American Pharoah vs. Secretariat: Who Would Win?

The 2015 Triple Crown winner American Pharoah ran the sixth-fastest Belmont Stakes ever, but if he were racing against Secretariat’s record time in 1973, he would have been a distant second. Watch the two races side-by-side.
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[@Stacie45]

"Secretariat is all alone!" Half a century later he still is.

[@neos4247]

Amen to that

[@CarringtonMorgan3342]

I wonder how long it is going to take for Secretariat's records to be beat. And is American Pharaoh related to Secretariat?

[@Stacie45]

@@CarringtonMorgan3342 Maybe never, for good reason. Not that there could never be another horse as fast as Secretariat, but I saw the results of this year's Belmont Stakes and they have shortened the race. Secretariat ran 1 1/2 miles, this year's race was 1 1/8 miles. I wonder if this is intended to reduce risk of injury to the horses? Whatever the reason if they no longer run 1 1/2 miles Secretariat's record for that distance will never be broken.

[@Stacie45]

@trf12567 It was a fluke race but storybook at the same time. It was the last race of his brief career so what better time to light up the sky.

[@Stacie45]

@Huawei is a criminal organization. I don't really consider it a fluke race, basically being agreeable with the poster I was replying to. Being a former competitive runner there is temptation to consider your best day a fluke performance because it turns out to be so hard to repeat it. It is not really a fluke, it is just your best day. BTW thanks for the info on Secretariat's later races, I was under the impression '73 Belmont was how he closed out his career. I always prefer to know facts and don't mind being set right. Also BTW Babe Ruth and Gretzky were definitely flukes. So was Jordan. Just kidding of course.

[@escaperoomleander1948]

Record holder in Kentucky Derby: Secretariat Record holder in Preakness: Secretariat Record holder in Belmont: Secretariat So I guess that answers that.

[@vista806]

And he always gave the other horses a head start. Can you imagine if he had better starts. My Goodness!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@spiffpilot2589]

wallygr Right! It’s like he was toying with them.

[@RARa12812]

@@spiffpilot2589 No. Secretariate was a HUGE horse. Smaller horses gets a faster starts.

[@davidlindsay9564]

...and Ronnie put the whip away almost all the time.

[@tonyd1308]

wallygr... Well! you saw what happen at the Belmont!

[@pineemanuelson5936]

Who else bursts into tears watching Secretariat's Belmont run? All these many years later, I still do every single time.

[@sigtunaguy]

Same.

[@christinematton4125]

Me !

[@marymcfadden636]

I bawl my eyes out and I have no idea why it makes me cry. It was and will remain the greatest athletic display of all time.

[@bobkeenan2907]

I do. Every time I watch it. Jack Nicklaus once said he watched the race alone in his house and as Secretariat made the final turn, he stood and applauded with tears in his eyes.

[@cliveholland9954]

I'm English. I'd never heard of Secretariat until I watched the movie about him. He was an amazing beautiful horse. I love seeing him run.He was astonishing.

[@davearonheim1582]

You simply can't compare a good horse, or even a great horse, to an absolute freak of nature. This comparison is fun but totally absurd, Secretariat, nearly 50 years later, still owns all the fastest times. He was the greatest race horse of all time.

[@deannasalem9195]

American Pharoah is Secretariat's great great grandson. Really..

[@johnnywires943]

How can you say that?Did he run in Europe and on grass?Maybe the best in America but you can't say the best ever in the world.

[@thanos8914]

@@johnnywires943 reality is often disappointing

[@johnnywires943]

@@canecorsomom2023 You still do not answer my point.Secretariat did not run on grass.End of.Why did they not run him in Britain?Had they done that and he won then fine he was the best but they chickened out.

[@johnnywires943]

@@thanos8914 He did not run on grass.End of.

[@AnvilMAn603]

secretariat wasnt a horse, it was a jet engine on legs

[@tommytimp]

He was a TREMENDOUS MACHINE!!!

[@venabennett5473]

No he had a big heart.

[@usfanlovesminho5085]

He was the best.

[@ballyman12]

Well said

[@johnmucci-riley5858]

Tisha lol u obviously didn't understand what he's saying here...

[@shawnwagner5214]

Secretariat broke all records and in the Belmont he did it without being pushed at the end. That horse could run at full speed the entire course. No horse can do that nor probably ever will. Secretariat was, is and will always be the greatest race horse and athlete of all time.

[@trex9368]

Agreed, and many don't know Secretariat ran each quarter-mile faster than the first than the second and so on! One of Secretariat's final 1/4 miles times was 23 seconds. An autopsy proved he was a Freak of Nature! The Greatest Ever! My favorite was the 1st turn he ran at Pimlico! Going from last to first in 180 yards.

[@ricardovazquez1840]

@@trex9368 a't the Belmont he also set the record for 1 5/8 while he was slowing down at the end of the 1 1/2 mile race.

[@susanchilcote3316]

You betcha Red Rider!

[@julieenslow5915]

@@trex9368 An easier way to say that is that Secretariat continued to accelerate through out the race, each quarter faster than the one before it.

[@markdagostino9666]

I agree with you 100%!

[@stevekelley7738]

Secretariat was like a mythical horse that really did exist and he could do magical things that left us speechless.

[@planegaper]

That move in Baltimore was incredible, left the gate like a cow dead last, then literally exploded in the second turn.. one could see his power the way the dirt flew off his hoofs once he decided to alleviate the field of all hope.. image being on shame or angle light and seeing that up close.. knowing your horse is giving everything and getting decimated. Sec wasn't even covered in slather.. Belmont was just pure magic.. gave Ronnie the will to live after his accident, wish I visited SEC when he was still alive.. magnificent horse..

[@anonymoussources8803]

Pegasus without wings

[@saramcgaha1406]

Pegasus

[@saramcgaha1406]

Anonymous Sources he did have wings

[@db2157]

That horse did not need wings..

[@doggonepointgooddogbacking3248]

Everyone talks about the '73 Belmont Stakes win, but the '73 Preakness, where Secretariat passed the whole field, on the outside, in the first turn was a unique, out-of-this-world, accomplishment.

[@leecowell8165]

and he did THAT in record time! and Turcotte had NOTHING to do with it. It was ALL on Secretariat.

[@williamramsey9729]

I've told people that same thing....last to first in one turn

[@boxelder9147]

I agree

[@slpguy6026]

@@leecowell8165 except that Turcotte knew when to leave well enough alone. Just steer him when needed.

[@daystar73]

👏

[@alfredmorganroth9349]

The three record times all belong to Secretariat , that's over all horses of all time. The rest are all second best ,there is only one Secretariat.

[@jimmrson9530]

alfred morganroth ** race records yes, Farma Way holds the track record at Pimlico for the distance.

[@jerryhelton1804]

Some records are meant NOT to be broken.

[@drrob1963]

@@jerryhelton1804 And some are so incredible, they cannot be broken!

[@josephnewman713]

just a note, while there is no exact time, it is accepted that Sham ran the 2nd fastest Kentucky Derby of all time in losing to Secretariat.

[@drrob1963]

@@josephnewman713 True! Sham was an awesome horse and he really pushed Secretariat hard. He should have been a legend in his own right - if he had not been born in the same year as Sec, he probably would have won a Triple Crown!

[@whynotbeanequestrian8181]

He is moving like a tremendous machine. Words that still bring me to tears

[@mikebudzinski3879]

with the words he was flying past the stars and stripes

[@jamesreilly763]

True that

[@amberslilrose3954]

Tremendous 👌🏻 👌🏻

[@Tony-5000]

@@mikebudzinski3879 yes, I thought the same thing. Secretariat was an American hero because Watergate was happening, and Big Red brought the country together. Citation did the same thing, but Citation wasn't Secretariat!

[@Tony-5000]

I wonder what Secretariat's time would have been I American Pharoah had raced him... I believe Secretariat would have finished with an even faster time if he had been pushed the last quarter of a mile!! Greatest Horse since Pegasus!! Oh, that's right, Pegasus was make believe.

[@abevillanueva1974]

"He's running like a tremendous machine!" One of the greatest calls in sports history...right when Big Red passed the American flag! Still, gives me chills when I see him run, hear the crowd roar...God just wanted to remind us that He is among us!

[@drtimoshea4087]

correction: He WAS among us ....

[@spsmonktoo]

Exactly Right!!

[@michaeljo1099]

Gentle correction - the line is, "He is moving like a tremendous machine!" He was a gift to all of us...

[@robertmitchell9529]

That call sends chills over me. It was an epic & historical call.

