Which modern top horse has the best conformation in your opinion?

[wallstbear]

Hi, all -- here is the first post of a new member -- which modern top horse is widely considered to be the ultimate thoroughbred specimen?

I am sure you have your own definition of a top horse but I suspect multiple Gr 1 race winners. By "modern" I am referring to the past 50 years or so. Thanks for everyone's input!

[BaroqueAgain1]

Zenyatta in 2009 race shape was the most physically striking horse to me. The way she looked for the Classic was spectacular. So powerful, but completely balanced.
Pretty fast, too.

[Akitaperson]

Hi, all -- here is the first post of a new member -- which modern top horse is widely considered to be the ultimate thoroughbred specimen?

I am sure you have your own definition of a top horse but I suspect multiple Gr 1 race winners. By "modern" I am referring to the past 50 years or so. Thanks for everyone's input!

Gun Runner

[Justahorse]

Id have to say Gun Runner. And McKenzie,oh and goodnight olive

[Northport]

Sea The Stars

[Mylute]

I remember thinking Shanghai Bobby looked awesome.

[HB1994]

It’s going back more than 50 years, but it was always said Buckpasser’s conformation was as close to perfect as a horse could get.

Welcome to the board.

[wallstbear]

Zenyatta in 2009 race shape was the most physically striking horse to me. The way she looked for the Classic was spectacular. So powerful, but completely balanced.
Pretty fast, too.

Thanks I am also a Zenyatta fan. Unfortunately there are very few of HD pics of her conformation in race fit condition.

[Squeaky]

Secretariat

[ForTheThrill]

I've always loved Medaglia d'Oro.

[stelladaniella]

Welcome to the forum!
I really like Tiznow and Cigar. Stunning horses.

[Squeaky]

Equinox?

[BaroqueAgain1]

I am also a Zenyatta fan. Unfortunately there are very few of HD pics of her conformation in race fit condition.

If you can find TVG's coverage of the 2009 Classic, you get good looks of her in the paddock and post parade. But the best view of her amazing build was when she was being led back to the stable after the race. The camera followed her for a few moments, and you get a good look at her physique...proud, sweaty, every muscle defined, with her deep chest, tight waist and powerful hindquarters on display.

[Miss Woodford]

Stradivarius is an exceptionally well-built stallion

[BaroqueAgain1]

Nice. As an exceptionally well-built instrument of speed, he really deserves that name.

[firehorse]

I am also a Zenyatta fan. Unfortunately there are very few of HD pics of her conformation in race fit condition.

If you can find TVG's coverage of the 2009 Classic, you get good looks of her in the paddock and post parade. But the best view of her amazing build was when she was being led back to the stable after the race. The camera followed her for a few moments, and you get a good look at her physique...proud, sweaty, every muscle defined, with her deep chest, tight waist and powerful hindquarters on display.

Barbara Livingston has an excellent series of Zenyatta in her prime, no straight conformation shots, but some spectacular pictures of her from all angles in all her glory in her prime: https://barbaradlivingston.photoshelter ... piXYuOu84/

You will get a watermark in the full size photos though, not sure if the series is published elsewhere anymore.

[HB1994]

Stradivarius is an exceptionally well-built stallion

I think he takes after his BM sire line (Bering/Arctic Tern/ Sea-Bird).

[Ridan_Remembered]

Secretariat

Secretariat without a doubt. The most hardbitten experienced horsemen couldn't find a fault with him.

They say Frankel has excellent conformation, but having never seen him in person, I can't form my own opinion.

I agree about Stradivarius. He is beautiful.

[BaroqueAgain1]

"Barbara Livingston has an excellent series of Zenyatta in her prime...."

Firehorse, thank you for that link. Looking at them really brought back some memories. So poignant to see the late Steve Willard aboard the Big Mare again.

[wallstbear]

Secretariat

Secretariat without a doubt. The most hardbitten experienced horsemen couldn't find a fault with him.

They say Frankel has excellent conformation, but having never seen him in person, I can't form my own opinion.

I agree about Stradivarius. He is beautiful.

Not disagreeing but I have seen people who thought Secretariat was a bit too stocky/girthy for their liking with too thick a neck. In fact on another forum I have seen folks slammed for showing an overly muscular horse that does not represent the elegance of the thoroughbred horse while in fact they were just showing a retired secretariat.