Secretariat, The Greatest Racehorse Of All Time
March 18, 2008
On March 30, 1970, exactly 13 years to the day before I was born, the greatest racehorse of all time was born. The big red colt named Secretariat is probably one of the most well-known thoroughbred racehorses of all time, even now, 35 years after he won the Triple Crown.
We are currently in the “Run for the Roses,” where dozens of talented young thoroughbreds are competing for their own chance to run in the Kentucky Derby on May 3. Two of the front running contenders are War Pass and Pyro, who have both put in an impressive displays in their races to date (search for their names on You Tube to see some of their races). But just like with any professional sport, the Kentucky Derby really is any horse’s race to win. And each year I watch the winning horse at Churchhill Downs draped in the blanket of roses and wonder if this is the year that I’ll get to see a Triple Crown winner.
Secretariat is one of just 11 horses who have won this top honor since 1919. Before his winning year in 1973, it had been 25 years since Citation ran away with the title. Seattle Slew was the next Triple Crown horse in 1977 followed by Affirmed in 1978.
And now, it has been 30 years since any Thoroughbred has raced to victory in the industry’s top honor.
Will it be Pyro? Will it be War Pass? Will it be another up and coming star?
Either way, I’m pretty convinced that no horse will ever surpass Secretariat’s phenomenal performances in racing’s Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes, or especially the Belmont Stakes.
I wasn’t even a twinkle in my parent’s eyes (of course, they hadn’t even met yet) when Secretariat won the Triple Crown. I’ve read all about his entire life and each race in detail. I’ve seen pictures of him winning the Belmont by 31 lengths. But today is the first time I’ve actually seen the races. (Go You Tube!)
And he took my breath away.
If you’ve never seen this footage, you need to watch it right now. Or if you have, watch it again!
Secretariat Winning The Kentucky Derby
The race that started it all, Secretariat comes from behind to run away with it.
Secretariat Winning The Preakness Stakes
The big red horse comes from dead last to the front in a sudden burst of speed, moving away at the wire. He set a record for this race that has since been matched, but never beaten.
Secretariat Winning The Belmont Stakes and the Triple Crown
Secretariat heads to the lead by the first turn and never gives it up, winning by an almost-unbelievable 31 lengths. He sets a record for the Belmont Stakes to which no other horse has even come close.
I’m ready for the Kentucky Derby now, are you?
Posted in Horse Racing
March 18th, 2008 at 9:35 am
I remember watching all of these races,(yes I’m that old) and it was a really exciting time, that unfortunately hasn’t been captured since. Secretariat was a talented wonderful horse, and any horse who is going to win all three races will have to be really special to fill Secretariat’s horse shoes.
March 18th, 2008 at 1:28 pm
Jackie- there is nothing– and I mean nothing!- like the goose bumps I get from watching a well trained, well bred, fully fit Thoroughbred run. Onthe track or in a field- seeing that gives me a tingle and shivers up my spine. Takes my breath away!
Great post, as always! Love the video clips. You really did some great homework here!!
March 18th, 2008 at 1:46 pm
I have wonderful memories of going to the track with my late dad. It was harness racing, mind you but still gave the same thrill.
I should mention that there is a wonderful documentary on dvd, the only one approved by Secretariet’s owner, called The Life and Times of Secretariet , which includes all of his races as well as interviews with the jockey and trainer and owner.
March 18th, 2008 at 2:00 pm
GreyHorseMatters - I must admit, I’ve always been slightly jealous of those of you who go to live through Secretariat’s victories first-hand. It’s still exciting, but I can’t begin to imagine how wonderful it was to experience it as it happened.
Mrs Mom - It’s always wonderful to watch a horse, or person, doing what it was meant to do. And thoroughbreds are definitely meant to run. Thoroughbreds today are much leaner than those of Secretariat’s time. I was watching videos of this year’s contenders and they are half his size. No wonder nothing can match him!
cdnmich - Thanks for the heads up about the documentary. Seeing as both Secretariat and I have a birthday coming up at the end of the month, I might just have to put in a special request.
March 18th, 2008 at 7:15 pm
pft…Secretariet is over rated. (Gennyral is from the War Admiral line). Honesltly though the amount of time and information that you put into your posts is amazing! If it had only been about a better horse (just kidding I swear!).
March 18th, 2008 at 8:32 pm
I certainly saw Secretariat win his triple crown. I try to never miss the derby, let alone the other legs of the triple crown. I saw Seattle Slew as well. There’s something so exciting about watching race horse history in the making. I’m already beginning to think about this year’s derby as well. Will another wonder emerge or not? Can’t help be get caught up in that excitement.
March 19th, 2008 at 12:24 am
Watching these gives me goosebumps - wonderful post. Secretariat is the greatest racehorse that has ever lived for a reason - he was a freak of nature. After his autopsy, he was found to have a heart nearly three times larger than the average racehorse (8.5# vs. 22#!), so it wasn’t just his build that was bigger. What an amazing creature.
