After going 37 years without a Triple Crown, horse racing celebrated its second Triple Crown winner in just the last four years as Justify joined the ranks of 2015 champion American Pharoah when he captured the 2018 Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes and Belmont Stakes. Not only was 2018 the year of Justify, it’ll also be remembered for dozens of heart-stopping races, thrilling battles and long-shot winners for the ages. We’re looking back on the year by counting down the top 15 races, one race a day, until the calendar turns to 2019.

*Note that our list of best races for 2018 only includes races run in North America.

To view the other top 15 races, click here and scroll down.

#14: Accelerate Dominates the TVG Pacific Classic

This race saw one of several displays of brilliance from Accelerate, who would go on to win the Super Bowl of horse racing in November, the Breeders’ Cup Classic. The TVG Pacific Classic at Del Mar was also the first time Accelerate was ridden by jockey Joel Rosario, following a training accident that sidelined Accelerate’s regular rider and 2015 Triple Crown winner Victor Espinoza. Accelerate overcame a slow start to sweep by the entire field turning for home and cruise to one of the easiest victories you’ll ever see in a million-dollar race.