Greatest Kentucky Derby Winners of All Time
Citation or Affirmed
Pick Your Favorite
VS
Your GOAT List
Why This Battle Matters
In a race that transcends time, Citation and Affirmed square off in an electrifying battle of legacy versus achievement. Citation, the whirlwind wonder of the 1948 Triple Crown, embodies the golden era of racing—a titan whose hooves carved paths for future legends. On the other side, Affirmed, the last Triple Crown winner of the 20th century, represents not just victory, but the relentless spirit needed to edge out competitors in those nail-biting photo finishes. What's at stake here isn't just a spot on a list; it's about who defines the very soul of horse racing greatness. So, what weighs more in the annals of history: a blazing start or a thrilling finish?
🔥 Fan Takes
How Fans Are Voting
In this battle:
Fans currently prefer Citation over Affirmed when it comes to the greatest Kentucky Derby Winners of all time. In head-to-head matchups, fans pick Citation 70.0% of the time over Affirmed.
Across all battles:
Citation win rate: 55.8%
Affirmed win rate: 35.6%
Fan FAQs
Who's the #1 contender on GoatWars in the Greatest Kentucky Derby Winners league?
Currently, Secretariat tops the chart as the #1 contender among the Greatest Kentucky Derby Winners! Fans simply can't get enough of 'Big Red's' legendary performance in 1973. Check out the full GOAT List to see where others rank.
What makes Affirmed so popular even though he's behind Citation?
Affirmed captured hearts by winning the Triple Crown in 1978, especially known for his thrilling rivalries with Alydar. Fans love a good underdog and dramatic finish, and Affirmed's fierce competitiveness on the track brings a lot of nostalgia and affection from the racing community.
Why is Citation leading over Affirmed in the Greatest Kentucky Derby Winners of All Time?
Citation is pulling ahead because fans remember his incredible Triple Crown win in 1948, plus he's known as one of the first horses ever to earn over a million dollars in winnings. That kind of history and record-breaking performance really resonates with fans, driving his higher popularity in the votes!