Secretariat is said by some to be the best racehorse of the 20th century, though Man O'War actually has a stronger claim. However, there were a few centuries of horse racing before either of them were born. What of Eclipse, whose races consisted of three multi-mile heats, and who was undefeated in 18 starts? He stopped racing only because no horse could be found to race against him after he continued to distance them all by 240 yards or more. He was considered the greatest race horse of the 18th century, and he ran longer, harder races without the benefits of modern shoes and farriery, modern supplements, modern surfaces.
“What of Eclipse, whose races consisted of three multi-mile heats, and who was undefeated in 18 starts?”
That’s why the horse of the year award is the “Eclipse award”.
What were his times and what was the field against which he ran?
This is an argument akin to who was the greatest pro quarterback of all time. It’s an opinion thing, with no right and no wrong. Personally, I think Joe Montana was the greatest pro quarterbacki. But, what about Slinging Sammy Baugh? What about Norm Van Brocklin? What about Bart Starr? It’s a fun tavern topic.