Welcome to the Memorial

You will find thousands of Thoroughbreds herein who gave their livesin an extreme sport. Yet many more have gone unreported, whethermissing in action or hidden by the connections or racing authoritiesin unfairness to the horses and the public. Therefore, weseek to give fallen racehorses the honor they deserve.
World Racehorse MemorialYears 2023–PresentYears 2014–2022
Years 1800–2013
Abbreviations
Track Codes & Locations
FAQ
Historical Document for the Horses
Purpose & Criteria
Suggest a Horse

Oldest Racehorses on the Memorial

Fate’s Secret (1992-2016), 24yo bay horse or gelding 

UPDATED 10/25/2024 — Often starting at age 2, some horses endure lifelong racing careers, never to retire before they finally suffer a fatal injury. Currently, eventer Fate’s Secret (USA) is the Memorial’s oldest horse at age 24.

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Most Starts for Racehorses on the Memorial

Kingarvie (CAN) (1943-1955), 12yo chestnut horse 

UPDATED 10/24/2024 — Despite the dangers of racing, some horses go on to perform a high number of starts before suffering a fatal injury. On the Memorial, Queen’s Plate winner Kingarvie (USA) still reigns as king of starts at 169 races.

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What’s in a Name?

Tin Cup Chalice (2005-2009), 4yo bay gelding

UPDATED 10/26/2024 — The clever and endearing names given to racehorses seem to reflect a love and hope their keepers hold for these noble creatures.

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The Rise of Fatality Reports

11/23/2024 — Since this Memorial’s inception in 2005 we’ve seen a rise in racehorse-fatality reports. Most of us operate independently, in silos, approaching the subject from various angles, while using sources of varying access, transparency, and accuracy. More >>