Greatest Living Racehorse?

[DaTruth]

It all depends on how you define greatest. Do you just look at a horse's record, such as how many Grade 1 races they won in a row? Do you extend the examination to include how many new fans are created by a particular horse?

[AeWingnut]

I think they should go by how many friends they have on Facebook

[miraja2]

Ghostzapper

[hoovesupsideyourhead]

zenyatta duh...

[Dahoss]

Holy Bull

[KirisClown]

Originally Posted by Dahoss

Holy Bull

[Thunder Gulch]

Cigar

[miraja2]

If you include Cigar (in his prime) into the fields of any of Ghostzapper's last six races....how many of them would Cigar would have won?

It is obviously impossible to know, but my guess is zero. Ghostzapper probably still would have won them all.

That's certainly not the only factor one should use in determining "greatness," but I do think its pretty important.

[OldDog]

Originally Posted by Dahoss

Holy Bull

Holy Bull and Silver Charm would be in my Top 3. But I would put Cigar at #1.

[dalakhani]

Originally Posted by Dahoss

Holy Bull

Ive run into Mike Smith a few times and most notably after the BC this year. I don't know him but he was nice enough to stop and take a picture and chat even after that tough loss. I asked him who his best mount was. I even said "holy bull?"

He said "Zenyatta, in all ways Zenyatta".

It could have been the libations or his emotions speaking a few hours after a tough loss but I swear that is what the man said and there were no reporters or boom mics around.

I know that this is hearsay and I will get my deserved thrashing for posting this. Either way, I took him at his word and if that is the case, I don't think its such a joke that she is mentioned.

If we are judging strictly on what we individually perceive as "quality" in a racehorse, then I think GZ or Cigar are both worthy and I think most would agree that an argument could be made.

If greatness is measured solely in terms of the imprint left on the sport, I think Zenyatta is unquestionably the greatest living racehorse. Thirty years from now, will we talking more about her or Cigar?

Again, it depends on how one defines "greatness".

[Danzig]

for the sake of integrity, i'm hoping people talk more about cigar than zenyatta 30 years from now. since most of her fans aren't going to attend more races since she's retired, i'd imagine talk of her will wither and die in future years. but racing die hards won't forget cigar. nor should they.


i'd have to think holy bull would be the greatest living. cigar close behind.

[Dahoss]

Originally Posted by dalakhani

Ive run into Mike Smith a few times and most notably after the BC this year. I don't know him but he was nice enough to stop and take a picture and chat even after that tough loss. I asked him who his best mount was. I even said "holy bull?"

He said "Zenyatta, in all ways Zenyatta".

It could have been the libations or his emotions speaking a few hours after a tough loss but I swear that is what the man said and there were no reporters or boom mics around.

I know that this is hearsay and I will get my deserved thrashing for posting this. Either way, I took him at his word and if that is the case, I don't think its such a joke that she is mentioned.

If we are judging strictly on what we individually perceive as "quality" in a racehorse, then I think GZ or Cigar are both worthy and I think most would agree that an argument could be made.

If greatness is measured solely in terms of the imprint left on the sport, I think Zenyatta is unquestionably the greatest living racehorse. Thirty years from now, will we talking more about her or Cigar?

Again, it depends on how one defines "greatness".

No offense, but I'd rather pull my toenails out one by one than have another Zenyatta discussion. However, Smith also said she was the best horse ever. He might be a bit biased and was totally (understandable) caught up in the Zenyattatardness.

[Antitrust32]

Originally Posted by dalakhani

If greatness is measured solely in terms of the imprint left on the sport, I think Zenyatta is unquestionably the greatest living racehorse. Thirty years from now, will we talking more about her or Cigar?

Again, it depends on how one defines "greatness".

You really believe Zenyatta left the biggest imprint on the sport.

Hands down.. Smarty Jones and Funny Cide left a much bigger imprint on the sport. Not even close! People actually watch and follow the triple crown races.

so if we are going by that, Smarty Jones is unquestionably the greatest living racehorse.

[miraja2]

Originally Posted by hoovesupsideyourhead

zenyatta duh...

She will undoubtedly hold the title forever because I can only assume that she is immune to death.

[smuthg]

Originally Posted by miraja2

Ghostzapper

But, I think it all comes back to the 2nd part of the equation... The "respect" factor. Back to Joe D, Willie Mays was better, but didn't get the "tag". Holy Bull is a good call, but that is the Ted Williams argument... Didn't win the big one...16 straight wins, the Breeders' Cup at Belmont, the performance in Dubai... It has got to be Cigar!

[Antitrust32]

Originally Posted by DaTruth

It all depends on how you define greatest. Do you just look at a horse's record, such as how many Grade 1 races they won in a row? Do you extend the examination to include how many new fans are created by a particular horse?

are you trying to suggest that Smarty Jones and / or Funny Cide are the best living race horses?

[DaTruth]

Originally Posted by Antitrust32

are you trying to suggest that Smarty Jones and / or Funny Cide are the best living race horses?

No. They never pranced in the paddock before a race, were the subject of love letters from Jay Hovdey, or inspired their fans to show up at the track wearing outfits in the owners' colors.