Secretariat (racehorse)
Secretariat was a legendary racehorse known for his exceptional athleticism and remarkable racing career. Born to owner Christopher T. Chenery and trained by Lucien Laurin, Secretariat showcased his natural talent early, winning seven out of nine races as a two-year-old and earning over $456,000. In 1973, he continued his dominance, winning nine races and earning more than $860,000, while being honored as Horse of the Year, a distinction he was the first two-year-old to receive. Secretariat achieved the prestigious Triple Crown, winning the Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes, and Belmont Stakes, where he set astonishing track records, including a world record in the Belmont Stakes that still stands today.
Beyond his racing achievements, Secretariat became a cultural icon during a turbulent time in American history, providing a sense of hope and pride to the public. His success resonated with fans, creating a fervent following and leading to a wide array of merchandise and media coverage. After retiring in 1973, Secretariat left a lasting legacy through his progeny, significantly enhancing the quality of American racehorses and inspiring breeders to strive for future champions. His induction into the National Museum of Racing's Hall of Fame in 1974 further solidified his status as one of the greatest racehorses in history.
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Secretariat (racehorse)
Identification American thoroughbred racehorse
Born March 30, 1970; Meadow Stable, Doswell, Virginia
Died October 4, 1989; Claiborne Farm, Paris, Kentucky
Secretariat won the 1973 Triple Crown and set racing records that helped boost morale during the socioeconomic concerns and political scandals of the early 1970’s.
Secretariat’s athleticism amazed people worldwide. His breeder and owner, Christopher T. Chenery, hired trainer Lucien Laurin to develop Secretariat’s innate talent and physique. Secretariat’s twenty-five-foot stride gave him a natural advantage over most of his peers. As a two-year-old, Secretariat won seven races in nine starts. His 1972 earnings totaled more than $456,000. He ran record-setting races, and at season’s end, he was named champion two-year-old colt. Designated Horse of the Year, he was the first two-year-old racehorse to receive the honor.
Secretariat repeated his stellar performances in 1973, winning nine races and placing second twice and third once. He earned more than $860,000 in twelve starts. When Chenery died, his estate taxes resulted in his daughter, Helen (Penny) Tweedy, syndicating Secretariat in February, 1973. Thirty-two shares were created, totaling $6.08 million, which historically was the most expensive value for a racehorse to date.
No horse had won the Triple Crown since Citation’s victories in 1948. Jockey Ron Turcotte guided Secretariat around the 1.25-mile Kentucky Derby course at Churchill Downs on May 5, 1973. Secretariat won in record track time, 1:59.40. At the Preakness at Pimlico on May 19, 1973, Secretariat again surged ahead of the pack and won with a time of 1:54.40. Secretariat probably set another record, but track representatives disagreed about the accuracy of the track’s timer.
Secretariat then led the five-horse pack in the Belmont Stakes on June 9, 1973. He dashed thirty-one lengths ahead of his competitors to set a world dirt track record, 2:24 minutes, for the 1.5-mile race. Secretariat bested his Kentucky Derby record for that race’s distance on Belmont Park’s track. Officials declared Secretariat the ninth Triple Crown winner.
After the Belmont, Secretariat won four races before retiring in November, 1973, to stud at Claiborne Farm. He repeated Horse of the Year honors, and his accolades included being named champion three-year-old colt. The National Museum of Racing’s Hall of Fame inducted Secretariat in 1974.
Impact
During his career, Secretariat enchanted people who were awed by his athleticism, and he set standards for racing. He provided Americans with a hero to be proud of and celebrate when national leaders were exposed for corruption during Watergate—Secretariat won honestly and did not disappoint his supporters. His successes represented optimism during the bleakness of the Vietnam War, energy shortages, and social turmoil. Moreover, Secretariat became a cultural phenomenon. People bought Secretariat merchandise, and magazine covers and television programs featured him. Finally, his progeny significantly improved the quality and value of American racehorses. Breeders and trainers aspire to produce champions superior to Secretariat with the goal of challenging his long-standing records.
Bibliography
Kierman, Thomas. The Secretariat Factor: The Story of a Multimillion-Dollar Breeding Industry. Garden City, N.Y.: Doubleday, 1979.
Nack, William. Secretariat: The Making of a Champion. Cambridge, Mass.: Da Capo Press, 2002.
Woolfe, Raymond G., Jr. Secretariat. Rev. ed. New York: Derrydale Press, 2001.