Who was the greatest racehorse to ever live?

Secretariat
Along with Man O’ War, he is considered to be one of the greatest racehorses of all time. ESPN counted Secretariat as one of the top 50 athletes of the twentieth century (ahead of Mickey Mantle).
A legendary thoroughbred racehorse whose name reigns supreme in the history of horse racing. The stallion with a chestnut coat, three white “socks” and cocky demeanor not only became the first horse in 25 years to win the Triple Crown in 1973, but he did it in a way that left spectators breathless.
Secretariat still holds the fastest time for each of the Triple Crown races, winning the Kentucky Derby in 1 minute, 59.4 seconds, the Preakness in 1:53, and the Belmont in 2:24 flat. In the Kentucky Derby and The Preakness, he started dead last, racing around all the other horses. His record-breaking victory at the Belmont Stakes in 1973, which he won by 31 lengths, is widely regarded to be one of the greatest races in history.
Winning 16 out of his 21 races, Secretariat was not perfect, and it’s these things I think that humanize him and is part of why people loved him then and still continue to love him; in some small way, we recognize ourselves in him.
“You could look at Secretariat and you know that he was something special. In addition to being an extraordinarily good runner, there was a very imperious look to him. He had a big flashing copper coat on him, and when the sun's rays hit him it was a beautiful thing to see. It was the way God intended to make a horse.”
When asked about how he felt about Secretariat being put to rest in 1989, Arthur Hancock said, “How do you think I feel? Ten thousand people come to this farm every year, and all they want to see is Secretariat. They don’t give a hoot about the other studs. You want to know who Secretariat is in human terms? Just imagine the greatest athlete in the world. The greatest. Now make him six-foot-three, the perfect height. Make him real intelligent and kind. And on top of that, make him the best-lookin’ guy ever to come down the pike. He was all those things as a horse. He isn’t even a horse anymore. He’s a legend. So how do you think I feel?”
- Arthur Hancock (William Nack - Pure Heart)
Not perfect, but legendary and beyond words, Secretariat will be remembered forever in horse racing history as one of the greatest racehorses to ever live maybe the best there ever was.
Secretariat 1970 - 1989

[@paulsamora1348]

Amazing how people to this day ask who was the greatest racehorse. The G.O.A.T is Secretariat, plain and simple.

[@juneannbrusie2042]

When you still hold 3 track records after 50 years no other horse could be greater

[@barbaralovenvirth8726]

NO CONTEST! Now, and forever, the immortal Secretariat!!!

[@tresalamb-5906]

I saw all the Triple Crown races that year on tv. The first 2 legs I was off work. The Belmont, I was at work. I didn't care who needed me, i was going watch the Belmont. I was not disappointed. I watched him ain by 31 lengths &set a record that still stands today, 50 yrs later.

[@tektoniks_architects]

For anyone who questions Secretariat's dominance, his time at the Belmont would have defeated these other TRIPLE CROWN WINNERS by the following margins that day, based on their Belmont times: American Pharoah - 13 lengths; Affirmed - 14 lengths; Count Fleet - 21 lengths; Citation - 21 lengths; War Admiral - 23 lengths; Seattle Slew - 28 lengths; Omaha - 33 lengths; Assault - 34 lengths; Whirlaway - 35 lengths; Gallant Fox - 38 lengths (source: ESPN).

[@juliemissick4206]

Thanks for this. It’s awe inspiring!

[@inakast1358]

None horse couldn't beat him easily. It was a difficult competitor. Sham was a good competitor. I am in doubt if Flightline could beat secretariat in any of his race

[@peggyradeck9140]

Secretariat without a doubt. He won the last leg of the Triple Crown on my birthday. I love that horse💜

[@johnshields6852]

I was an athlete and love sports but horse racing wasn't really s thing in my area, Boston back in the 60's,70's, I was 12 when I watched secretariat win by 24 lengths and I'll never forget the announcer got really excited and said, "He's moving like a tremendous machine" to this day I get chills hearing that call, it was very emotional and I'm not an emotional person, but that horse was so special to me.

[@barbarascotto3873]

31* lengths.