[@breakshot7451]

wasn t even born 73 (maybe concieved))))), but finally i ordered 2 posters for my wall, of course the belmont finish, and a sideview in full stretch, black and white , just gorgeous, such a fan. with his big hot rod heart in his chest, it was almost like touring cars racing against a formula 1 car, i hope he runs on eternal green hills

[@TickleSalty]

Secretariat’s Belmont win is the single greatest performance in all of sports history. To this day I still get goosebumps watching it. No other horse is even in the same league.

[@leecowell8165]

I agree, Rob. The reason? Because its a record that will NEVER be broken. I don't care what the record is someday it will be broken. But not THIS one.

[@markp.9707]

I agree!!!

[@julien.4617]

What do you think of Lucien Lauren (Secretariat's trainer) after watching Ruffian work out saying, "My God, she may be even faster than Secretariat!"

[@joycharm1313]

@@julien.4617true but with Secretariat’s records, speed and strides that ultimately makes him the better and faster horse

[@julien.4617]

@@joycharm1313 So , you don't believe Secretariat's trainer? Faster means faster. Ruffian was allowed to win races, her rider was not supposed to show off.

[@Hyperspermia101]

The saying "eat my dust" never applied when Secretariat ran. When the other horses got to that dust......it had long settled.

[@craptainofsea]

You old focks sure like talking about the past. LOL. Chew on this....Secretariat lost 25% of his races. A very average horse other than his 3 TC races.

[@Hyperspermia101]

Troy Carlson. Those were two knobs for the big race. Nobody remembers those horses that beat secretariat

[@craptainofsea]

@@Hyperspermia101 We're talking about a horse that lost 75% of the time he stepped on the track. Great TC series. Yes. Average horse overall? Yes.

[@susanchilcote3316]

@@craptainofsea Ever read or hear what vets said about Secretariat? His heart was 2.5 times larger than any other horse on record. And no one ever said he never lost a race. He just never lost o e he cared about.

[@susanchilcote3316]

@@Hyperspermia101 Did Secretariat lose 25% or 75% of his races? Can't be both.

[@jmp6943]

The comparison is ridiculous. Secretariat is the greatest “super horse” of all time. His times in the Triple Crown and his margin of victory in the Belmont has never and in all likelihood will never be matched, let alone beat.

[@mattstevens861]

Well said !!

[@sylviapatterson1670]

Don't forget Man O' War. And Secretariat carried the bloodline and Was the successor.

[@PinkPOPplayz]

@@sylviapatterson1670 But AP Is his great grandson.

[@tenniswilliam]

What about Seabiscuit?

[@deedeerenee2903]

Yes you got that right.

[@camjustin205]

HE IS MOVING LIKE A TREMENDOUS MACHINE!! Secretariat by 12, Secretariat by fourteeeen

[@vwannop11]

In the end it was 31 lengths even though the announcer said 25 lengths. I still get shivers watching this race - by itself though

[@rosewetzel8284]

Definitely Secretariat!

[@user-nr8lk4vv4g]

But Secretariat's all alone! He 1/16 a mile a head of the pack!

[@MrJSpicoli]

Secretariat is all alone!

[@Darren51283]

That is a record that may stand forever.

[@tomlarnie2581]

and he still owns the triple crown time records almost 50 years later

[@PiscesMoon2You]

It took them years and years to finally prove he did break the track record at Belmont. The investigators finally ran the tape of the race backwards and found the time clock mistake. Finally giving him the Belmont record too.

[@tomlarnie2581]

@@PiscesMoon2You true that. That horse deserved it.

[@barkmark2725]

​@@PiscesMoon2You was the Preakness

[@mikeprevost8650]

@@PiscesMoon2You barkman 2725 is correct. It was the Preakness where the record was disputed. There was absolutely no doubt at all over the Belmont. The electronic race timer clearly flashed 2:24 and froze there as he crossed the wire.

[@TheDiamondRealm]

One piece of that historic call by Chic Anderson that I have never heard anyone mention is "And, he's into the stretch!" Pharoah's call "And, they're into the stretch!" Big difference!

[@Tony-5000]

Very good observation and point

[@Tony-5000]

@Thomas Dauphan Kentucky, Secretariat beat Sham. Preakness, Secretariat hurt Sham. Belmont, Secretariat broke Sham. Poor Sham was born in the wrong year.

[@Tony-5000]

@Ragin_Bulls What did I say that apparently surprised you?

[@abrahamgideon]

@Thomas Dauphan Sham actually came in last.

[@indiablackwell]

that comment says it all

[@forrestmeadows9584]

Never was a horse like Secretariat and never will be again. RIP BIG RED! I saw you run ever race in the Triple Crown and you have my heart still.

[@grousetheghoul2754]

Forrest :You are right, and I don't think anyone will eclipse your explanation. I saw all 3 also. The Belmont was simply exquisite.

[@ivyhenderson6127]

man o’ war was big red, not secretariat

[@lbroderick783]

@@ivyhenderson6127. Maybe so, But Secretariat was ALSO known as Big Red! Secretariat had a beautiful reddish brown coat. Lots of people called him Big Red!

[@ivyhenderson6127]

L Broderick ok do you know where that color came from? man o’ war was his great uncle

[@lbroderick783]

@@ivyhenderson6127 . That's good to know!

[@Parula06]

The memory of watching Secretariat's Belmont on TV that immortal day is so clear. I was at my brother's wedding reception, but snuck away from the festivities to catch the race. I was simply a wreck afterwards, crying my eyes out in joy, wonder, and pure awe.

[@leecowell8165]

Yeah, me too. I was not ashamed either because I've always been a sensitive guy. Sometimes the strangest things get to me. I remember a nurse asking if I was okay when I saw my first Grandchild right after her birth. I couldn't even respond to her I just waved her off.

[@bugsyboy5323]

A time difference of 2.65 seconds equates to roughly Secretariat beating American Pharaoh by about 16 lengths. It’s been almost 50 years and the closest any horse has gotten to his 2:24 time was Easy Goer at 2:26 and that’s still a 12 length victory. It’s safe to say we will never see another horse like Secretariat.

[@leecowell8165]

yep. think about that for a sec. When Anderson stated that "probably that will stand forever" he was "probably" correct!

[@scottsanders2474]

At the halfway point, Secretariat's time was almost 3.5 seconds faster than American Pharaoh's. AP was pushed by other horses for the entirety of the race. Secretariat didn't have another horse within 15 lengths in the last 1/2 mile, and the lead kept getting more ridiculous the longer the race went, so his jockey let him cruise. I believe if he was pushed the way AP was, he would have turned in a 2:20 and won over AP by 6 seconds.

[@johnsonanum]

Never say never. All world records get broken eventually. One of Flo-Jo's records will be broken this year. You'll see....

[@BaddogSports]

I'm not even really into horseracing, and Secretariat was before my time, but every time I watch that 1973 Belmont it gives me chills. I just cannot get over how dominant Secretariat was on that day. Easily, one of the greatest performances in the history of sports

[@maxoomchildofthenovelty2887]

This the correct answer, thank you, think ill watch the 1973 belmont

[@jeeper8761]

I saw it live on tv "back in the day". Yes.....still gives me chills.

[@elcajondavid1]

MrBaddog7676. I don't know how many times I have watched that race, and yes it still gives me chills each and every time I watch it. It is just unbelievable what happened that day, and yet it happened.

[@nicholasfitchett9345]

And imagine how fast he would have run if he had competition the second half of the race!

[@fredmusicjudd7714]

I was 16 years old and the turmoil happening in the country was crazy, Secretariat came along and the country bonded us all for five weeks , All it took was a horse molded by God to do it. Trust me no horse could run like that without divine intervention. Heck the jockey never even pulled his whip, he just sit back and had the ride of his life.

[@rivaridge7211]

I never get tired of watching Secretariat's June 1973 Belmont win - and it never fails to bring a tear to my eye. It's especially touching now since we see the wonderful Penny Chenery, whom we lost last year at age 95, cheering on her beloved horse which had just won the fabled "Triple Crown." Miss Chenery was probably the greatest ambassador the sport of horse racing ever had - she once said that she'd "toot Secretariat's horn for all the rest of her days" and proceeded to do just that! I recall seeing her at Belmont Park in 2015 (the day "American Pharoah" won his "Triple") and she had many people coming around to say hello and was kept busy chatting and signing autographs - and was as gracious as only she could be. NBC did a brief interview and "Miss Penny" said "she wanted to see one more Triple Crown winner." And she did that very day. We hear much about Secretariat's "great heart," but his long-time lady owner had one to match. Cheers and thanks!

[@sarasmith5110]

She was happy for everybody. Like you said. Look at that big scooping up of the whole stadium cheer she did.

[@socasack]

I had the privilege of meeting Penny Chenery about 15 years ago. She was gracious as could be, even to nobody like me.

[@sarasmith5110]

@@socasack You are not a nobody but I know what you mean.

