The thrill of horse racing has captivated audiences for centuries, and while the fundamental excitement remains, the sport has evolved significantly. Yet, age appears to be merely a number in this equestrian world, with numerous horses, jockeys, and trainers defying expectations by achieving remarkable feats well into their senior years. This exploration delves into the record-breaking “golden oldies” who have left an indelible mark on the racing landscape.
Horses Defying Age
A horse’s racing career is influenced by various factors, including injuries, a decline in speed or fitness, or simply a loss of enthusiasm for the sport. While many horses have shorter careers, particularly those in flat racing, some have enjoyed exceptionally long and successful tenures.
- Al Jabal, a purebred Arabian racehorse, holds the record as the oldest documented horse to win a race. At the age of 19, he won The Three Horseshoes Handicap over 6 furlongs in June 2002.
- Megalala, trained by John Bridger, competed until he was 16 years old. Although his last win was in 2016 at age 15, he remained one of the oldest horses racing in Britain until his retirement in 2017.
- Sonny Somers, under the training of Fred Winter, achieved a notable accomplishment by winning two chases at the age of 18, making him one of only five horses to officially win a race at that advanced age.
- Wild Aster demonstrated incredible form in March 1919, winning three races within a single week, also at the age of 18.
- Creggmore Boy is recognized as the oldest horse to have participated in a race, finishing fourth in a handicap at Cartmel in 1962 at the age of 22. His final victory came a few years earlier, when he was 17.
- Peter Simple holds the record for the oldest winner of the Grand National, securing victory in the 1853 running of the steeplechase at the age of 15.
- Mac Vidi achieved a remarkable feat by being placed in the Cheltenham Gold Cup during the 1979/80 season at the age of 15, an accomplishment no other horse older than 13 had previously or has since managed.
- Persian Punch and Further Flight are noted as the oldest horses to win Group-2 races, both at the age of 10. Persian Punch won the Goodwood Cup & Jockey Club Cup, while Further Flight won the Doncaster Cup.
- Kasbah Bliss and John Henry reached the pinnacle of Group-1 racing at the age of 9, winning the Prix Du Cadran and the Arlington Million, respectively.
- Yavana’s Pace and Alcazar share the record for the oldest joint Group-1 winners, both achieving this at the age of 10. Yavana’s Pace won the Credit Suisse Private Banking Pokal in Germany, and Alcazar won the French St. Leger (Prix Royal Oak).
Jockey Records: Riders Who Kept Going
Similar to horses, a jockey’s ability to continue racing depends heavily on their fitness and health. However, several jockeys have proven their enduring capability year after year.
- Dick Saunders is the oldest jockey to have won the Grand National, achieving this in 1982 at the age of 48.
- Danny Miller, an Australian jockey, continued to ride until the age of 70. Despite being forced to retire in 2018 due to medical clearance, he had won a Group-1 race (the Railway Stakes) as recently as 2000.
- Frank Amonte, an American jockey, had his final ride in 2011 at the age of 76, making him the oldest winning jockey in the US.
- Harry Beasley Snr from Ireland holds the record for the oldest jockey to ride in a race, competing at Baldoyle racecourse at the remarkable age of 83.
- Gary Bain, currently riding in Florida at age 69, is the oldest jockey still actively competing. This Bahamian jockey, who began riding in 1979, has consistently won races well into his sixties.
- Jimmy Quinn is the oldest currently active jockey in Britain, at 55 years old. In 2022, he won the substantial £50,000 bet365 Handicap at Newmarket.
- John Forth holds the distinction of being the oldest Derby winner ever, having won the Epsom Derby in 1829 at the age of 60, a record that remains unbroken.
Trainers: The Enduring Mentors
The longevity in racing isn’t limited to horses and jockeys; many trainers have also reached significant career milestones.
- Barbara Blackie is recognized as the world’s oldest trainer, continuing her work in New Zealand until her 100th birthday.
- At 96 years old, American thoroughbred trainer Jerry Bozzo became the oldest trainer to win a race when his horse, Cotton Tooyah, won at Gulfstream Park in 2017. He previously held the record for the oldest trainer to win a Stakes race with Flutterby in 2015.
- Sir Michael Stoute, a well-known figure in racing, became the oldest trainer to win the Derby with his horse Desert Crown in 2012, at the age of 76. He surpassed the previous record held by Mat Dawson since 1895.
- American trainer Ant Sherman was 77 when he trained California Chrome to victory in the Kentucky Derby in 2014, making him the oldest trainer to achieve this feat.
- The partnership of trainer Richard Harper and horse Benny (aged 19) became the oldest pair to compete in the Kiplingcotes Derby in 2022. With Harper at 71, their combined age was 90.
Racecourses and Contests: Enduring Legacies
While many individuals have set impressive age-related records, some racecourses and contests boast even longer histories.
Timeless Tracks
- Chester stands as the world’s oldest operational racecourse, with its first race held in January 1539, making it 484 years old as of 2023.
- Newmarket, opened in 1636, is the second oldest racecourse still in active use.
- The Royal Western India Turf Club, founded in 1800, is the oldest racecourse outside of the UK.
- In France, Tarbes-Laloubere has been hosting racing events since its opening on July 23, 1809, over two centuries ago.
- Champ De Mars in Mauritius, established in 1812, was one of the first overseas racecourses developed during the British Empire.
- Freehold Raceway in New Jersey holds the title of the oldest racecourse in the US, having hosted harness racing since 1832. It is followed closely by Fair Grounds in Louisiana, which began hosting races in 1838.
Historic Contests
- The Kiplingcotes Derby, celebrating its 500th anniversary in 2019, is the world’s oldest horse race, inaugurated in 1519. This 4-mile race is held annually and welcomes horses of any age or breeding.
- First run in 1666, the Town Plate is Britain’s second oldest race, currently standing at 357 years old. Held at Newmarket over 3m6f, it is for amateur riders.
- Originally run over 4 miles at Cantley Common, the Doncaster Cup was first held in 1766. Its distance has since been shortened to 2m2f, and it was promoted to Group-1 status in 2002.
- The St. Leger is the world’s oldest classic race, first held in 1776. Initially run over 2 miles, its distance was reduced to 1m6f in 1813.
- The Belmont Stakes, originating in 1867, is the oldest of the American Triple Crown races. It has been contested over 1m4f since 1926, having initially been run over 1 5/8 miles.
These remarkable records underscore the enduring spirit and capability found within the racing world, proving that age is indeed just a number for these celebrated “golden oldies.” Their achievements are likely to be remembered for generations to come.
