Now that the disappointment of California Chrome’s inability to take home the Triple Crown is beginning to pass, horse-talk is shifting. One of the most popular conversations of the moment is whether or not today’s horses are more expensive than yesterday’s. In fact, the truth is that some horses are just more expensive than others, and it has nothing to do with the day and age. Here are five of the most expensive horses in history.
2000 Fusaichi Pegasus – $64 Million
Considering the fact that this horse cost so much money, it’s a fair disappointment. It won only six of nine races, only two of them exceptionally notable. This horse did win the 2000 Kentucky Derby, but nothing else as notable. It’s the child of other famous horses Angel Fever and Mr. Prospector.
1983 Shareef Dancer – $40 Million
In 1983, $40 million was a lot more money that it is today. This horse is the product of Sweet Alliance and Northern Dancer. It raced five times and won three, placed second once and failed to place once. It was owned by the Emir of Dubai and sold for a major profit.
1985 Seattle Dancer – $13.1 Million
This horse was worth a lot because of its lineage. It was born to Nijinksy and My Charmer. My Charmer was born of Seattle Slew, the 1977 Triple Crown Winner. Nijinksy won the 1971 British Triple Crown. Another part of the reason this horse sold for so much was the fact that there was immense competition from buyers across the world.
1983 Snaafi Dancer – $10.2 Million
In 1983, the Emir of Dubai was looking to start a breeding program and chose a horse born of Northern Dancer – as so many were. When it was sold at auction, it held the record as most expensive auction horse ever sold. Not only did the horse never race because it was so slow, it also had fertility issues and difficulties producing any babies.
2006 Plavius – $9.2 Million
The Emir of Dubai loves to purchases horses. This one was born to Danzig and Sharp Minister. The horse was trained in one of the Emir’s training facilities in the United Kingdom. Born in 2005, this horse goes down in history as one of the top 10 most expensive horses in history.