[@j.lanford286]

You want a tear jerker watch Carl Nas? trainer of Unbriddled relaying the Derby to his 93? yr old owner......too tired to spell...lol

[@mikeprevost8650]

If Riva Ridge wasn't one of the worst mudders of all time, or if it hadn't rained for the 1972 Preakness, she would have won it the year before, too.

[@jimkirk4357]

There simply ISN'T any horse that would stand a chance running against Big Red. That horse was an equine locomotive who was SO big and strong, he was like a superhero on hooves. He STILL holds the track record at all 3 triple crown venues.

[@mikeprevost8650]

Yet he managed to lose 5 races over his 2 year career.

[@nickjohnson811]

@@mikeprevost8650 The first because his jockey got him trapped between other horses, another because he had a canker sore in his mouth that the jockey didn't know about, and another that he won but was disqualified because he bumped another horse.

[@donnydoit7678]

How can you beat a horse that gives you so much chills and goosebumps every time you watch it. Unbeatable forever, secretariat.

[@markp.9707]

Can’t agree more with your comment.

[@bjorkstrand7773]

When Secretariat ran in the Belmont, it was 90° F out. That is really hot. Imagine if it was 70.

[@bjorkstrand7773]

@don wilson IDIOT

[@SAJ.GAMING]

may be the cold wont get you better warmup......you cant argue for things you cant change.....

[@freddietheboss8012]

Hot mussels perform better

[@Th3N0th1nG_TTV]

They always said he ran the best in the hot, like his muscles were already warmed up.

[@TheJustjim3333]

@@Th3N0th1nG_TTV He ran pretty well in that race up in Canada on the grass....and it sure wasn't hot

[@sjguy3971]

nothing will ever be as iconic and emotional as secretariat's win. he truly was the horse that God built.

[@dylspeckk]

JESSE B well it’s been nearly half a century and no horse has even come close to Secretariat, might be a very long future.

[@tpacalypse]

@JESSE B Agreed

[@ratso4443]

Back in 1973 the Bloodhorse magazine speculated it would be 75 years before the first horses began to catch up to his records. Now I doubt if they ever will. He was MAGNIFICENT.

[@Valfa04]

@JESSE B I MEAN OF THERE'S A HORSE FASTER THAN SECRETARIAT LET IT BE! BUT lets be honest the way he won and everything about him, and even the year he won makes it look unique. Honestly...

[@dansgroi1472]

Like Jordan was described as God in tennis shoes. Same can be said about secretariat. God disguised as a horse.

[@albertlilly]

I'm not afraid to admit that I cried the day I hear that Secretariat died…..he was such a champion...

[@rodmoore1577]

So did I. When a part your past or your best memories goes away it touches your heart and soul in a way that can't be explained

[@dlmullins9054]

You are not alone.

[@samueljohnson7347]

I think we all did. We lost a piece of us

[@macalicious0260]

Why is it when you watch Secretariat you want to cry. G-d gave us one of the greatest animals he ever created to be in awe of and prove his existence. I was 6 years old and remember everyone talking about this horse. He truly was magnificent!

[@johnberger5539]

If you do the math 2.65 seconds translates into a 17 horse length win for Secretariat.

[@pbjracing14yearsago49]

Dang.

[@richardpomerantz9096]

...and he didn't have anyone pushing him.

[@drrob1963]

@@richardpomerantz9096 ... and Ronnie Turcotte never used the whip

[@jamesdunn9714]

So, distant second for American Pharoah is an understatement.

[@cameronhillegas7354]

He won by 31 lengths at belmont

[@diosdadonon1179]

Watching that race, we are all witnessing the actual greatest moment in a particular sport's history. You can argue whether he was the greatest horse ever, but you cannot dispute that Belmont race by Secretariat is the actual greatest moment in horse racing.

[@billharlow280]

As great as the Belmont was, look at the KY Derby Splits in 1973. Each quarter was faster than the previous. That is impossible to do.

[@johnhebert3986]

@ Chuck D That's correct. It wouldn't be and intelligent argument.

[@three9855]

@Chuck D Phar Lap?

[@handyman7748]

@@billharlow280 apparently not

[@planegaper]

@@three9855 You mean Phar Lapped? he was a great horse, they almost worked to death.. but Sec was in a class of his own..

[@paulchiu]

Exactly 50 years later, Secretariat still holds all records at the Derby, Preakness, and that otherworldly 31 lengths victory at the Belmont Stakes.

[@lpzgrv2010]

I remember reading that Lucien Lauren's direction to Ron Turcotte on the day of the Belmont was to, "let him run, Ronnie, let him run" and so he did. The rest is sport's history.

[@gh9111]

"BUT SECRETARIAT IS ALL ALONE" Still rings true.

[@bobbywise2313]

It was almost like a question when he said. It was like he couldn't believe it.

[@johnhebert3986]

@ Gary Pollard. Hundreds of horses run faster, than 2:24 for 1 1/2 miles on there preferred surface.? You mean dirt,grass, or a synthetic surface right.? Unless, hundreds of horses run on a surface nobody, knows about except you. Secretariat, still holds the world record on dirt @ 2:24 flat for 1 1/2 miles. That record still stands, 48 years later, and counting. He also, set a course record for 1 1/2 miles on the turf, in the 73 Man O' War Stakes. 2:24 4/5ths. Now there have been turf horses, that have bested that mark, but hundreds.? And how about a synthetic surface. Since there are hundreds of horses, that can break 2:24, there must be a few that did so on synthetic surface. If you don't mind, I would like to know there names, when you have a chance.

[@Cajun-it3yf]

Both fantastic horses, but like everyone says...only one Secretariat. There will absolutely never be another horse like him, ever.

[@deloresboyd358]

Amen to that! Cajun9000!

[@rcfred_689]

I agree there two awesome horses, but no horse was beating big red at that Belmont!

[@allfiner]

100% agree. We're more likely to see another War Admiral and Seattle Slew than we are to see another Secretariat.

[@Seattle808]

Agreed there will never be another Secretariat

[@cenewton3221]

I think we'd all welcome another one as epic as he was... it's just so hard to imagine that we'd get to see him. It could take another 100 years before mankind sees the One that will dominate as Secretariat did, in ridiculous record setting times in all the majors, just 5 weeks apart.

[@rollotomassi7437]

There are Triple Crown winners and then theirs Secretariat...... “Secretariat Is All Alone” tells you all you need to know about his legacy.

[@fishinwidow35]

That is the phrase that gives me goosebumps

[@rollotomassi7437]

@@fishinwidow35 same here.... There just is no greater horse than the Sec.

[@piewhackit2me]

Too bad he couldn’t replicate himself in the breeding shed.He did produce some good fillies that went on to produce winners

[@jerrypetercheff3075]

Truth

[@rrock2025]

There's*

[@kmc3851]

Everything about secretariats win was amazing, including what I think was one of the most passionate calls of all time

[@i.m.askance7996]

Yes indeed!!!

[@Struwwel2]

Chic Anderson's race call was almost as legendary as that of the horse that ran it. "Secretariat is blazing along! The first three quarters of a mile in 1:09 and 4/5th! "Secretariat is widening now. He is moving like a TREMENDOUS MACHINE!" "But Secretariat is ALL ALONE! He's out there almost a sixteenth of a mile away from the rest of the horses!"

[@i.m.askance7996]

@@Struwwel2 Chic Anderson definitely rose to the occasion that day. I still get chills every time I watch that race!

[@outoftime7740]

American Pharoah was good. But he surely wasn't no SECRETARIAT . Secretariat is untouchable so far....

[@outoftime7740]

@Michael M. Why people continue to not give credit, where credit is due, to this ultimate champion, is beyond me. That would be all fine and dandy to say what you just did, if Secretariat still didn't hold the fastest times in all 3 of the triple crown races to date. 47 years later, and no horse to date has beaten any one of Secretariats times in all 3 races. SECRETARIAT REMAINS KING, AND HE DESERVES EVERY MINUTE OF IT. The greatest racehorse this world has ever seen.

[@outoftime7740]

@Michael M. Seems like you edited your comment. I'm glad you stated Secretariat is America's Hero, because that horse is. At first you made it sound like Secretariat was only a hero because we needed one back then. That horse's times don't lie.

[@glen6945]

true

[@denverwatts5753]

Ronnie never brought his whip out.....that was ALL SECRETARIAT.....I still get teary eyed today as I did the day he RAN HIS RACE.

[@workingmothercatlover6699]

Me too, and I wasn't even born yet until 3 years later!

[@planegaper]

Yeah I think sec ran his own strategies, I'm sure he could smell fear on the other horses, and knew whom to intimidate... but once he got going, it was all horsepower.. didn't matter how well you were placed in the field, he'd just run you down..

