Whether they be from the Timeform all-time ranking lists or purely based on popularity, National Hunt racing fans can all agree that there have been some exemplary chasers down the years.
Every compilation of this nature is subjective, and it will differ somewhat from person to person, but at the end of the day, we all recognise that these horses were simply the GREATEST!
Golden Miller
From 1932 to 1936, Golden Miller set a record that hasn’t been matched since, winning five consecutive Cheltenham Gold Cup races.
He is also the only horse in history to have won both the Gold Cup and the Grand National in the same year.
His record time in the Grand National stood for 38 years until Red Rum broke it in 1973.
Arkle
The 1960’s at The Festival were defined by Arkle’s dominance of the sport, winning three consecutive Gold Cups from 1964 to 1966.
On the basis of pure ability, he was the greatest chaser ever and was head and shoulders above his contemporaries. His 20 length Gold Cup win in 1966 was just sublime.
Red Rum
No chaser has ever equalled Red Rum’s determination over the “old school” Aintree fences. His record of being placed first or second in five successive Grand Nationals is highly unlikely to ever be equalled.
To this day no other chaser has been bestowed with the sheer stamina and consistency over the Grand National course as Red Rum.
Those lucky enough to have seen him race in the flesh on Merseyside, have witnessed a history maker.
Desert Orchid
The striking grey was a national institution and a housewives’ favourite every single time he ran.
He won 34 of his 70 starts, including an Irish Grand National, Gold Cup and four King George VI Chases. To many he epitomised the spirit of Christmas with his annual Boxing Day appearance at Kempton Park.
Kauto Star
For six years from 2005, Kauto Star was peerless over any distance.
He landed the King George VI Chase a record five times, the Betfair Chase four times, the Cheltenham Gold Cup twice and the Tingle Creek Chase on two occasions also.
Flyingbolt
Flyingbolt won 16 of his first 18 races, including three championship races at the Cheltenham Festival.
He was sent off a 1-5 shot in the horse racing betting when taking the Champion Chase. He was a contemporary and stablemate of Arkle and was rated just behind him.
Mill House
Mill House captured hearts in the 1960’s with his strength, elegance, and undeniable talent.
Winning iconic events like the Cheltenham Gold Cup and the Hennessy Gold Cup, his rivalry with Arkle was legendary too.
Denman
Known affectionately as “The Tank”, Denman secured his place on the “greatest list” through a string of brilliant performances and with his head-to-head encounters with stablemate Kauto Star.
Best Mate
Best Mate captured the public imagination and won the affection of the nation. He was the first horse to have won three Cheltenham Gold Cups since Arkle and his 22-race career included 14 victories.
His quietly spoken trainer Henrietta Knight was loved by supporters far and wide and they were a beautiful combination.
L’Escargot
L’Escargot was no snail, winning two successive Gold Cups in 1970 and 1971 and the Grand National in 1975.
No chaser had ever beat Red Rum with such authority before, and his victory that year goes down as one of the best performances in the National ever.
If this trip down memory lane has inspired you to find out more about our current equine stars, then check out our latest Cheltenham betting here.
*Credit for the photos in this article belongs to Alamy*
