Secretariat is a name that resonates through the world of horse racing and beyond. “Big Red” became a legend after his historic Triple Crown win in 1973. Secretariat isn’t just a name in horse racing history, he is the name. Whether you're a lifelong racing fan or just discovering the sport, there's something magical about Secretariat that captivates all generations.
Just how great was Secretariat? We have 10 facts that will leave you in awe of his accomplishments.
1 - Triple Crown Champion: Secretariat won the Triple Crown in 1973, setting records in all three races—the Kentucky Derby, the Preakness Stakes, and the Belmont Stakes. Over 50 years later and these records still stand.
2 - Unbelievable Belmont Victory: In the Belmont Stakes, Secretariat won by an astonishing 31 lengths. It’s considered one of the greatest performances in sports history. See why he was called “A Tremendous Machine!”
3 - Fastest Kentucky Derby Ever: His time of 1:59 2/5 in the Kentucky Derby remains the fastest in history. He ran each quarter-mile faster than the one before—a rare and remarkable feat. Go back in time and watch it all over again.
4 - Nicknamed “Big Red”: Because of his chestnut color and towering size, Secretariat earned the affectionate nickname "Big Red" from fans and press alike.
5 - A Heart Twice the Normal Size: After Secretariat’s death, veterinarians discovered his heart weighed around 22 pounds—more than twice the average size for a horse. Many believe this contributed to his unmatched endurance and speed.
6 - One Week, Three Covers: Secretariat achieved a remarkable media milestone in June 1973 by appearing on the covers of Time, Newsweek, and Sports Illustrated all in the same week. This unprecedented feat highlighted his dominance and cultural impact during his Triple Crown campaign.
7 - Owned by a Housewife: Penny Chenery, often credited for saving her father’s Meadow Stable, believed in Secretariat from day one. Her leadership and faith helped guide the horse to greatness. Listen to Penny talk about the greatness that was Secretariat.
8 - Popular in Pop Culture: Secretariat has been featured in books, documentaries, and even a major Disney movie released in 2010. Check out the trailer.
9 - Buried Whole—An Honor Rarely Given Horses: Horses are usually buried with only their head, heart, and hooves. Secretariat was buried whole, a sign of immense respect.
10 - His Legacy Lives On: Secretariat sired hundreds of foals, many of whom became successful racehorses. His bloodline continues to influence the racing world today. Among his most notable offspring were champions such as Risen Star, Lady’s Secret, General Assembly, Saratoga Six, and Terlingua.
If you're looking to add some extra fun to your Kentucky Derby experience, prop bets related to Secretariat are a fun way to do it. You can print out the odds and play with your friends and if you actually want to wager on Secretariat props, BUSR is the only site that offers them!
| |||||||
| |||||||
| |||||||
| |||||||
| |||||||
| |||||||
| |||||||
| |||||||
Why is Secretariat the greatest racehorse of all time? In the world of horse racing, few names stir awe like Secretariat. More than a champion, he was a phenomenon who redefined greatness with every stride.
Altogether, Secretariat won 16 of his 21 career races and finished out of the money just once. He won the Eclipse Award for Horse of the Year twice--as the first two-year-old ever to be honored as such, and again as a three-year-old.
ESPN listed Secretariat 35th of the 100 greatest athletes of the 20th century, one of three non-humans on the list. In 1974, Secretariat was inducted into the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame.
To honor him, a statue of Secretariat, executed by sculptor John Skeaping in 1974 and presented as a gift of Paul Mellon to the National Museum of Saratoga, was created. It stands in the center of the paddock at Belmont Park Racetrack.
In 1989, Secretariat was afflicted with laminitis and he was euthanized on October 4. In death, he was received the ultimate honor for a horse--he was buried whole at Claiborne Farm. Before his burial, he was necropsied at the University of Kentucky where he was discovered that his heart was approximately twice the size of a normal horse.
Secretariat isn’t just a part of racing history—he is racing history. His story is one of speed, strength, and spirit. Whether you're watching the Derby, placing a bet, or just love a good sports story, Secretariat is the name that always pops up. From jaw-dropping race times to a heart literally built for greatness, Secretariat remains unmatched in the world of thoroughbred racing.
Want more fun facts and updates on the most famous racehorse of all time? Check out our friends at Secretariat.com. They have a site dedicated to Secretariat and all of his accomplishments.
Churchill Downs, Kentucky Derby, Kentucky Oaks, the "twin spires design," "Road to the Roses" and Churchill Downs Incorporated-related trademarks are registered trademarks of Churchill Downs Incorporated or its affiliates (collectively CDI). CDI does not sponsor or endorse, and is not associated or affiliated with US Racing or its products, services or promotions. US Racing provides free information, odds, facts and commentary about the Kentucky Derby and horse racing and betting, in general. Third party marks may be referenced in a transformative, editorial, informational, nominative, critical, analytical or comparative context. US Racing may reference marks belonging to third parties pursuant to our right to engage in fair use, fair comment, statutory fair use or trade mark fair use doctrine. As such, US Racing does not contribute to any dilution of any trade or service marks. US Racing provides this information in an effort to educate and grow the sport of thoroughbred racing in North America with an emphasis on attracting new fans of the sport.