[@taufiqlaukpeda7898]

Saya juga merasakan nya..tanpa cambuk sekretariat berlari sangat kencang... Di negara saya Indonesia ada joky legendaris bernama Jendry Turangan hampir di setiap pacuan selalu menang tanpa mencambuk kuda nya Djoharmanik maupun Saud...

[@georgearce5627]

Is want even 13 years old watching the Belmont with my dad. He kept saying he's going to drop dead he's running too fast. 49 years later I still tear up watching that race. That was one of the greatest athletic performances I've ever seen.

[@joangoldsworthy954]

I get chills and/or tears in my eyes every time I watch him run.

[@elizabethcross12]

I was rooting for Secretariat in 1973. And he did not disappoint. He was magnificent. I was rooting for American Pharoah when he ran. And he too was marvelous. He did a good job… very close to Secretariat’s time, but there will never be another champion like Bug Red , Secretariat. To have watched them making history still thrills me.

[@janetannerevans2320]

not even close.

[@kazitude1]

2 1/2 secs is NOT close! Also Secretariat didn't have any horse pushing him. He was coasting!

[@lakeracer8453]

Absolutely agree 100%, but PLEASE edit 'Bug' Red to Big Red.

[@bombasticbushkin4985]

Hard to fathom, but Secretariat was probably 12 or 13 lengths ahead of American Pharaoh here. Look at the poles.

[@Dandelion49]

I was 24 when he ran that race and didn't think all that much about it. But over the years and I see it again and again because I finally realize just how awesome what he did was I am addicted to watching him run again and again. I have been a horse person all my life owning and raising horses. So just love this horse. Next year will be the 50th year since he ran that astounding race and I doubt I will ever see anything like that again. I imaging there won't be another horse like him ever.

[@absolutelynotLily]

I still get emotional over Secretariat

[@baq8680]

I do too... I can't watch that footage at Belmont without losing it... it's like you're watching a movie... but it's the real thing

[@deloresboyd358]

me too, omg what a horse! definitely secretariat was a "super Horse" no other horse still this day has not beaten his record.

[@ralphholiman7401]

I literally still can't watch his Belmont Stakes race without getting chills.

[@tillymclaren8554]

I think everyone does

[@seanfinlay3043]

Adleast he died in a good way and always went down in history the only two horses that have a special hart in my body is shergar and secretariat

[@johnforeman634]

Man. That Secretariat in the 73 Belmont is one of the greatest moments in sports history to watch. Chic Anderson’s call is just epic too and brought the whole thing into another dimension. I don’t know how many times I’ve watched it and never lose that awe of seeing him all alone so far out front.

[@timgivhan4635]

John, I was a nine year old kid watching this on live TV! It was awe inspiring, I knew that I was seeing something rare! I saw him run all his Triple Crown races and I can tell you that no horse had ever created such excitement since.G.O.A.T.!!

[@lbroderick783]

Yes, I remember watching the race on TV in my living room. When Secretariat started pulling away from Sham and the distance became greater and greater, I got tears in my eyes and knew I was watching something HISTORIC AND GREAT! The only other time I felt like I was watching GREATNESS was when the U.S. Hockey Team beat the Russians in the 1980 Olympics!

[@samgardner4667]

It’s crazy. He was basically finishing the race, when the other horses broke free around the final turn. Like he was done and starting to slow down when they hit the final straight. It’s completely insane.

[@debrabiderman4275]

I too never tire of watching the race or reading the book Secretariat.

[@christhompson9486]

@Michael M. Sham's jockey pulled him up so he wouldn't break down. He had a hairline fracture to his front leg. He had gave out, at least they had the wherewithal to pull him up and not push him.

[@literallyshaking8019]

“He is moving like a tremendous machine” might be one of the greatest calls ever.

[@adellemery3336]

For every great story's like Secretariat's, there's always the heartbreak, and its name was Sham. God, even the name foreshadowed how fate would treat him paired up against Big Red.

[@adellemery3336]

@Gary Pollard Can't that statement be flipped to say that there is no evidence that Forego would have beaten Secretariat as a 4-year old? Hypotheticals are fun to argue, but are often impossible to prove. Your hypothesis reads as follows: If Secretariat had raced Forego when both were 4 years old , then Secretariat would have lost. Also, I can't conclude that Secretariat would have won. Both conclusive statements are fallacies, since Part A, the "If" statement, is not true. Thus, any conclusion reached is also an untruth. However, that doesn't take away from the majesty and beauty of both horses.

[@avgjoe5969]

@Gary Pollard Certainly there is proof that Secretariat was the faster horse. Secretariat laid down three records and Forego didn't break any of them. Preakness, Derby, Belmont at Any point in Forego's career. The records still stand. The Belmont is in no danger from being broken any time soon....50 years later. By any horse. So. Yeah. Forego would lose. If Forego was hit by a bus and therefore couldn't enter any of the triple crown races in his 4th year.... then you might as well say that you "can't prove" that any given horse that didn't race "could have" been the fastest. Its an equally valid and utterly pointless statement.

[@davidmiller5675]

Sham was named correctly .

[@planegaper]

Felt bad for Sham...especially at the Belmont...he gave his , ran with sec for about 30 seconds (an achievement in it's self) , Sec just went up a gear, and did the impossible.. that has to be hard a on horses psyche

[@robertgreene4388]

Sham might be one of the ten best race horses of all time. His only mistake was being born the same year as Secretariat.

[@stuballs42]

Over 2,000,000 horses have been born since the great Secretariat ran for the triple Crown ,and his time has still not been beaten! R.I.P. Big Red !

[@the1realanalogman]

That pretty much all there is to debate!

[@ooee7855]

+the1realanalogman Big Red whipped all out like a Slave and Pharoah in hand Lol

[@trackhandicapper739]

+Stu Stewart That time will never be beaten. This was likely the greatest race ever run. It was also, by far, Secretariat's best race ever.

[@trackhandicapper739]

+the1realanalogman Debate? Do you mean best race or horse ever? Because the latter is quite debatable.

[@fargosoccer]

+P Slaught latter, not ladder. No, not debatable except by those in denial. For those looking at the facts, it is obvious.

[@mikejacobs4727]

The greatest sporting event I ever witnessed . I could watch it 1000xs and still get choked up.

[@DougWarren-rf4pv]

I'm with you everytime I watch Secretariat it's like the first time I saw Big Red race. What other arhlete(horse) could run every 1/4 faster then the last now that's AMAZING. Never needed a whip to make Secretariat run. He knew what he was doing

[@deloresboyd358]

I'm with you on that! so true!!

[@j2thau]

It’s an absolute beautiful thing

[@bobbywise2313]

@@DougWarren-rf4pv I remember Chic Anderson's call on the home stretch of the Preakness. He mentioned twice that Sham was under a strong whip and then he says " but Ronnie has his whip put away". Secretariat was extending his lead as he crossed the finish.

[@FAD1953]

Right On

[@Saxxin1]

Secretariat still holds the record in all 3 races. It's not fair to compare any horse to him.

[@John-nt2ej]

The autopsy of Secretariat revealed that due to a genetic mutation, his heart weighed 22 lbs. Average for a thoroughbred is 8.5. His ability to process oxygen was one of a kind. Also explains why his foals never came close to his performances.

[@JeffRebornNow]

He passed on the X factor to his female progeny. Lots of good horses out of Secretariat mares. Wasn't A.P. Indy out of a Sec. mare? And Risen Star wasn't so bad winning the Belmont by 15 lengths.

[@foots-qt4pk]

@@JeffRebornNow Lady's Secret and Terlinqua, two very successful daughters both on the track and off. Weekend surprise was the dam of AP Indy and carried the large heart gene on both chromosomes. His greatest rival Sham also had the gene from his mom Sequoia who was a sister of Secretariats dam, Somethingroyal, making them cousins. American Pharoah is a grandson of Secretariat through terlinqua and storm cat as was justify.

[@terrybacot3858]

I believe It is actually 16 lbs the actual weight of a thoroughbred 8 to 12 lbs is a normal heart size for a horse.

[@jangardner9542]

I choose to believe he was born on the wings of Michael himself.

[@greenbamboo489]

@@terrybacot3858 22 ounces NOT pounds.

[@defoust]

I don't know but I think if I lived for 5000 years Secretariat would still be the best ever

[@loryhorn7113]

Secretariat broke his own Derby record in the Belmost. He set a record in the Derby of 159 & 2/5ths and his time in the Belmont for a mile and a quarter was 159 flat. He was two lengths ahead of his time in the Derby! Wow, just wow!

[@justinsilvia5363]

... and then ran the final 1/4 mile at pace faster than each of the previous 1/4. He was SPEEDING UP as he crossed the finish line.

