Secretariat wins the 1973 Kentucky Derby in 1:59 2/5, an as-yet unbeaten record.

Secretariat, affectionately known to millions as "Big Red," was born on March 30, 1970, and left us on October 4, 1989. More than just a champion American Thoroughbred racehorse, he transcended the sport to become a cultural icon, forever etched in history as the ninth winner of the prestigious American Triple Crown. What makes his achievement particularly legendary is that he not only won all three grueling races – the Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes, and Belmont Stakes – but he also set and continues to hold the fastest time records for each, a feat unmatched in over half a century. His breathtaking dominance led many to regard him universally as one of the greatest racehorses of all time, a testament to his unparalleled speed, stamina, and competitive spirit.

His Triple Crown victory in 1973 ended a 25-year drought since Citation's triumph in 1948, captivating a nation and drawing unprecedented attention to horse racing. Perhaps the most iconic moment of his career, his record-shattering win in the Belmont Stakes, where he crossed the finish line an astonishing 31 lengths ahead of his nearest competitor, is widely celebrated as one of the greatest races in history, a sheer display of equine power and grace. Throughout his relatively brief but spectacular racing career, Secretariat garnered five coveted Eclipse Awards, including the ultimate honor of Horse of the Year at both two and three years of age. His legacy was further solidified with his induction into the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame in 1974, and he proudly stands as second only to the legendary Man o' War in the esteemed List of the Top 100 U.S. Racehorses of the 20th Century.

The Early Years: A Glimpse of Greatness

The Two-Year-Old Campaign (1972)

Secretariat’s journey to stardom began in 1972, his two-year-old season. His debut in a maiden race saw him finish a respectable fourth, a learning experience that quickly gave way to brilliance. From that point on, he went on to win seven of his subsequent eight starts, showcasing his immense potential with five significant stakes victories. His only "loss" during this period was a controversial one in the Champagne Stakes, where he initially finished first, only to be disqualified to second place due to an interference ruling. Despite this setback, his overall performance was so overwhelmingly impressive that he received the Eclipse Award for champion two-year-old colt. In a rare and profound recognition of his precocious talent, Secretariat was also named the 1972 Horse of the Year, an honor seldom bestowed upon a horse so young, signaling to the racing world that something truly special had arrived.

The Immortal Season: The Triple Crown and Beyond

The Unprecedented Three-Year-Old Year (1973)

The year 1973 was nothing short of historic for Secretariat. Not only did he achieve the pinnacle of Thoroughbred racing by capturing the Triple Crown, but he did so in a style that defied belief, setting unprecedented speed records in all three races. His monumental time in the Kentucky Derby, an electrifying 1 minute, 59 2/5 seconds, remains the Churchill Downs track record for 1+1⁄4 miles, a testament to his enduring speed. In the Belmont Stakes, his truly mind-boggling performance established the American record for 1+1⁄2 miles on the dirt, a mark that has never been eclipsed. Even his time in the Preakness Stakes, initially shrouded in controversy due to conflicting timing methods, was officially recognized as a stakes record in 2012, solidifying his dominance across all legs. But Secretariat’s brilliance wasn't confined to the Triple Crown alone. He demonstrated remarkable versatility and speed in other races that year, tying the track record for 1 mile in the Gotham Stakes and setting a world record in the Marlboro Cup at 1+1⁄8 miles. Further proving his adaptability, he also conquered two major stakes races on turf, a surface often challenging for dirt specialists. While he did experience three losses that year—in the Wood Memorial, Whitney, and Woodward Stakes—the sheer magnificence and lasting impact of his nine victories transformed him into an enduring American icon. His unparalleled season earned him a second Horse of the Year title, alongside Eclipse Awards for champion three-year-old colt and champion turf horse.

