Secretariat (March 30, 1970 – October 4, 1989) was an American Thoroughbred racehorse widely regarded as one of the greatest racehorses of all time. In 1973, he became the first U.S. Triple Crown winner in 25 years, setting records in all three races that still stand today.
His historic run began with the Kentucky Derby, where he clocked 1:59 2/5, becoming the first horse to break the two-minute mark. In the Preakness Stakes, he surged from last to first with a breathtaking move on the backstretch, finishing in 1:53. He then delivered one of the most legendary performances in horse racing history at the Belmont Stakes, winning by an astonishing 31 lengths in a time of 2:24, a record for 1 1/2 miles on dirt that remains untouched.
Nicknamed “Big Red” for his chestnut coat and immense power, Secretariat captivated the world with his strength, speed, and charisma. He was owned by Penny Chenery, trained by Lucien Laurin, and ridden by jockey Ron Turcotte.
After retiring to stud, Secretariat sired several successful racehorses. He passed away in 1989 at the age of 19 and was buried at Claiborne Farm in Paris, Kentucky—one of the few racehorses to receive the honor of full-body burial.
His legacy continues to inspire generations of racing fans, and his records remain a benchmark of equine greatness.
