How fast can a racehorse run?

A young, fit and healthy horse will typically gallop at around 25–30 mph, although elite racehorses can travel considerably faster under racing conditions.

The fastest officially recorded speed by a racehorse was achieved by Winning Brew, who covered two furlongs at 43.97 mph in 2008. Quarter Horses can exceed 50 mph over very short distances because of their explosive acceleration from a standing start.

In Britain, Stone of Folca completed five furlongs at Epsom in 53.69 seconds—approximately 41.9 mph. Frankel was estimated to have exceeded 42 mph for a furlong during the 2012 Queen Anne Stakes.

Speed in racing is not simply about maximum mph; acceleration, stamina and the ability to maintain pace are equally important.