March 20th, 2008 at 9:02 am
On the Bit - You’re on. If we could pit Secretariat against War Admiral, you’d be going down!
But on the other hand, it’s super cool that Genny has such an amazing ancestor.
RisingRainbow - again, turning green with jealousy that you saw it live. Maybe this is the year…
JDP - he was pretty extraordinary in many ways. I had forgotten that about his heart, thanks for pointing that out!
April 10th, 2008 at 1:39 pm
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April 22nd, 2008 at 3:16 pm
[...] Secretariat, The Greatest Racehorse Of All Time [...]
May 2nd, 2008 at 11:18 am
You forgot to mention he ran every quarter faster than the previous one at Belmont.
May 17th, 2008 at 7:34 pm
I was 22 years old and had never had any interest in horse racing until that magical year–1973. Secretariat was a superhorse–he was a super animal. He had intelligence, charisma, speed and beauty. You see an animal like that once in a generation. Thank you for the u-tube presentation. Watching those three videos brought tears to my eyes. I don’t know if there’ll ever be another like him. Lana, Salt Lake City, UT
May 23rd, 2008 at 8:35 am
Ok now I will tell my age, I was 16 in 1973. I have loved horses since I could crawl.
I watched, read and bought everything I could get my hands on about Secretariat and made a scapebook out of newspaper clippings, photos, magazine covers.
I dont know what happened to it over the years but I will NEVER FORGET Big Red
SECRETARIAT will ALWAYS be the ONLY “SUPERHOUSE”
May 29th, 2008 at 11:16 pm
He was awesome…but pound for pound…I have to take Seabiscuit…as , maybe most inspirational…even if Secretariat has to be named the greatest racehorse ever….perhaps, no one can dispute that…
June 8th, 2008 at 11:01 am
I was in my late teens when I saw Secretariat destroy every horse he raced in the triple crown. Not only was he invincible, his jockey never even cocked his whip in any of the races. Secretariat won without even requiring his best effort. His win in the Belmont merely underscored his incredible greatness. There is no horse of any era to come close to his ability! His stature as the greatest horse to ever live is rarely disputed even by the experts. Every time I think back to his triple crown achievements tears of awe overwhelm me. I feel blessed to witness his supreme greatness. Without a doubt Secretariat is an immortal.
June 9th, 2008 at 12:06 am
My wife, our son and I were house shopping the day of the 1973 Belmont Stakes.
I asked the real estate agent if it would be OK to watch the race and what we saw was the most thrilling performance in Triple Crown history.
Years later we visited Secretariat at Claiborne Farm in Paris, KY.
The only thing that came close to comparing to that Belmont moment was seeing him in person, getting to touch him and having our picture taken with him before he was turned out in his paddock. I enjoyed the same experience with
Genuine Risk, in my opinion the greatest filly that ever lived. Sorry Ruffian fans!
June 9th, 2008 at 11:09 am
@John Tatum - you’re right, Seabiscuit may have the corner on most inspirational racehorse. He certainly had a lot of heart. Not convinced he would have ever outran Secretariat. We all love an underdog though.
Everyone else, thanks so much for sharing your stories of watching Secretariat run or learning about him over the years. Rick, I’m so jealous that you got to see him in person and even touch him! That’s a memory to treasure for a lifetime.
June 17th, 2008 at 4:12 pm
This is about the 10 time that I have came to this site. I was a little over 10 years old when Secretariat won the triple crown and to this day I still remember watching him run. I do agree that there may never be another Horse such as The Big Red Horse with the Big Heart. I feel he gave so much to this country when it was going through so much. And yes I do get the teary eyed chills and still cheer him on even in the replays of the Triple Crown of 1973. Thanks greyhorsematter for your insights.
August 6th, 2008 at 7:02 pm
Thank you, Thank you, Thank you for putting this up.
Best horse? Look at the times. Production. That’s what it’s all about.
August 15th, 2008 at 5:23 pm
i saw all his races.i went to clairborne farm to see and touch him and had my picture taken with him twice.he truly was the greatest.got the book ‘the horse god built’ a man named Hutton saw man ‘o war and sectetariat race and stated ’secretariat’ was the greatest.i still weep when i see him race.i have a wall in my home dedicated to him. ive asked god when i pass over if i can ride secretariat.i think i’ll have to stand in line.but thats ok.
August 17th, 2008 at 10:51 pm
I was 10 when I watched Secretariet win the Triple Crown in ‘73 and like Angie, lived and breathed horses. I made a homemade book for the Triple Crown that year and have kept it current (now am 45). Seeing those videos blew me away and brought back memories of “hollering” at the television and rooting Secretariet home. For an excellent read on his life, William Nack’s “Secretariet The Making of a Champion” is so accurate and totally backs up your videos. Thanks SO MUCH for making my night!!!!!!!!!