[@dpeatebc7265]

Yes, the greatest horse that ever lived. Unquestionably. But watching the triple crown races you see that Sham played a major part in bringing the best out of Secretariat. He was second in both the Derby and the Preakness and pushed Secretariat to record times. Secretariat's times would likely not have been so historically fast were it not for Sham. And then in the Belmont, Sham made a courageous push to the front which ignited Secretariat into a performance that was the greatest of all time. Secretariat broke Sham's psyche in that race and Sham ended up last, but he should get a lot of credit for pushing Secretariat to a level of greatness never seen before.

[@tresalamb-5906]

At that time, I was excited to see him win. The 1st Triple Crown winner in 25 yrs. Now, I cry when I see him win the Belmont. Why? I often have wondered. Because I saw perfection. I seriously doubt if I ever see perfection again.

[@deannasalem9195]

American Pharoah another latest triple 👑 crown winner 🏆 in 2015, is another many great grandson descendant of Secretariat.

[@indychoate8350]

He was just born genetically perfect.

[@janetgallo5720]

Such a pity he couldn’t race as a four-year-old. He loved to run, and he was getting better as he was getting older. And they shut him down. A real pity because you know he could’ve gone to stud a year or two later.

[@christinematton4125]

He had to be sold..the owner died and his children owed 6 million dollars to the state of Virginia in what's called the death tax.

[@SP5780]

Amazing! He WAS the GREATEST!!

[@janetgallo5720]

He was the greatest

[@TickleSalty]

His ‘73 Belmont was the single greatest performance in the history of all sports. That says it all.

[@stevemitchell7981]

There will never be another Secretariat.

[@cspattison1]

Beautiful! This gave me chills and made me cry❤ Greatest athlete to ever live.

[@johnwalsh3215]

It shouldn’t even be a question, Secretariat! In a about a 3 month span he set the world record for a 1 1/8, and a 1 1/2 mile and that one still stands today with no horse anywhere in the world being within a second (that’s 40ft)

[@indychoate8350]

Thank you John for informing me, I’m still a learner!

[@tresalamb-5906]

Those that came within 2 seconds were his prodigy.

[@indychoate8350]

@@tresalamb-5906 You are so right Tresa!

[@ricogarcia4363]

Amazing horse,para syang lumilipad pagdating sa karera❤❤❤

[@ncnovembergrl2009]

He was the greatest of his time. History is full of amazing equines.

[@michaelduszynski4128]

Runner up goes to the UK Superhorse Red Rum who began his steeplechase legacy in 1973.

[@mikewarren1401]

There’s not a close second!!!

[@joepa87114]

God might be a close second if he were a horse.

[@maninacrowd2342]

Lol

[@barbarascotto3873]

​@@joepa87114 or if he existed.

[@orriechristopher862]

Secretariat is my favorite racehorse and I know all about him

[@rexgoodheart3471]

Great soundtrack to this video: New Order! Fantastic horse, too.

[@BlackIjs]

A live rocket.

[@nealbennett4950]

First thank you for the video. I watched all three races on tv and probably someday his records will be broken but I don't think it will ever be done the same way by one horse . If you watched the Belmont Stakes you would have noticed he broke the Derby record by 2/5ths of a second which to me was truly amazing .

[@commoveo1]

Legionary was never needfulof a pony horse 😢. Miss her. 30 + years ago. Wish we had iPhones then ha or do I? Thanks for sharing

[@christinematton4125]

Magnificent horse ❤

[@johnwalsh3215]

The choice the maker of this video made was a pretty easy one on who the best is! For those of you still not sure I’ll spell it out for you S E C R E T A R I A T

[@maninacrowd2342]

You’re high lol

[@johnwalsh3215]

@@maninacrowd2342 great insightful comment! So glad to hear your input!

[@kathleensmith4530]

Those records he set will last forever!! I saw a video on here listing the 10 best American racehorses ever and Secretariat was #2 after Man O War. Seriously??? So not true, Big Red was simply the best there ever was and ever will be. #35 of the 100 best athletes of 20th century, the only non human ever on the list. What a joy it was to watch him run back then, I was a horse crazy teenager and loved watching him.

[@johnwalsh3215]

@@kathleensmith4530 sometimes you get someone say Man O War but most say Secretariat is the best! Secretariat is the correct answer to that question!

[@kathleensmith4530]

@@johnwalsh3215 Absolutely! Secretariat will always be the best🌹🙏🏻

[@jm1657]

Lovely video!

