Greatest Kentucky Derby Winners of All Time
Justify or Whirlaway
Pick Your Favorite
VS
Your GOAT List
Why This Battle Matters
Who embodies the spirit of the Kentucky Derby more fiercely: Justify, the meteoric star whose Triple Crown glory revived our fascination with horse racing’s ultimates, or Whirlaway, with his sweeping, dramatic turns and a 1941 victory that's talked about to this day? This isn’t just a battle of two champions; it’s a clash of eras and epics. Here, traditions tango with modern legends, each stride and story galvanizing fans into a fierce debate over what defines greatness. Will you lean towards the flash of recent brilliance or the enduring allure of a wartime winner? Your favorites echo your values.
🔥 Fan Takes
How Fans Are Voting
In this battle:
Fans currently prefer Justify over Whirlaway when it comes to the greatest Kentucky Derby Winners of all time. In head-to-head matchups, fans pick Justify 100.0% of the time over Whirlaway.
Across all battles:
Justify win rate: 17.6%
Whirlaway win rate: 6.2%
Fan FAQs
Who's the #1 contender on GoatWars in the Greatest Kentucky Derby Winners of All Time league?
The honors go to Secretariat, a legend revered not just for his Kentucky Derby performance but for his record-shattering Triple Crown victories. Check out where all the champions stand on the GOAT List.
What makes Whirlaway so popular among Kentucky Derby fans?
Whirlaway, with his famous 'Mr. Longtail' nickname and an unforgettable 1941 Derby where he won by a staggering margin, has carved a permanent place in the hearts of classic horse racing enthusiasts. His quirky, wide-circling running style and charismatic nature continue to fascinate fans of horse racing history.
Why is Justify winning by so much against Whirlaway?
Justify's sweeping victory could be due to his recent Triple Crown win, which is still fresh in fans' minds. His unbeaten record resonates strongly with the modern audience, who witnessed his triumphs live, adding a layer of immediacy and emotional impact that Whirlaway, despite his historical greatness, just can't match today.