[@frutrace]

@@justinsilvia5363 For clarification, Secretariat negative split the Derby, not the Belmont. His final 1/4 mile in the Belmont was his slowest, but still impressively fast considering his previous splits.

[@bongobongo985]

kinda like Donald Trump

[@cmeflywva]

Most sprinters couldn't have ran as fast as the fraction he put in that day.

[@matt75hooper]

How fortunate to have witnessed perfection. Watching it live was a mind boggling experience.

[@i.m.askance7996]

Lucky you!!!

[@susieq9801]

Yes it was. I knew I was seeing history.

[@SWfordecencyingovt]

I am so envious. Have watched the replay dozens of times and still love it

[@michaelsorrentino9279]

Any reader/horseman knows Secretariat's records will never be broken ! A truce freak horse with a very large heart, 3 times the size of a normal heart. Ron Turcott was a family friend who was guided by my dad M.Sorrentino Sr. Retired from racing after 30 years of racing! RIP dad !!!

[@jimr880]

American Pharoah is a great horse of today, but Secretariat is the greatest horse of the ages.

[@jeffschwartz7923]

+Jim R There is proof all over the place that you are right!!!!!!!!! Find another article about a horse that won the Triple Crown - over 40 years ago - and people are STILL talking about him!!!!!!!!! And what other horse won his race by 31 lengths?????? That's right - NONE!!!!!

[@dancasey9660]

American Pharoah is a great horse, Secretariat was other worldly!

[@elkedecosteredc]

+Jeff Schwartz Man O' War won by far more. If I am not mistaking he won once with 100 lengths.

[@dancasey9660]

+Amberlovies There's a KZbin video out there somewhere that shows the best times for each horse at different distances. Secretariat's times were always better, but you have to remember that Man O War didn't start from a gate, so I'm not too sure how accurate his times were.

[@savannahfrillman3353]

+Amberlovies Man O' War never won by 100 lengths. Secretariat is the King of all racehorses.

[@robertdowson832]

Secretariat was THIRTY ONE length ahead of the next horse. Something I have never seen before. There is no topping that beauty. What a horse!!!

[@justiceprevail1552]

Even after he passed the winners pole, he was still gaining speed into the first turn.

[@donaldfrierson743]

I read somewhere that Man O War won a race by 100 lengths.

[@mikeprevost8650]

@@donaldfrierson743 maybe, if he was running against one of the Budweiser Clydesdales.

[@mikeprevost8650]

@@justiceprevail1552 if they officially timed his run out, he'd hold the record for 1-5/8th miles, too.

[@starrinightzxd9246]

Secretariat has been beaten by Seabiscuit

[@robertleewhitt6241]

Just imagine if somebody had been close to Secretariat and had pushed him just a little bit at the Belmont His time would’ve been 2:20 Secretariat this is the greatest athlete you ever see in your life !

[@Wonderboywonderings]

100% agree. Getting pushed always brings out more in an athlete. And that would have been just as true for Secretariat. The only problem is there wasn't a horse then, or now, who could run fast enough to push him like that all the way to the end!

[@robertlee3805]

@@Wonderboywonderings > outstanding point !!! Not even with all of the doping , steroids & training no horse has even come close to the greatest athlete of all time Secretariat !

[@Wonderboywonderings]

@@robertlee3805 they would need to use pace horses stationed at intervals!

[@robertlee3805]

@@Wonderboywonderings > yes LOL that was a good one ☝️!!!

[@ronelpagao2813]

Yeah that's true, ron,his rider didn't even raise a stick just to run him fast 😅😅😅😅😅😅

[@AJ-gt6ts]

Absolutely insane. I'm glad we have this footage. It's awesome to see just how incomparable he really was back then and now.

[@Mycroftsbrother]

American Pharoah is a great horse.... but, Secretariat was almost unearthly. I predict that we will not see another horse like Secretariat in our lifetime.

[@adriennedavis9190]

That's what Steven co urn said about how the triple crown and look what just happened. You never know!

[@adriennedavis9190]

*coburn

[@mongoose470]

Mycroftsbrother Spot on.

[@marymroe9]

Mycroftsbrother I agree, you knew it that day when you saw that race that you were seeing something you would never see again.

[@christinehuff1036]

I agree we will never see another horse like Sectratist, none of his times have been beaten at the Belmont, he ran each half mile faster than the last.

[@richardmourdock2719]

I'm in my 70th year. Though I never really got into horse racing, Secretariat was the talk of 1973. Those wins and especially, as shown here in the Belmont, was quite simply the most amazing performance I've ever seen in sports. If you watch that vid on its own, just listen to the noise of the crowd build as they knew they were watching something unparalleled. I still get choked up watching it. Big Red.. The one, the only, forever.

[@dlmullins9054]

I am 700 also, and never was interested in horse racing although i rode horses and owned them. My father-in-law loved Secretariat and he couldn't stop talking about him. I became interested later in life and began to see why he loved him so much. The greatest race horse of all time . I saw where he was ranked second behind Man of war, but that is not true. Secretariat would have dominated even that great horse.

[@artspalding5167]

The greatest performance by a racehorse possibly ever. Man O War won by 100 lengths but over 100 years ago…no social media, no video. Both super horses!

[@philgoodpaster3161]

Sham would have been a Triple Crown winner if not for" Big Red"! He broke that colt's heart! I still get chills watching that race. His likes will never be seen again!

[@robertlongwill8856]

Sham was a phenomenal animal I felt bad for that horse and the jockey and the owners.

[@robertlongwill8856]

@Mike Reisig that's a great Point Mike. All great athletes when pushed by their competition will invariably become better. 👍Secretariat was the best thoroughbred in the history of horse racing

[@philgoodpaster3161]

@@robertlongwill8856 I consider him as "The Greatest Athlete" period. Thanks.

[@philgoodpaster3161]

@@moodtherapy Respetfully, I disagree with that. Watch the Belmont. World record 2:24 for 1 1/2 mile. Worlde record for 1 5/8 mile pulling up. 31 lengths. Under a hand ride, No contest. His like will never be seen again!

[@mikeprevost8650]

@@philgoodpaster3161 here's a fun fact: his Belmont time for a mile and a quarter was 3/5ths of a second faster than his still-record Derby time. 1:59 flat.

[@beachbunny7256]

Secretariat was listed in the top 100 athletes in the 20th century!!! God's horse!!!

[@jimmrson9530]

Beach Bunny - I think he is the #1 athlete of the 20th century. His resume can go against anyone. My fellow horse racing friends have talked about it for years :-)

[@livetwice7702]

If God had a horse it was certainly him

[@jerryhelton1804]

The only animal to be athlete of the year in 73.

[@edlazaro7044]

In any place and century, No one can compete. its Big Red

[@RavenSaint1]

@VeronicaEquestrian A horse and rider are one being in the moment. Whether it is racing the wind or a slow controlled dance of grace and poise. If one or the other faulter the whole suffers.

[@usafrance1568]

Its not fair to compare other horses to Secretariat, he was almost a different species of animal, he was a physical anomaly.

[@anotherblonde]

You are correct he was a biological freak in that he had an enlarged ribcage to house his large heart. He had to have special girths made and nothing off the peg was long enough. Such things in nature are rarely passed down the generations, as he was a dud at stud.

[@landlord5569]

Was grateful to know Eddie and Charlie.....Big Red was the pinnacle of the breeding industries goal. The perfect race horse....he is what the original breeders set out to create.

[@jonalberts980]

@@anotherblonde You really need to watch the 1988 Belmont or something. I don't know how you can say that. Bold Ruler only produced one horse better than Secretariat's son, Risen Star, and that was Secretariat. Secretariat was also #1 broodmare sire in the world for a time. It's not reasonable to expect any horse to produce a horse as good as he was. Not even him.

[@jimmrson9530]

Usa France - thanks, it’s like any sport, comparing people to The Gretzky’s, Jordan’s of the world. I completely enjoyed watching American Pharaoh, an awesome horse, all class. I don’t think about Secretariat when I watch his replays, and vice versa. I’m a fan.

[@scotthilliard7177]

They honestly didn't stand a chance....they were battling against perfection.

[@jmdec20]

Not only Secretariat spirit but his proportions were so strong and balanced all worked together for an awesome performance. Magic.

[@Mikael.formermilitary]

When I watch horses run their races I sit back and am in awe. They work so hard and run with all they have to give. After a race when in the winner's circle I would look at my horse, and he would look at me and nod as if to say Daddy I did it. I'd walk over with tears in my eyes and tell him I'm so lucky to know you and have you in my life. Then I'd kiss him on the nose. He knew he made me happy and he knew how proud I was of him. When he wasn't winning anymore we would do the same thing. He would look at me and say, Daddy, I tried my best. I would kiss him on the nose and tell him how proud I was of him, and I loved him so very much. His name is not important to you, only to me. He is gone now but his memory burns into my soul. Your Daddy loves you.

