5. Zenno Rob Roy – $10.4 Million (£7.97m)
Born in 2000, this stallion Japanese Thoroughbred ran 20 times between February 2003 and December 2005, winning 7 races and being placed a further 10. His greatest success came as a four-year-old when he was named Japanese ‘Horse of the Year’ after winning the three all-aged Group One races which comprise Japan's Autumn Triple Crown!
4. Curlin – $10.5 Million (£8.04m)
Born in 2004, Curlin is to date the highest North American horse money earner! His record is very impressive having run 16 times, winning 11 and being placed a further 2 times. He was so impressive Curlin was elected to the National Museum of Racing's Hall of Fame in 2014.
3. Deep Impact – $12.8 Million (£9.81m)
Another Japanese horse making the list at number 3. Born in 2002, Deep Impact’s record is mighty impressive with 14 runs, winning 12 and placing once. During his time, he won the 2005 Japanese Triple Crown, the most prominent series in all of Japanese horse racing.
2. Makybe Diva – $14.6 Million (£11.2m)
Born in 1999, Makybe Diva is a British-bred, Australian-trained Thoroughbred who became the first horse to win the Melbourne Cup on three occasions (2003, 2004, and 2005). However, it wasn’t all so straightforward. The filly was offered for sale at the 1999 Tatts Newmarket foal sale, but did not make the reserve! What a steal that could’ve been.
1. T M Opera O – $16.2 Million (£12.42m)
Following the theme of Japanese horse racing dominance (at least in terms of money), T M Opera O makes the list at number 1, earning an eye-watering £12.42m. With a record that stands at 26 runs, 14 wins and 6 placed, this horse is the highest earning horse of all time!