A Lasting Legacy: Breeding and Influence

Retirement and Stud Career

The anticipation surrounding Secretariat's three-year-old season was so immense that at its very beginning, he was syndicated for an astonishing, record-breaking sum of $6.08 million (an amount equivalent to approximately $35.4 million in 2020). This groundbreaking deal came with the condition that he would be retired from racing at the close of the year, ensuring his availability for a lucrative stud career. While Secretariat did sire several successful racehorses during his time at Claiborne Farm, his most profound and enduring influence on the Thoroughbred breed ultimately came through his daughters. These exceptional mares became highly sought-after broodmares, leading to Secretariat earning the prestigious title of leading broodmare sire in North America in 1992. Through their offspring, Secretariat's genetic legacy continues to thrive, with his daughters producing an impressive roster of notable sires, including powerhouses like Storm Cat, A.P. Indy, Gone West, Dehere, and Chief's Crown. As a result, his name frequently appears in the pedigrees of many modern champions, firmly establishing him as a foundational pillar of contemporary racing bloodlines. Secretariat passed away in 1989 at the age of 19 due to laminitis, a debilitating hoof disease, but his impact on the sport and the breed remains as vibrant as ever.

The 1973 Kentucky Derby: A Date with Destiny

The 1973 Kentucky Derby, the 99th running of "The Run for the Roses," unfolded on a vibrant spring day at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. It was here that Secretariat began his immortal quest for the Triple Crown, winning the Derby in a staggering, record-setting time of 1:59+2⁄5, becoming the first horse in history to complete the 1+1⁄4-mile race in under two minutes. He surged across the finish line 2+1⁄2 lengths ahead of his formidable rival, Sham, while Our Native secured the third position. Remarkably, all thirteen horses that entered and started the race completed the demanding event. The atmosphere at Churchill Downs was electric, with a then-record crowd of 134,476 spectators witnessing the spectacle in person, while millions more tuned in via television and radio broadcasts, captivated by the unfolding drama.

Pre-Race Buzz and The Race Itself

In the days leading up to the Derby, Secretariat was widely considered the overwhelming favorite by many racing pundits and the general public. However, a shadow of doubt had been cast over his favoritism following a third-place finish in the Wood Memorial Stakes just two weeks prior to the Derby, suggesting he might not be invincible. In the wake of that unexpected loss, other contenders, particularly Angle Light and, most notably, the talented Sham, emerged as strong candidates believed to have the best chance to challenge Secretariat. Many sportswriters, recognizing the exceptional caliber and raw speed present in the field, eagerly anticipated that the course record itself might be broken, setting the stage for a truly unforgettable race.

As the gates burst open, Shecky Greene quickly took the lead, setting a blistering pace and holding it for the majority of the first seven furlongs. Near the three-quarter mile mark, Sham, with his powerful stride, made his move and surged past Shecky Greene to take command of the race. The crowd roared as the horses thundered into the homestretch, but it was Secretariat who unleashed a breathtaking, relentless burst of speed in the final furlong. With every stride, he closed the gap on Sham, eventually passing him with undeniable authority and distancing himself to consolidate an emphatic lead. Secretariat’s victory at Churchill Downs was just the beginning; he would go on to win the Preakness Stakes and the Belmont Stakes in the succeeding weeks, thus becoming only the ninth horse in history to complete the monumental Triple Crown of Thoroughbred Racing, etching his name into the annals of sporting legend.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What was Secretariat's famous nickname?
Secretariat was affectionately known as "Big Red," a nod to his striking chestnut coat and immense stature.
How many Triple Crown races did Secretariat win, and did he set any records?
Secretariat famously won all three races of the American Triple Crown – the Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes, and Belmont Stakes – in 1973. He set and still holds the fastest time records for all three races.
What made Secretariat's Belmont Stakes victory so extraordinary?
His win in the Belmont Stakes is often considered one of the greatest races in history because he won by an astonishing 31 lengths, setting a new American record for 1+1⁄2 miles on dirt that still stands.
When did Secretariat achieve the Triple Crown?
Secretariat won the Triple Crown in 1973, becoming the first horse in 25 years to accomplish the feat.
What was Secretariat's lasting legacy in breeding?
While he sired successful racehorses, his most significant impact came through his daughters. They became exceptional broodmares, making Secretariat the leading broodmare sire in North America in 1992 and a key ancestor in the pedigrees of many modern champions through sires like Storm Cat and A.P. Indy.
How old was Secretariat when he died, and what was the cause?
Secretariat died on October 4, 1989, at the age of 19, due to laminitis, a painful and debilitating hoof disease.
Was Secretariat ever defeated during his Triple Crown year?
Yes, despite his incredible Triple Crown victories, Secretariat did experience three losses in his three-year-old season: in the Wood Memorial, Whitney, and Woodward Stakes. However, the brilliance of his nine wins that year far overshadowed these defeats.