The Thrilling Triumphs of Horse Racing’s Greatest Underdogs
In the thrilling and unpredictable world of horse racing, the excitement often reaches its peak when a favourite horse is expected to dominate the field. However, history has shown us that even the most likely winners can falter, leading to some of the most memorable upsets in the sport.
In 2024, there have been a plethora of shockers, especially Stateside. Two-thirds of the American Triple Crown were both claimed by outsiders. 18/1 underdog Mystik Dan won the first of them, just edging a three-way finish ahead of Sierra Leone and Forever Young. It was the first photo finish in 25 years and the first three-way photo since 1947. Then, just when it looked like the drama was over, 17/1 outsider Dornoch went on to claim the Belmont Stakes for good measure.
While these recent stunners certainly took the racing world by storm, there has been no shortage of underdog winners over the years. Here are the biggest of them.
Donerail’s 1913 Kentucky Derby Victory
One of the earliest underdog victories occurred well over a century ago in the 1913 Kentucky Derby. Back then, the unheralded Donerail was a staggering 91/1 outsider and was pretty much an afterthought in a stacked field led by the money favourite Ten Point. The Calvin Banks trained horse was many people’s pick and punters didn’t even recognise the eventual winner.
Entering the race at Churchill Downs as a rank outsider, Donerail was not given much consideration by bettors or spectators. But trainer and owner Thomas P. Hayes knew that his thoroughbred had potential and, with Roscoe Goose on board, anything was possible. Despite the betting favourite taking an early lead, the 91/1 underdog had other ideas, reeling in the race leader before overtaking him down the stretch and eventually triumphing by half a length.
The victory remains the biggest upset in Kentucky Derby history. Back then, a $10 bet would have paid out $920, some 33% of the average yearly income in the USA. In today’s money, that same stake would be worth just over $26,000. And if that wasn’t enough, Donerail also won in record time as well. That’ll teach the bookies.
Arcangues’ 1993 Breeders’ Cup Classic
Fast forward to 1993 and the Breeders’ Cup Classic witnessed another breathtaking upset. Despite the Kentucky Derby being more recognizable, it’s the Classic which is the most lucrative race in the US, with the purse for the 2024 edition worth a staggering $7 million and $2 million of that going to the race’s victor. The November showdown is one of the featured races on Oddschecker, with the popular comparison site making the impressive City of Troy a 7/4 favourite for glory.
Whether the American thoroughbred reigns supreme or not remains to be seen, but whatever happens it will be highly unlikely that there will be a story told quite like the one 31 years ago. Back then, 133/1 outsider Arcangues delivered a shock for the ages at Santa Anita Park.
Despite having never raced on an American track before, the French-bred horse executed a remarkable come-from-behind victory. With jockey Jerry Bailey on board, the huge underdog was neck and neck with short-priced favourite Bertrando, before stunning everyone as he pulled clear down the stretch. He ultimately triumphed by two lengths, claiming the lion’s share of the newly increased $3 million purse for owner Daniel Wildenstein.
This unexpected win not only surprised the racing community, but also highlighted the global competitiveness of horse racing. Arcangues’ victory remains the biggest upset in the history of the Breeders’ Cup Classic, a testament to the possibility of astonishing feats in the sport. Will we bear witness to another next month?