Greatest Kentucky Derby Winners of All Time
American Pharoah or Citation
Pick Your Favorite
VS
Your GOAT List
Why This Battle Matters
Who truly deserves the crown of the Kentucky Derby's greatest? Today's matchup pits the relentless warhorse Citation against the crowd-favorite American Pharoah in a pulsating clash of eras. On one hoof, Citation's post-war dominance in a tougher, less forgiving racing circuit. On the other, American Pharoah’s heart-stopping sweep, charming a new generation into the sport. What’s at stake? More than just bragging rights — it's about which horse’s legacy will gallop through history as the epitome of equine excellence. Which decade of fans will tip the scales? It boils down to what you value: the gritty resilience of the past or the dazzling promise of modernity.
🔥 Fan Takes
How Fans Are Voting
In this battle:
Fans currently prefer Citation over American Pharoah when it comes to the greatest Kentucky Derby Winners of all time. In head-to-head matchups, fans pick Citation 100.0% of the time over American Pharoah.
Across all battles:
Citation win rate: 75.8%
American Pharoah win rate: 54.8%
Fan FAQs
Who's the #1 contender on GoatWars in the Greatest Kentucky Derby Winners league?
Secretariat holds the crown as the top contender in the Greatest Kentucky Derby Winners of All Time. Check out his reign and others who've made their mark on the GOAT List.
What makes American Pharoah so popular despite falling behind in votes?
American Pharoah captured hearts by ending the 37-year Triple Crown drought in 2015. His charm, accessibility in the age of social media, and thrilling races are deeply cherished by newer generation fans, keeping his legacy alive in discussions and fan votes.
Why is Citation winning by so much against American Pharoah in the Greatest Kentucky Derby Winners of All Time?
Citation is absolutely dominating because fans remember his incredible Triple Crown win in 1948, and how impressively he kept winning after that. There's a lot of nostalgia playing into this, giving him a massive edge over American Pharoah, even with Pharoah's recent Triple Crown in 2015.