The article explores what truly defines a great racehorse beyond just speed or competition level. While raw times and quality of opponents matter, the author argues that a key indicator of greatness is a “big win”—a victory by a significant margin (5+ lengths on dirt or 3+ on turf/synthetic). Such a win signals not only physical superiority but also mental dominance and emotional autonomy, showing a horse’s ability to separate itself from the herd instinctively and maintain focus under pressure. This mental edge, akin to the mindset of legendary athletes, is crucial since many horses succumb to mental fatigue before physical exhaustion.

Kerry M. Thomas, an expert in equine mental profiling, highlights three factors—Sensory Soundness, Group Herd Dynamic, and Individual Herd Dynamic—that influence a horse’s competitive mindset and ability to handle stress. Horses demonstrating consistent big wins often possess this independent nature early on, marking them as exceptional. Examples like Charismatic, who had a breakthrough big win before winning the Kentucky Derby, illustrate how such mental breakthroughs predict continued success. Ultimately, greatness in racehorses is as much about psychological resilience and independence as it is about speed or competition.