WINX - Recognised as the top-ranked throughout history by downunderpunter.com

It is challenging to compare legendary thoroughbreds from different racing eras and establish an Australasian Top 10 of all-time due to the subjective nature of such evaluations. Throughout the annals of equine raceing history, numerous horses have demonstrated champion qualities, yet only a rare few attain the pinnacle of greatness, transcending the boundaries of mere athleticism and etching their names into the annals of immortality. We analyse each horse and give our shared opinions. We also identify the number of G1 wins each horse achieved during their individual racing careers.

There's no doubting the sheer brilliance of Winx and what she achieved on the racetrack, but the question remains as to the quality of her competition, however she would have given any of these recorded legends a challenging time. The daughter of Street Cry did scare off many trainers who were not interested in running second, but 25 Group One's, 37 from 43 and 33 in succession with $26 million in earnings has this amazing mare at the top of the rankings. The Chipping Norton 4 times, George Ryder 4 times, Winx Stakes 3 times, the George Main 3 times, Queen Elizabeth Stakes 3 times and of course, the Cox Plate 4 times. We may never see the likes of her again but we were fortunate to witness probably the greatest racehorse in Australasian history scorch across the turf in our lifetime. Known during her heyday as the ‘people’s horse’, Winx is an Australian icon who transcended her sport - joining the realms of fellow legends like Cathy Freeman and Sir Donald Bradman. She is beyond peer and the #1 ranked horse of all time.

Kingston Town, a legendary figure in the annals of Australian thoroughbred racing emerged as one of the most durable gallopers to grace the turf during the early 1980s. Three Cox Plates, three Warrick Stakes, two George Main and Caulfield Stakes, in addition to a victory over 3200m in the Sydney Cup. He won an AJC and QLD Derby and the Rosehill Guineas among his 30 victories, making him one of the most versatile and accomplished horses to ever run down under. Due to an injury, he only participated in the Spring Carnivals of 1981, 1982, and 1983. This fact alone elevates him to a prominent position of respect and admiration. Kingston Town’s legacy will not be forgotten, even though his three Cox Plate wins were equaled and surpassed by Winx. Others, too, have won more Group 1 races. Still, for the three seasons he raced, his heart was never questioned. His ability over sprint and staying races such as the Sydney Cup (3200m) sets him apart in a manner that Winx couldn't emulate and only a few others have displayed the versatility to win top-level races at all distances and under all conditions. He was notably one of the initial five Thoroughbreds, along with Carbine, Phar Lap, Tulloch and Bernborough, to be inducted into the Australian Racing Hall of Fame in 2000.

Much worshipped in life and in death, Phar Lap has occupied a unique place in the story of Australia's and New Zealand's evolving national identities for nearly 100 years. The "Red Terror" may be considered the greatest of all time, but we must examine the era and its broader context to fully understand it's significance. Phar Lap was a large horse, 17 hands high, with powerful leg muscles and a strong heart, which after his death was discovered to be one of the largest ever found in a racehorse. Although he was known as a stayer, he was equally as successful at sprint races. There was no doubting his class and ability, winning most of the major 3yo features in the early 1930's, plus two Cox Plates and a string of other Principal Races too long to list. Phar Lap, achieved an impressive record of 37 victories in 51 races, including the 1930 Melbourne Cup, solidifying his status as an iconic figure in the annals of horse racing history. Additionally, he achieved victory in Mexico, and his remarkable journey from start to finish is truly an extraordinary one. While it may be challenging to categorise him in third place, it appears to be a fair assessment considering the talent of the champion in comparison to the thoroughbreds of the modern era.

Slotting Bart Cummings talented stallion below Kingston Town was a tough call, as Tulloch did win nearly everything going in the late 1950's through the early '60's. He was just a brilliant miler/stayer that won multiple races at two and three years of ages, winning 3 Sires Produce, 3 Derby's, 2 St Legers plus a McKinnon, Cox Plate and Brisbane Cup. Nailed a Caulfield Cup in Melbourne and travelled extensively for over four years, winning 36 from 53 starts. As a 3 year old his career remains unmatched in Australasian racing history. He was the fastest three year old in the world at the time. In 1957, Tulloch beat Phar Lap's record time in the AJC Derby by more than 2 seconds, and as a 3 year old he won 14 of his 16 starts, including the 1957 Caulfield Cup in world record time. Tulloch won from 1000m to two miles which has him as one of the most versatile champions ever. They didn't come much tougher, therefore 4th place feels a correct fit for the champion known forever as, "Haleys Comet".

