An upset occurs when a horse, often favored to lose, triumphs over the favorites. Bettors and experts tend to consider these horses long shots because they are thought to have a low likelihood of winning. When a long shot wins, it stuns fans, punters, and sometimes even the experts; it becomes a standout story that gets told and retold for years, if not decades. So, what is the biggest upset in horse racing? Let’s look at some of the most popular horse racing upsets and why they were so shocking.
What is the Biggest Upset in Horse Racing History
Foinavon in the 1967 Grand National
Foinavon’s victory remains one of the most storied upsets of all time. He began the race with 100-1 odds, so few anticipated he would secure a victory. There was an enormous pile-up at one of the fences during the race in which a number of horses refused to jump, slamming into each other. Foinavon was behind the chaos but jumped the fence without any problems. He pushed on and won the race handily, surprising everyone. His jockey, John Buckingham, was a last-minute replacement, and his win was so surprising that his trainer didn’t watch the race live. This is a story of how sometimes pure luck and composure under pressure can win the day.
Arcangues in the Breeders’ Cup Classic in 1993
Arcangues is the greatest long-shot winner in the history of the Breeders’ Cup Classic. This French horse was 133-1—the longest in the race’s history. It was his first time running on dirt, so his odds looked even longer. Nevertheless, Arcangues surged to the front and pulled away down the stretch to win by two lengths in one of the biggest upsets in the history of American horse racing. This upset is a lesson that horses with minimal experience on a particular surface can come back and stun everyone with a stellar performance.
Man of War Loses the 1919 Sanford Memorial
Man o’ War is generally considered the best racehorse ever, with 20 wins in 21 races. He suffered his lone defeat at the Sanford Memorial in 1919 at the hands of a horse named Upset. The race began terribly for Man o’ War, who was standing sidewise, or possibly backward. Upset jumped very well and managed to maintain his lead, ultimately winning by the shortest of margins. It is widely believed that the term “upset” in sports originated from this race, although the term already existed prior to it.
Donerail in the 1913 Kentucky Derby
Donerail won the Kentucky Derby at 91-1, the biggest upset in Derby history. More than 50,000 people saw this long shot of a horse winning the race. His upset serves as a reminder that anything is possible, even in the most prestigious races.
Sarava at the 2002 Belmont Stakes
Sarava won the Belmont Stakes at 70-1 odds, denying War Emblem a shot at a Triple Crown. War Emblem was a favorite and had taken the first two Triple Crown races, but Sarava overtook War Emblem in the stretch for the upset win. The Belmont Stakes has a reputation of being unkind to favorites; still, Sarava’s win was more unexpected, since he was not well known.
Why Do These Upsets Matter?
I think that these upsets are exactly what makes horse racing so thrilling and unpredictable. They reveal that even an odds-on favorite with massive data, experience, and hype around them, the race is not over until they reach the finish line. It’s these moments that make legends and stories that the fans tell for 100 years. They also symbolize the significance of nearly every aspect of running the race—from the start to the jockey’s decisions and, yes, luck.
What Causes Such Upsets?
There are several causes of an upset in a horse race:
- Race Conditions: Weather, track surface, and race distance can affect horses differently.
- Jockey Performance: A skilled or lucky ride can make a big difference.
- Horse Health and Form: Favorites may not always be in optimal condition, while long shots may peak at the right moment.
- Race Incidents: Pile-ups, falls, or interference can change the outcome dramatically, as seen with Foinavon.
- Betting Odds: Odds reflect public opinion and bookmaker predictions but are not always accurate.
Final Thoughts on the Biggest Upset in Horse Racing
I find these upsets great because they make me aware that horse racing is not black and white but a volatile and theatrical drama. When a long shot comes through, it’s as if the sport itself is rewarding hope and determination. I also believe these stories are valuable because they reveal the human and animal factors that exist behind the sport—they demonstrate how a horse and jockey can defy the odds as partners.
So, the biggest upset in horse racing is a moment in history we just can’t forget, encapsulating the real spirit of sport. They remind us that racing is unpredictable and that every race is the beginning of a new, unique story. Whether it’s Foinavon squeaking by, Arcangues stealing the Breeders’ Cup Classic, or Donerail’s miraculous Derby victory, a shocking victory on the track keeps fans paying attention, coming back for more, waiting and hoping for the next big surprise.
Find out if analytics improved or undermined sports entertainment. And make sure you follow us on Facebook and Twitter to talk sports some more.
Sources:
- www.ludlowracecourse.co.uk/biggest-upsets-in-horseracing-history/
- www.telegraph.co.uk/racing/2024/12/23/greatest-upsets-in-racing-history-foinavon-arcangues-maroof/
- www.champsofthetrack.com/post/10-shocking-upsets-horse-racing
All images are AI generated with canva.com
