from History from History SNAPSHOT THE BEST of the BEST

WRITTEN BY BRIEN BOUYEA | PHOTOS COURTESY OF NYRA (UNLESS NOTED)

Comparing the greatness of racehorses from different eras presents incredible challenges. Training methods change, track conditions vary, foal crop sizes fluctuate, and even how races are timed has evolved. How does one compare Man o’ War, who competed before the days of starting gates and digital timing, to horses from later in the 20th century or the early 21st century? It all makes for a difficult and subjective task — and a great debate.

In attempting the rank the five greatest American racehorses of all time, I put particular emphasis on the lasting legacy of the horse in addition to the accomplishments and records. The outcome, of course, is arbitrary with no right or wrong answer, but here’s where I landed...