With a firm place in the hearts of Australian racing fans, Black Caviar’s astonishing achievements were instrumental in re-igniting a passion for the sport not seen since the mighty Phar Lap. The remarkable mare achieved an impressive feat by remaining undefeated in 25 consecutive races, securing her place in history with exceptional demonstrations of sprinting prowess. She won dual Lightning, TJ Smith, William Reid, CF ORR, Australia, Schillaci and Schweppes Stakes plus two Patinack Farm Classics, and nearly $8 million in earnings. World Champion Sprinter for 4 years, Australia Horse of the Year for 3 years running, Black Caviar also travelled to England and won the 2012 Diamond Jubilee Stakes at Ascot, defeating the world's best. It's claimed Luke Nolen never drew the whip on "Nelly" which says everything you need to know about her will to win. This mighty mare could of claimed higher, but she never won over 1400m and stayed under the mile at the more suitable galloping distances between 1000m -1200m.

One of the most popular champions, Makybe Diva is best remembered for winning three consecutive Melbourne Cups from 2003-2005. An absolute powerhouse stayer, the Tony Stanic owned mare carved a path by also winning the Cox Plate, Australian Cup, BMW, Memsie, Turnbull and QE Stakes. There is some dispute over the quality she faced in the Cups but there's no denying her sheer staying ability over distance. Makybe Diva didn't really get serious until a four-year-old so missed any Derby opportunities or even 2YO features which had some influence over her final ranking position. Without a doubt, she was one of the most remarkable and enduring mares in the annals of contemporary Australian racing.

One of the most sensational equine athletes to emerge from New Zealand, this amazing mare achieved an unparalleled level of success in the early 21st century, securing multiple prestigious victories including the coveted Cox Plate, Coolmore Classic, All Aged Stakes, and Doncaster Handicap on two separate occasions. Sunline had an impressive track record, remaining undefeated in New Zealand, winning 32 from 48 starts, only unplaced 4 times. Additionally, the horse achieved notable victories such as the 2000 Hong Kong Mile and a commendable third-place finish in Dubai. She possessed an amazing turn of foot and was stunning up to 2000m. While New Zealand has produced several notable racehorses of the highest standard, Sunline stands out as a particularly exceptional contender for the title of "best ever."

The Australian thoroughbred industry was still in its early stages when Carbine came into the picture. Despite this, the New Zealand-bred stallion achieved unbelievable success and became the most prominent racing figure during that era. He won two Sydney Cups and All-Aged Stakes as well as the 1890 Melbourne Cup. Despite the significant weight Carbine carried, he achieved an astounding record, winning 33 out of 43 starts and dominated the racing scene prior to the turn of the century. Carbine held the stakes earnings record for over two decades and accomplished the prodigious feat of participating in a mile and two mile race in a single day, emerging victorious. This achievement solidifies his status as a unique and deserving candidate in the Top 10 list of ultimate Australasian Champions.

The brilliant racehorse, colloquially known as 'The Big O', achieved outstanding success in the mid-1990s. Notably, Octagonal won the Cox Plate as a three-year-old, followed by two Guineas and a Derby in 1996. Furthermore, he secured victories in the Mercedes Classic on two occasions, as well as the Underwood, Chipping Norton, and an Australian Cup. During his racing career Octagonal was a horse that often trailed at the rear and would charge late in magnificent style. His victories were never achieved by a significant margin, however, his unwavering determination and fighting spirit made him a beloved figure among racing enthusiasts. This consistent success solidified his position as a permanent fixture in our Top 10. Octagonal achieved 14 victories out of 28 starts, along with 7 notable placements. Furthermore, the subject's lineage boasts the renowned champion Lonhro, establishing a pedigree of significant value.

The 10th and final spot is hotly disputed, but we felt the great Bonecrusher fully deserves it as a hard fighting racehorse that never gave an inch while achieving success in 10 Group One races. The distinguished New Zealand-bred gelding achieved remarkable feats on both sides of the Tasman Sea, notably participating in the celebrated 'Race of the Century', securing a triumphant victory over Our Waverley Star in the prestigious Cox Plate event of 1986. He did win the NZ and Australian Derby, an Underwood, Tancred and the Australian Cup, but that race alone was the difference and propelled him inside the Top 10. Bonecrusher raced 44 times for 18 wins and 17 placings which is a marvelous record in itself.

The unlucky few

Lonhro (11)

Gunsynd

Northerly (9)

Tobin Bronze (10)

Rough Habit (11)

Bernborough

Honourable mention

Takeover Target (8)

Manikato (20)

Verry Elleegant (11)

Better Loosen Up (8)

Super Impose (8)

Rising Fast