National Hunt racing has a rich and storied history since its early beginnings in the United Kingdom and Ireland. With traces back to the 18th century, jumps racing has survived the test of time and is still incredibly popular with those looking to make a bet on horse racing.
Over the years, several horses have become household names and won a place in the hearts of millions across the land. From Grand National hero Red Rum to three-time Gold Cup winner Arkle, National Hunt’s produced an endless list of icons.
Now in the thick of the 2024-25 jumps season, and with the major festive meetings on the horizon—like the Leopardstown Christmas Festival and the King George VI Chase at Kempton—now seems like a good time to look back at some of the modern greats of this millennium.
Istabraq
While Istabraq’s career was arguably at its peak during the late 1990s, he still picked up a Champion Hurdle, a December Festival Hurdle, and two Irish Champion Hurdles in the early 2000s.
Bred initially as a flat horse, Istabraq failed to impress on the flat and was sold by Shadwell to JP McManus for just 38,000 guineas.
The rest is history, as he joined Aidan O’Brien and went on to win 23 of his 29 outings over the smaller obstacles—picking up over £1 million—to be considered the greatest hurdler of all time.
Best Mate
Without a doubt, one of the greats of this millennium, Best Mate was a Grade 1 winner over hurdles as a novice before his career reached new heights as a chaser.
Best Mate completed the Peterborough Chase, King George, and Gold Cup treble in 2002 and went on to become the first horse since Arkle to win the Cheltenham showpiece three years running.
Famously never falling at a fence or hurdle, the Henrietta Knight-trained horse had a formidable record of never finishing outside the top two before he died after pulled-up at Exeter.
Kauto Star
One of the highest-rated jumpers of all time, Kauto Star holds the record as the only horse to regain the Cheltenham Gold Cup.
The Paul Nicholls-trained horse won his Gold Cup in 2007 and, after being beaten by stablemate Denman 12 months later, was back in the winner’s enclosure in 2009.
As well as his dual Gold Cups, Kauto Star holds the record for the most King George successes with five and won 19 of his 31 steeplechases.
Tiger Roll
A horse that will go down in Grand National folklore, Tiger Roll became the first horse since Red Rum to win the prestigious Aintree contest back-to-back.
Trained by Gordon Elliott, the Gigginstown House Stud-owned thoroughbred scored in the Grand National in 2018 and 2019, but never got the chance to complete the hat-trick due to the pandemic and issues with his handicap.
As well as his Grand National successes, Tiger Roll won five times at the Cheltenham Festival—including the Grade 1 Triumph Hurdle and three Cross Country Chases.
Altior
With 19 consecutive wins and two Champion Chase triumphs, Altior is arguably the greatest two-mile chaser of all time.
In his four seasons unbeaten, the Nicky Henderson-trained horse won 11 Grade 1 races over fences and hurdles—including four wins at the Cheltenham Festival.
Hurricane Fly
A dominant force in the thrilling two-hurdle scene, Hurricane Fly boasts an incredible record of 22 Grade 1 wins.
Another horse that was bred for the flat, Hurricane Fly was sold after winning just twice in 10 outings—joining Willie Mullins’ yard.
His top wins include two Champion Hurdles, five Irish Champion Hurdles, four Punchestown Champion Hurdles, and four December Festival Hurdles.
—
Mullins’ dual Gold Cup winners Al Boum Photo and Galopin Des Champs are amongst the more recent greats, while Constitution Hill is set to go down as a hurdling legend.
