Few names in sports history—let alone horse racing—carry the same weight and admiration as Secretariat. Known affectionately as “Big Red” for his striking chestnut coat and imposing frame, Secretariat wasn’t just a racehorse—he was a phenomenon. His performance on the track, particularly during the 1973 Triple Crown, shattered records, redefined excellence in the sport, and secured his place as arguably the greatest racehorse of all time.

This article takes a deep dive into the life, career, and legacy of Secretariat—the horse that broke records and changed horse racing forever.

Early Life and Background

Secretariat was foaled on March 30, 1970, at The Meadow Stable in Virginia. He was bred by Christopher Chenery and later managed by his daughter, Penny Chenery, who became a central figure in his legendary story.

• Sire: Bold Ruler – a champion sprinter and leading sire in North America.
• Dam: Somethingroyal – a mare known for her strong bloodlines.

From the start, Secretariat stood out. He was unusually large, well-muscled, and displayed a calm but commanding presence. Even before his first race, many believed he was destined for greatness.

Racing Debut and Rise to Fame

Secretariat’s first race took place at Aqueduct Racetrack in 1972. Although he finished fourth, he quickly bounced back, winning his next race by six lengths. His juvenile season was remarkable:

• Won seven of nine races.
• Named American Champion Two-Year-Old Male Horse (1972).
• Earned the Eclipse Award for Horse of the Year—a rare honor for such a young horse.

His early victories established him as a promising colt, but no one could have predicted the historic season that lay ahead.

See also: The Greatest Racehorses of All Time

The Historic 1973 Triple Crown

Secretariat’s three-year-old season in 1973 cemented his place in history. He became the first Triple Crown winner in 25 years, and the manner in which he achieved it still leaves racing fans in awe.

1. The Kentucky Derby (May 5, 1973)

• Secretariat set a new track record of 1:59 2/5, which still stands today.
• Uniquely, he ran each quarter-mile faster than the last—a feat almost unheard of in horse racing.

2. The Preakness Stakes (May 19, 1973)

• Secretariat stormed to victory, breaking the stakes record with a time of 1:53.
• His explosive burst around the first turn remains one of the most famous moves in racing history.

3. The Belmont Stakes (June 9, 1973)

• In one of the most iconic moments in sports, Secretariat won by 31 lengths, finishing in 2:24 flat—a world record for 1½ miles on dirt that still stands.
• The performance was so dominant that many fans and journalists called it “the greatest race ever run.”

Secretariat didn’t just win the Triple Crown—he obliterated it, setting speed records in all three races that remain unbroken decades later.

Secretariat’s Racing Style

What made Secretariat so special wasn’t just his speed, but his effortless stride and stamina. He had an unusually long stride—estimated at nearly 25 feet—allowing him to cover ground with fewer, more powerful steps.

Veteran jockey Ron Turcotte, who rode Secretariat throughout his Triple Crown campaign, often remarked that Secretariat seemed to have “another gear” that no other horse could match.

Life After Racing

Secretariat retired to stud at Claiborne Farm in Kentucky in November 1973. While his offspring achieved moderate success—most notably Risen Star (1988 Preakness and Belmont winner) and Lady’s Secret (1986 Horse of the Year)—none matched his dominance on the track.

Even so, Secretariat’s value as a breeding stallion was immense, and his bloodline continues to influence racing today.

The Legend Lives On

Secretariat’s fame transcended horse racing:

• He was featured on the covers of Time, Newsweek, and Sports Illustrated in the same week—an unprecedented honor.
• Inducted into the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame in 1974.
• Voted the greatest racehorse of the 20th century by The Blood-Horse magazine.
• In 2010, Disney released the film “Secretariat”, which introduced his story to new generations.

Secretariat passed away on October 4, 1989, due to laminitis, a painful hoof disease. When veterinarians performed a necropsy, they discovered his heart was nearly three times the size of a normal horse’s—a physical explanation for his unmatched stamina and speed.

Why Secretariat Still Matters Today

More than 50 years after his Triple Crown victory, Secretariat remains a symbol of:

• Excellence – No horse has broken his Triple Crown records.
• Inspiration – His story continues to motivate athletes and dreamers worldwide.
• Legacy – His impact on breeding, sports culture, and racing history is still felt today.

Secretariat wasn’t just fast—he was a once-in-a-lifetime athlete who redefined what was possible in horse racing.

Conclusion

Secretariat’s name will forever be synonymous with greatness. From his breathtaking 31-length Belmont win to his record-breaking performances that still stand today, he was more than just a champion—he was a legend.

Even decades later, Secretariat’s story resonates, reminding us of the magic, power, and beauty of horse racing. Truly, he was the horse that broke records—and the horse that broke boundaries.