[@richardedenfield5167]

Watched this with my five-year-old son. He likes time travel things: movies, stories, etc. He was watching Secretariat and he said "Where are all the other horses daddy." I told him that they were in the past. "They need a time machine to catch him?" He said looking at me. I said yes. A very fast time machine. When he heard the announcer say "Like a tremendous machine" He smiled and said "You can't catch the future." I loved that exchange. And think it poetically sums up the greatest horse of all time.

[@JAMwithGeo]

How astute!!

[@rexgoodheart3471]

OK, I love this.

[@nostromo7928]

Thanks for sharing that, Richard. Children are so wise. That gave me the goosebumps a little. :)

[@kenycharles8600]

You are raising a bright lad.

[@JohnBoy4428]

I’ve seen Secretariat run this race 1000 times and it’s more brilliant each time. No horse on the face of this earth could ever of beaten him on that day. It was a ride from the gods.

[@rowdyrx6109]

John Laquis If you believe in God the creator He created 1 of a kind in Secretariat!

[@JAMwithGeo]

When I need an emotional lift, i will sometimes watch this race.

[@robhill7513]

A true miracle comes along every 500 years, Secretariat was one

[@neos4247]

George Macias that is sooo true, anytime I need to change the energy this greatest horse of all time just brings a smile to my face, when I watch his races n for some reason the Belmont just brings happy tears. No matter how many times I watch that race I cry, idk why but Man was he a masterpiece ❤️❤️❤️

[@johannalapuste4720]

sure ruffian could beat him

[@Necile2]

Secretariat to American Pharoah: "Hold my beer."

[@jerrysabbagh1499]

I watched this race in my parents room as they had the biggest screen. At first I was afraid he would lose as the first part of the race was so close. As I was watching and I seen that magnificent creature pull away like an accelerating car I knew at that moment history was being made. There have been a lot of exciting things in sports, Jeter's 3000th , Kirk Gibson's home run but nothing came close to this IMO. Absolute perfection.....

[@GiDD504]

Secretariat still gives me chills. No other horse can ever compete with such a majestic creature.

[@keithcooke5598]

Big Red was a runaway freight train, Ronnie was just along for the ride.... 46yrs and counting, those record times will NEVER be broken....

[@77clem]

@keith garrison In anything for that matter. Look at Bob Beamon's long jump record. It stood for almost 23 years. The ONLY record I would be shocked to see broken is Joe DiMaggio's 56 game hitting streak.

[@darrelleldridge4914]

What’s more impressive is he didn’t push Secretariat, just imagine if Secretariat had another horse to compete against. That’s why no one knows how good Citation was, Arcaro never let Citation loose, but even Arcaro said that no horse could have beaten Secretariat in the Belmont.

[@artsmith103]

I heard an autopsy at his death showed Secrateriot's heart to be twice normal size.

[@Bob20206]

Darrell Eldridge that’s also why nobody knows how good man o war was either. He was never really pushed to his limits AND his track conditions were completely awful due to the era and his times still aren’t far back from secretariat. Honestly citation, man o war, and secretariat were the best in my books. They never had to be pushed and we will never know who’d honestly win in a race, but I like to think that they are somewhat equals.

[@carmen9235]

sad to say its been beaten many times

[@johnnythompson4592]

The Greatest performance in an event by a participant (Horse in this case; it does not diminish it to me) in any sport in American Sports History, period. Greater than Beamon's leap/ Greater than 100 points in a game (Chamberlain)/ Greater than Don Larson's World Serie's no hitter/ Greater than any single event performance in my opinion. A joy to watch perfection.

[@catfishdance]

Every time I watch the Belmont Stakes, I get chills and tears in my eyes. I remember watching it when it happened, and I was jumping and shouting with joy, had never seen anything like it. We were lucky enough to own a grandson of the great horse, who had the same build, was a grey, but never raced due to an injury during training. He had the same grace when moving, but lived with us for 20 years, in comfort, being ridden on the flat, and enjoying a very long retirement.

[@rainmanadmiral2808]

No one who is a race fan will ever forget the name. Secretariat... He was just a machine.. tons of great horses over the years but he will remain the machine.

[@bobkeenan2907]

Don't have to be a race fan to remember Big Red. He transcended his sport like no other. One bucket list item I had was to see him on the farm. I've had to adjust it to visit his grave to pay my respects.

[@jogman262]

A Tremendous Machine.

[@Boog1137]

Second what Bob said. I'm no big race fan myself, but watching Reds Triple Crown runs gives me chills And I'm only 27 btw. His greatness transcends even generation, what I would give to have seen him run with my own two eyes. RIP Big Red

[@bigjoetube]

no horse ever, EVER, will beat 2:24.00 in the BELMONT. you can argue Man o' War was better, but not on Belmont Day. NO HORSE WHO EVER RACED WOULD HAVE BEATEN SECRETARIAT ON THIS DAY.

[@clevercalico4432]

No, Secretariat was better than Man O' War but Man O' War was the better sire.

[@jeffnovack1321]

@@Thebeardedapostle Read it again. Man O war ran the MILE and three furlongs at Belmont in 2:14, not the current 1.5 mile race (the race was considerably SHORTER when Man O war won). Secretariat has the fastest times in the Belmont at a mile, a mile and three furlongs and a mile and half. Faster than Man O war. Man O war was also a great horse, Secretariat was faster and the greatest horse of all time.

[@shananquade7553]

@Jeff Novak comparing times 50 years apart is not fair at all. Man O War was never allowed to run all out either. Secretariat's Belmont was, to me, the most amazing sporting feat ever. But I think if Man O War had lived during Secretariat's time it would have looked more like Sham and Secretariat at the halfway point all of the way through. Equipment, training schedules, track drainage, track materials and the owners differing outlooks on how their horse should be managed all play a role in the time differences. That and breeding record is why Man O War is at the top of the all time lists and Secretariat is #2. They are both great to me and I would have loved to see them race.

[@kbinseattle5760]

After his death, Secretariat’s heart was found to be twice the size of the average horse, giving him an enormous endurance advantage. To beat his record there would probably have to be a horse with the same large heart!

[@EclecticHillbilly]

Sham also was found to have an oversize heart, though not as big as Secretariat's. Sham was a very good horse that ran into a great horse.

[@garrisonnichols7372]

American Pharaoh is really quick but Secretariat was abnormal! His heart was 2 times the size of an average horse and it made him the stuff of legend. I don't think we will ever see a horse move as incredibly fast as Big Red could. God's Horse for sure!

[@maryhirtle-fh1og]

Sham also had a huge heart. Almost as big as Secretariats.

[@debmoadd]

The fact that someone had the audacity to put this question forward is so hilarious. I watched Secretariat win the Triple Crown when I was 18, and Big Red was sooo beautiful; I got on my knees and wept. When he passed away, the autopsy revealed that Secretariat's heart was three times larger than other thoroughbreds. When you watch re-runs of his races, notice the stretch of Big Red against competitors-for every stride he took, other horses had to take 2-3 strides...and he made it look so easy. Strength, size, and focus-he had it all. And a big heart in more than one way. Secretariat then and forever: the grandest Triple Crown champion of them all and still the most beloved horse in the world.

[@gypsyblue8623]

Why was this even considered? Secretariat was literally a machine with his heart being the way that it was. The longer the distance the faster he ran. 🤦‍♀️

[@softymultiz2079]

Pheonix Feathers exactly plus he completed the triple crown in like 2 something minutes. The others haven’t gotten close to that. Basically the time just says it all

[@neos4247]

Lovisa Summergirl basically the name SECRETARIAT should say it all but some people need to be reminded this name commands respect... he was,is and always will stand as the number one horse ... his records will never be broken, maybe secretariat would have to be re born to out do himself ❤️❤️❤️that horse was freaking awesome

[@joelmorales9073]

" The longer the distance the faster he ran" that is such a hard core comment it's insane !

[@bongobongo985]

@@joelmorales9073 its true. he always started last, but finished first

[@kenzeier2943]

A horse can have a big physical heart but it needs the "heart" of a champion to do what THE SECRETARIAT achieved. It had a great body and a great racing mind in that it wanted to run hard.

[@julieenslow5915]

I guess this was an exercise to let the newest generation know how horseracing's triple Crown records stand. Not everyone knew. Now they do. Secretariat owns all of those records still.

