Welcome to the Memorial

View a constellation of Thoroughbreds who once labored for their keep and gave their lives for an industry built upon the equine’s innate beauty, talent, and courage. On-track fatalities often are hidden, horses forgotten, the global death toll untold. We simply seek to give fallen racehorses the honor they deserve.
World Racehorse MemorialYears 2023–PresentYears 2014–2022
Years 1800–2013
Abbreviations
Track Codes & VenuesRacing Authorities
FAQ & Color Codes
A Historical Document for the Horses
Purpose & Criteria
Suggest a Horse

1/13/2026:The valiant Big Day (AUS) joins“Most Starts for Racehorses on the Memorial,”and a new blog article has posted.(below)

Oldest Racehorses on the Memorial

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

UPDATED 4/30/2025 — 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 1/13/2026 — Despite the dangers of racing, some horses perform a high number of starts before suffering a fatal injury. On the Memorial, Queen’s Plate winner Kingarvie (USA) has reigned as our “king of starts” with 169 races. Now Peachey Carnehand (GB) co-reigns with the same number of starts.

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What’s in a Name?

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

UPDATED 12/30/2025 — 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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Racehorses’ Lives, Rated by an Algorithm

1/9/2026 — Imagine horses whose entire careers are each symbolized by a single number, determined by an algorithm. More >>