Since the turn of the millennium, a select group of thoroughbreds have not only lit up the racecourse but have also shaped the sport’s future through their influence at stud. These horses didn’t just win big—they changed breeding trends, redefined excellence, and helped elevate the profile of flat racing on a global scale.
For users of VirginBet sports or those deeply invested in betting on horse racing, understanding the dual impact of these modern legends provides insight into both performance and pedigree.
Here are five of the most influential horses of the 21st century—on and off the track.
Galileo
No horse has had a more profound influence on 21st-century racing than Galileo. The 2001 Derby winner enjoyed a brilliant career on the track, but it was in the breeding sheds where he truly became a legend.
A perennial champion sire, Galileo has produced countless Group 1 winners, including Frankel, Minding, Australia, and Found. His progeny dominate pedigrees across Europe, and his bloodline continues to be the backbone of elite middle-distance breeding.
Kingman
A breathtaking miler during his racing days, Kingman won four Group 1 races in 2014, including the St James’s Palace Stakes and the Sussex Stakes. Since retiring to stud, he has rapidly established himself as one of the most in-demand sires in the world.
His offspring, such as Palace Pier, Kinross, and Commissioning, have excelled at the highest level, and his ability to pass on speed and class has made him a modern breeding powerhouse.
Frankel
Few horses have ever captured the public imagination like Frankel. Unbeaten in 14 career starts, his dominance over a mile and beyond made him arguably the greatest racehorse of all time.
Retired in 2012, Frankel has since become a hugely successful sire, producing stars like Cracksman, Chaldean, and Soul Sister.
His legacy continues to grow with each season, ensuring his name remains central to both racing and breeding for decades to come.
Sea The Stars
One of the most versatile and complete champions of the modern era, Sea The Stars won the 2009 Derby, 2,000 Guineas, and Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe in a single season—a feat few horses could even attempt.
At stud, he’s maintained his excellence, producing Derby winner Harzand, top miler Baaeed, and multiple Gold Cup hero Stradivarius. A half-brother to Galileo, Sea The Stars brings class, durability, and global appeal to his stallion legacy.
Dubawi
An elite two-year-old and Irish 2,000 Guineas winner at three, , Dubawi has quietly become one of the most reliable and respected sires in the world. The son of Dubai Millennium has produced Group 1 winners across every major distance category, including Ghaiyyath, Modern Games, and Lord North.
Known for producing tough, consistent performers, Dubawi’s stallion record is remarkable, and he’s now a key figure in many of the sport’s top pedigrees.
