts on the top 100 Thoroughbred racehorses, the panel picked well.

[Rena Sherwood · Rating 3 out of 5]

No real shockers here in this "best of" list by the snot-nosed blue-bloods at The Blood-Horse. Only the first ten have decent bio space -- the rest have very short biographies and one picture (if that.) Gives a good history of the American thoroughbred in the 20th century but mentions nothing about the sharp decline in overall health of the breed and cruelty in the sport.

[Wendie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved reading this book. I remember watching so many of these horses over the years. I "met" Cigar, number 18 when I was in Lexington in March.

[Janelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

A must for any horse or horse racing fan. While still disputed over who should be #1, this is a great book with lots of information on each of the 100 horses.