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Secretariat (horse)

Secretariat, also known as Big Red, was an American Thoroughbred racehorse best known for winning the 1973 U.S.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Secretariat, also known as Big Red, was an American Thoroughbred racehorse best known for winning the 1973 U.S. Triple Crown. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest racehorses in history, in part because his record times in the Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes, and Belmont Stakes remain unsurpassed. He was born in 1970 and died in 1989.

Early life and background

Secretariat was foaled in 1970 in Virginia and was bred by Penny Chenery’s Meadow Stable. He was sired by Bold Ruler out of the mare Somethingroyal.

Racing career

Secretariat raced from 1972 to 1973 and won 16 of 21 starts. His 1973 Triple Crown campaign made him a national sporting icon.

Triple Crown performance

He won the Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes, and Belmont Stakes in record times. His Belmont Stakes victory by 31 lengths is among the most celebrated races in Thoroughbred history.

Legacy

Secretariat is frequently described as one of the greatest racehorses ever. His records and reputation have kept him central to discussions of horse racing history.

Key facts

  • Secretariat was the ninth winner of the American Triple Crown.
  • He won the 1973 Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes, and Belmont Stakes in record times.
  • His 31-length victory in the Belmont Stakes is one of the most famous performances in horse racing.
  • He raced for a short career but finished with 16 wins, 3 seconds, and 1 third in 21 starts.
  • His Belmont time of 2:24 for 1.5 miles set a dirt-track record that still stands.
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Canadian context

Secretariat is notable in Canada because he won the 1973 Canadian International, adding to his international racing record and recognition among Canadian horse-racing fans.

Frequently asked questions

Who was Secretariat?
Secretariat was an American Thoroughbred racehorse best known for winning the 1973 U.S. Triple Crown.
Why is Secretariat famous?
He is famous for winning the Triple Crown in record times and for his 31-length Belmont Stakes victory.
What were Secretariat’s racing records?
He won 16 of 21 starts, with 3 seconds and 1 third, and earned US$1,316,808 in career prize money.
Who trained Secretariat?
Secretariat was trained by Lucien Laurin.
What was Secretariat’s nickname?
His nickname was Big Red.
When did Secretariat die?
Secretariat died on October 4, 1989.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Secretariat_(horse)
    Supports: Birth and death dates, Triple Crown status, career summary, Belmont record, and career results.
  2. Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/animal/Secretariat-racehorse
    Supports: Triple Crown achievement, Belmont victory margin, career earnings, and historical significance.
  3. ESPN — https://www.espn.com/sports/horse/topics/_/page/secretariat
    Supports: Birth place/date, Triple Crown win, record times, and career record.
  4. National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame — https://www.racingmuseum.org/hall-of-fame/horse/secretariat-va
    Supports: Triple Crown context and Hall of Fame recognition.
  5. HorseRacingNation — https://horseracingnation.com/horse/Secretariat
    Supports: Trainer, owner, sire/dam, racing history, and Canadian International win.