How Arrogate became highest-earning horse in history in 140 days

On the morning of November 6, 2016, Arrogate had raced just five times and earned a sliver over £500,000 for his trouble. Today his total career earnings stand at £13,347,744 in what might be the most astonishing rise racing has ever seen.

Up until the Breeders' Cup Classic, which he won four and a half months ago, Arrogate had won only one race of note, the Travers Stakes at Saratoga. Before that he had landed two optional claimers and a maiden (he finished just third on his debut, a little under one year ago at Los Alamitos). Then he went meteoric, winning more money in just 140 days than any other horse in history.

This is how he did it.

Breeders’ Cup Classic
Santa Anita, November 6, 2016

Arrogate had announced himself as a horse with potential with a dominant display in the Travers Stakes at Saratoga, but this was different. It was different because California Chrome, who was unbeaten since coming off second best in the 2015 Dubai World Cup, was in opposition and had looked in sensational form.

A titanic contest unfolded between the pair with California Chrome going from the front and Arrogate trying to chase him down. And he did, just, in an exhilarating finish.

Breeders' Cup Classic earnings: £2,244,898
Total earnings: £2,778,638

Pegasus World Cup
Gulfstream Park, January 28, 2017

With his triumph in the Breeders’ Cup Classic the world woke up to the tremendous potential Arrogate possessed, and he had a chance to show this again in the world’s richest race.

A final climactic showdown with California Chrome awaited in the $12m contest and both sets of connections were confident their star would came out on top.

In the end, the head-to-head never materialised with California Chrome injuring himself during the race. But Arrogate was head and shoulders above the rest, romping to a near five-length success.

Pegasus World Cup earnings: £5,691,057
Total earnings: £8,469,695

Dubai World Cup
Meydan, March 25, 2017

Having triumphed in two of the biggest dirt races in the world Arrogate was expected to win this with ease, especially with nothing of the quality of California Chrome in opposition.

However, first came the rain – torrential volumes of it falling in the desert. Then, from the stalls he was tardy and badly hampered, exiting the melee at the rear of the field and in a whole world of trouble.

Or so it seemed. Arrogate produced one of the most dazzling performances ever seen in Dubai as he rounded the entire field and caught the leader with a furlong to go. In the end, he was able to coast to victory. It was a truly staggering performance whichever way you look at it.

Dubai World Cup earnings: £4,878,049
Total earnings: £13,347,744

Top earners of all time

1 Arrogate £13,347,745
2 Gentildonna £12,224,036
3 Orfevre £12,185,908