[@SF-rl7hl]

Agree, he was a natural at speed and endurance with a good trainer and Jockey that left him alone to do his thing, The Kentucky Derby was practice. Ron could have went for the lead anytime he wanted and road away from Sham. The Preakness was a good old fashion bad start it happens. But the Belmont, we'll Ron and the trainer were ready. This time they him go out fast and run. And boy are we all glad they did! I was 14 at the time and there. I will never forget him coming down the final stretch with the crowds screaming so loud! many around us were afraid he would drop dead before the finish. No one thought a horse could run that fast for that long and not blow up and die! I remember thinking, " He looks like hes happy having some fun, he loved people and the crowds." "He didn't look tired to me." He still had something left at the end. that 2:24 will last the rest of my life time.

[@julieenslow5915]

@@SF-rl7hl I am so jealous!! And grateful that you told that story. It is the best summary of him and the triple crown I have seen. I watched it on TV, with my father standing beside me. He came from a family of horsemen and women (that's what they called them then) and so when he saw what he was doing, he feared for his life. And told me while it was happening to prepare me if it went wrong. I stopped celebrating and was silently crying for the last half of the race. I don't think I was the only one, lots of true race horse people had similar fears - even ones that had horses he was racing that day. Sham's owner feared for his own horse, and then he was also afraid of what Secretariat was doing. When the race was over - well you know this - the next furlong, Secretariat was still accelerating. So if you look at the stats - he accelerated that entire race, including the furlong AFTER he crossed the finish line. He refused to slow down, Ron had a real problem, he was also wanting to end that race to ensure he remained sound. He knew he had more left, he always said so. And anyone who was there new it. It was not an exhausted horse walking back to the winners circle, which startled a lot of people. He was not covered in froth, like so many we've seen. He was so happy! And later they found out why - and it was not just the heart. He also had an enlarged set of lungs, which is why when you look at a side by side profile of him next to any other thoroughbred, his chest was huge. That had to made special saddles, and special straps to go around that ribcage. Even his neck was thicker than other thoroughbreds. He was the model of a perfect racehorse, they have to stop raising these fragile thoroughbreds and killing them on the track! He was a tank, from birth.

[@bobbywise2313]

@@SF-rl7hl They were not sure if he would be able to run in the Derby. He had an abscess in his mouth and that is why he didn't win the Wood Memorial. With just days till the Derby there were questions about his health and some even wanted Ronnie replaced. The abscess broke before the run and Secretariat felt much better. Ronnie took him out a few times and he and Lucian Lauren met with Mrs. Tweedy and assured her that Big Red was ready. In the run he made his move on the home stretch and pulled away by the finish. In the Preakness he just all at once burst from dead last to first in the back turn. But for whatever reason Big Red just felt like running from the start at the Belmont. Sham stayed close for a while but I believe actually suffered a small fracture during that incredible pace. Sham was not going to be able to maintain that pace either way through. No one thought Secretariat could either at the time. Lucian Lauren was freaking out because he thought the pace was to much and Big Red would collapse. But by the the home stretch he was just praying that Ronnie wouldn't fall off The thing is Ronnie never pushed him. He let Secretariat run. He actually said before the race if he loses he would retire because no jockey should lose on Big Red that day. Big Red had been acting more excited than usual that day according to his handlers and those around him. I find it interesting to try to understand the horses thoughts. Horse psychology seems very real. The horses even seem to know if they didn't win. That sounds crazy but all of the people around the horses say it's true. And I too am jellous. I can't imagine what that must have been like. It had been 25 years since the Great Citation won the Triple Crown and many thougt it may never happen again by 1973. Of course we have had several since Secretariat but none as exciting. Although Affirmed deserves mentioning because of the great Alydar rivalry.

[@margaretstutts4362]

There will never be another Secretariat. He was just the perfect horse.

[@ronelpagao2813]

Secretariat is in different level, incomparable, still goosebumps hearing his name

[@RaleighLink]

Stop comparing two great race horses, Secretariat will always be the greatest horse of all time... he still to this day holds records for the fastest races ever run. Also American Pharaoh is Secretariats great great great grandson. His excellence still lives on.

[@blankhakahslsjunknownsnskh9067]

RaleighLink14 YESSSS😭 Love you btw😘

[@pureequestrian5700]

Hey Raleigh, so cool to see you here!

[@kalikalad8954]

His record for the 1 1/4 miles will probably stand forever. His record for the 1 1/2 miles will definitely stand forever. He was a freak of nature, an incredible athlete, and absolutely gorgeous to boot. No horse can be compared to Secretariat, except maybe Ruffian. Lucien Lauren, Secretariat's trainer, once said of Ruffian, "By God, she may be even better than Secretariat." If only she had not had to be destroyed--she could have been bred to Secretariat! Imagine the utterly amazing freak that could have resulted from that mix!

[@richd3044]

So, what do YOU think he really ran - 1:54.2 or 1:53.....if you had to put money on it? You know this was forensically analyzed, right? A fluke is something that occurs which is far out of the realm of what could be reasonably expected, or, reflects some kind of outlier compared to a larger sample of similar results. Based on that fact that Secretariat broke or tied other track or world records, your fluke comment makes no sense.

[@qhsperson]

Secretariat holds some records. Next time, try to be precise when you make a claim.

[@wooferaverage]

Poor Sham, he would have been a legend too if he hadn't been born the same year as Secretariat.

[@billzimmerly]

wooferaverage So very true!

[@tomkrysiak3224]

wooferaverage You do realize that that Secretariat so completely destroyed Sham that he finished out of the money in the Belmont. As a matter of fact, he was 5th in a 5 horse race.

[@VampireYoshi]

Tom Krysiak Sham finished the Derby and Preakness 2 1/2 lengths behind Secretariat in second, where third was another 7 1/2 lengths back each time. Without Secretariat, Sham would've paced the Belmont field in much the same fashion as Seattle Slew, Affirmed...and American Pharoah did, not running beyond himself. To put it in perspective, all the experts were horrified at what was happening at the 3/4 pole in 1973. As the ESPN SportsCentury on him reported, "[we] thought, 'he's going to totally collapse in the stretch, he can't keep this up'. ...Everyone to a man was saying 'he's going too damn fast'." Secretariat should've broken down, straight up. That he did not was because, among scientific reasons, he had a heart that was 3 1/4 times larger than a normal horse's, so big that it might as easily have killed him as a foal, rather than turning him into a literal freak of nature superhorse. Meanwhile, Sham and Alydar (1978, against Affirmed) should both be treated with great love and respect for their own heart, two superior horses having to run in the same year as 'that one other horse' who was either that much, or just enough, stronger. And while I'm on it, 1989's Sunday Silence and Easy Goer should both be remembered, as almost being another Affirmed & Alydar, except that Easy Goer finally got Sunday Silence in the Belmont (with the second fastest time ever, actually, 2: 26 flat), and casual fans often don't remember non-Triple Crown-winners.

[@jasoncorona963]

So very true.

[@jasoncorona963]

Tom Krysiak Secretariat pushed him too hard. If he ran a normal pace, he would've kept up with the others.

[@Diego9806]

I was at the Belmont when American Pharoah won. Flew out from Los Angeles feeling this was the horse that would finally do it. What a great day. I honestly think he could have run faster but no he wouldn't have beat Secretariat. Maybe he could have run another second faster. The races were just totally different. AP wasn't pushed and then when asked he opened up and ran away. Secretariat's whole race was amazing, the fractions were insane and no one needed to push him.

[@franke981]

I was in the Belmont clubhouse that day with my parents. We were astounded by Secretariat’s performance and cheered loudly. But it was a few years until I really appreciated that run and now I too tear up when I watch it. The announcer commented that the record time would be hard to match and now it’s been 50 years and no horse has come close to 2:24!

[@Mine-kn6-789]

Secretariat was not only the greatest horse ever, he came to all of us at a time when we needed him most...during watergate and The Vietnam war. He was ...”More than just a horse.”

[@TheVagolfer]

2:24 will never be broken. Neither will 1:59.2 or 1:53. 44 years and counting for all three.

[@marysueeasteregg]

Secretariat's Pimlico track record for 1 3/16 miles has long since been broken. Farma Way ran the 1991 Pimlico Special in 1:52.40. Secretariat's Preakness stakes record still stands. And horses have run 10 furlongs on dirt faster than Secretariat did: Spectacular Bid holds the world record for that distance at 1:57 4/5, although that of course was on a different track.

[@timyatcak3292]

Pimlico, Frama Way 1:52 2/5 is the track record for the distance. He still holds the STAKES record however.

[@jamessills5802]

Monarchos and Curlin(preakness) came close. Big Red was the greatest, but they don't work horses like they used to and they don't pan the track down like they did until Barbero!

[@77clem]

Right up there with Joe DiMaggio's 56 game hitting streak in 1941.

[@marysueeasteregg]

To Christopher Newton, whose reply to me doesn't appear here: You: "Actually, Spectacular Bid ran 1:57 4/5, that was for 1 1/4 - clearly not 10 furlongs. That's 9 furlongs SMFH." SMFH indeed. FYI: 1 FURLONG IS 1/8 OF A MILE. (Look it up in a dictionary. Or a list of horse racing terminology.) 10 FURLONGS IS 1 1/4 MILES. 9 furlongs is 1 1/8 miles. 12 furlongs is 1 1/2 miles. 9.5 furlongs is 1 3/16 miles. The North American dirt record for 9 furlongs / 1 1/8 miles is 1:45, set by Simply Majestic at Golden Gate Fields. Bid's time is for 10 furlongs. You: "Also Farma Way doesn't own that record either, it's Riva Ridge at Aqueduct at 1:52 2/5 where Farma Way was 1:52 :55 - timers have Riva at 1:52:45. Symantecs given the differences in timing with fractions and decimals and trigometry and cyclopses and whatever I suppose, but while you're throwing around a lot of numbers, I wish to make them flipping correct!" Can you read? I was referring to the *PIMLICO TRACK RECORD* for 1 3/16 miles, which *is* held by Farma Way. I wasn't talking about the North American dirt track record. It doesn't matter how fast he ran, Riva Ridge can't set a Pimlico track record running at Aqueduct! (Talk about flipping correct!) He can run in faster *time* , but that is NOT setting a new Pimlico track record, any more than Farma Way set a new Preakness stakes record while running in the Pimlico Special. The Pimlico (or Aqueduct) track records and the North American dirt records are separate entities. As is the Preakness *stakes* record for 1 3/16 miles, which I and Tim Yatcak acknowledged Secretariat continues to hold. As for Farma Way's exact time...shrug. Both Wikipedia's entry on the Pimlico Special *and* Pimlico.com's page of its track records lists Farma Way's time as 1:52 2/5. Other sources may be more precise, but I would assume Pimlico's own page (!) lists the *official* time. You: "No horse that has ever run the Belmont Stakes would have been within 12 lengths of him. His own son, Risen Star, would have been 2nd at 12 lengths back." Risen Star, whom I dearly wish had won the Triple Crown so that Secretariat would not be inaccurately remembered by the general public as a poor sire -- he was a better than average sire of runners -- did *not* run the second fastest Belmont. Easy Goer and Secretariat grandson A.P. Indy both ran the Belmont faster than Risen Star. Look up Wikipedia's pages on the Belmont Stakes and/or Easy Goer. You: "Why you try to diminish the achievements and greatness of this amazing American horse is beyond me. He was the greatest race horse ever." I rank Secretariat GOAT, I rank his Belmont as one of the most beautiful things I have ever seen, and the greatest single performance I have seen in sports. But I try to be accurate; facts are facts, and it is PLAIN FACT that some of Secretariat records (though not his three *stakes* records set in the Triple Crown) have been broken. I find it sad his fans have to prop him up by pretending his records are all unbeatable (Ruffian's fans do similar, and worse); Man o'War's fans don't hold to that fantasy about MoW. Sports records are made to be broken. I doubt Secretariat's Belmont stakes/track/world dirt records will be ever broken, but his Preakness and Derby stakes record have been closely enough approached that I won't be shocked if they are eventually bettered.

[@emiliabryce7135]

Amazing animals. Secretariat loved to run, he had such a spirit that is unmatched. Even if some day some matches or beats his record he captured peoples heart.

[@hummingbird_chirps8520]

The vet that performed Secretariat's, 'Big Red', autopsy stated in admiration that Secretariat was a "freak of nature" in that "he had a heart 2.5x the normal size for a horse his size" & that "he was built like a running machine; he was... perfect." As a teenager I followed Secretariat in the newspapers cutting out all his articles... so love this magnificent soul... still get all choked up with tears when I watch him... he was absolutely magnificent in athleticism, courage, pride, intelligence, personality, and beauty... he loved to run his 'own' race which his jockey respected & trusted Secretariat's signals... so beloved is our Big Red... he was & will remain the best racer of ALL time in our memory of hearts... he is running free in the flowery meadows of Heaven with all the other great race horses...can you see him? He's the beauty with the glistening deep red coat running gracefully way ahead of the herd as he proudly turns to look back and embrace his greatness...🦋

[@outoftime7740]

it’s too bad they didn’t catch his laminitis sooner. Secretariats heart weighed 22 pounds and Shams heart weighed 18 pounds, 2 very special horses with big engines. Now we know why, Sham kept pretty close to the legend. Pincay raced Sham horribly in the Belmont. Secretariat is invincible and immortal now and he will forever be in our hearts

[@jddj2952]

There is absolutely no comparison. Secretariat would win hands down.

[@watchmanonthewall14]

Well, maybe hooves down.

[@benseverson7820]

American Pharoah is a great horse, but he couldn't hold a candle to Secretariat. Secretariat is the greatest thoroughbred racehorse of all time.

[@thomasburesh5602]

+Ben Severson You are right Secretariat is just like Man o War those two horses are twins best horses in the racing world ever.

[@thomasburesh5602]

+Thomas Buresh BUt I did know Pharaoh would win the triple crown and I feel Nyquist just might too.

[@austinkilpatrick8232]

very true

[@tommytimp]

Kincsem was pretty great. It would have been cool to see Kincsem race some of the all-time great American thoroughbreds.

[@krisztinamichac929]

Kincsem should be in all listings of the best horses of all the time, sadly she lived too early to see her races 54 wins from 54 starts. I doupt any horse ever broke her record. American Pharoah is the descendant of Secretariat, so Big Red is inside him. Why to even think to competite them?

[@user-ry1dm1fk2h]

I never get tired of watching Secretariat race!! He was incredible!!!❤😊🐎

[@ottosparky]

Great marketing for AF, but still cannot overcome Secretariat's record time in all three legs of the Triple Crown. Inarguably the greatest horse of all time; Past, present and future!

[@shumla7ranch]

Secretariat was an athlete of unworldly talent & proportions. He will likely never be outperformed.

[@stopanimalabuse4741]

I have one of the shoe nails from Secretariat's '73 Belmont race. Why, you may ask. Because it was Secretariat's.

[@drevil2853]

I have a print signed by penny, ron, and lucien the trainer. It's one of my most prized possessions. Only thing that could make it better is if it had eddie sweats signature too.

[@Hyperspermia101]

Sure you do. I have Cinderellas glass slipper

[@c.a.g.3130]

Why? A better question is 'How?'

[@theworldoverheavan560]

@@Hyperspermia101 lol

[@elizabetherwin6576]

I'm so jealous

[@milosen6744]

Who would win? Well, Secretariat's records still stands after all these years, so that means he's still the winner and still the greatest race horse that has ever lived! 💖💖💖

[@toddrobinson458]

50 years and counting . The triple crown record holder. Fastest times ever recorded.

[@williamhill7312]

I saw Big Red when I was a kid, that big boy had muscles on top of muscles, his eyes focused on you with those ears totally erect, his hooves were huge! His back was totally packed with high muscle, even his tail had defined muscles. When a camera was clicked he starting posing! That Big Boy would pose! Put on a show, move his head in a lateral "No" movement while snorting so everyone would laugh. I saw Secretariat one month after his incredible Belmont win, which he won by 1/16th of a mile!! He was something else, there was only one Big Red! The only place he was a bigger hit than the race track was the breeding barn! Ron Tourcotte said it best, "When I rode Riva Ridge it was sort of like driving a really great race car, make no mistakes you'll win but when I got on Big Red, me and that horse both knew I was just up there for the ride!"

[@davidotis5598]

No horse would have beaten Big red in any of the triple crown races. track record for all three still standing.

[@cobaltcanarycherry]

Please remember that poor, dear game Sham would have beaten every other horse to run the Derby and Preakness, too. He broke a bone and I think, his heart in the Belmont. If his trainer had taken him out west after the Derby, he could have won millions. Would Secretariat have posted such astonishing records without such incredible competition? I love them both.

[@davidotis5598]

@@cobaltcanarycherry if Sham would have been born 1 year earlier or 1 year later. He would have won all 3

[@davidotis5598]

I agree. @@cobaltcanarycherry

[@lbroderick783]

@@cobaltcanarycherry. I always felt a little sorry for Sham especially after he got hurt in the Belmont. Unfortunately for Sham he was born in the wrong year.

[@darthscipio5289]

Bárbaro would have given Big Red a good Race

[@sallythompson1685]

Secretariat is the greatest athlete of all times! Well, 4 legged for sure! Secretariat was running for the crowd, he loved the cheers, and he ran for himself because he knew he was a winner. Love to watch this race at least once a year around the Kentucky Derby.

[@dannysgirl1549]

There will never be another horse like Secretariat. He was pure magic on four legs. I never get tired of watching him run…it’s breathtaking.