[@jackwoods9604]

Easy Goer Had All The Talent...He Had Career Ailing Ankle Issues...Prior to 89 Classic The Connections Discussed Scratching Easy Goer From The Big Race as His Ankles Were Swelled up The Size of Grapefruits

[@9Ballr]

"ESPN counted Secretariat as one of the top 50 athletes of the twentieth century (ahead of Mickey Mantle)." Mickey Mantle never ran a mile and a half in 2:24!

[@steveblackburn9124]

Gee, I don't know, who holds the triple crown records for 50 years ?

[@leonelrocha1024]

SECRETARIAT

[@maninacrowd2342]

This is a big call considering the was another horse from New Zealand called Phar Lap that had a heart twice as big as a normal horse just as secretariat did so to all the Americans on here saying he was the the best period…you’re all high! Phar Lap in his peak ran with 10 stone extra. That’s the same as two jockeys! So I’d say that these two horses are the best two to ever grace a track and what a match race it would have been!

[@navyster732]

I agree. What a match race it would have been. Secretariat did have a bigger heart but Phar Lap was amazing. Wonder how his times at certain distances compair to secrétariats triple crown records?

[@maninacrowd2342]

@@navyster732 good point!…it’s a shame we weight the horses 😡 yeah I know why but think of the times without them!! Times over distance doesn’t mean much when this factors in😔 I’d love to see no weights, just let the race then you’d see some times😂

[@maninacrowd2342]

@@navyster732 wouldn’t it be fantastic for racing world wide to have the balls to have a couple races a year where the best of the best raced without weights…just let them go and be race horses! Do you think people would still bet on that? Fuck yes!! Then maybe we could all stop guessing and the horses could do it for us🙏

[@justiceprevail1552]

Actually, Phar Laps heart was just under 14 lbs. Secretariats heart was near 22 lbs. That said, it was Secretariat's hindquarters that were the main source of his power, with a sloped croup that extended the length of his femur. When in full stride, his hind legs were able to reach far under himself, increasing his drive. His ample girth, long back and well-made neck all contributed to his heart-lung efficiency.

[@lwfrey7923]

Phar Lap unquestionably one of the greatest race horses ever. Such a shame of his untimely death when he was still such a young horse. And the mystery still remains surrounding his death.

[@LordZedd123]

The Greatest Athlete Of All Time!

[@maryjanecooper5666]

💕

[@Mister_Pedantic]

Was Johnny Weissmuller a greater Olympic swimmer than Michael Phelps?

[@christinepeniaranda8484]

The greatest is the one that does not go to Canadian dinner plate.

[@joecolabelli4339]

@ johnny wires WHERES FRANKEL BA HA HA

[@harrymartin3747]

Greatest flat horse runner of all time, triple crown winner soo young, record beating time at all distances, enough said but as an English man the greatest horse has to be Red Rum as he was the greatest steeplechaser ever won the grand National 3 times which was considered impossible for any horse to achieve. Sorry Secretariat but I go for Red Rum if jumps were involved, still loved the video thanks.

[@lakeracer8453]

I can't find any evidence that Secretariat ever ran a steeplechase so who knows what he might have done. For me, it kind of makes that comparison apples to oranges.

[@jamesmcknight153]

I race horses and love the greats but some of these horses were just like the human athletes full of steroids until the early 2000s

[@annettemalaski1967]

Man o War might have been a hair better than Secretariat!

[@rmcfete]

That’s not what his jockey said. He said no horse would have beat Sec that day🔋. Remember he didn’t even need anyone to push him, and Turcotte said he could have run faster

[@indychoate8350]

Although he absolutely had nothing to prove; If he had run as a 4year old he would have set records that would have astounded all. He would have won the Arc de Triumph, any two mile race in America, mile and a half, or mile and a quarter race. He was the genetic master- piece of the breeding of Federico Tesio, Christopher Chenery and Bull Handcock. And I will add Gladys Livingston Mills Carnage Phipps who bred the great Bold Ruler.

[@davidbracher8322]

The answer to that Question is easy. Not even close. His record in open company was mediocre at best. He also is quite slow in comparison with many others. Dr Fager, Noor, Swaps, Spectacular Bid are light years faster. Faster with weight to boot. Example. Secretariat best time at the classic 10 furlong distance is 1:59.45. He achieved that with a 126 lbs. Dr. Fager ran the 10 furlongs in a faster time 1:59.00 with a staggering 139 lbs. Spectacular Bid, the world record holder at the distance with a jaw dropping 1:57.65 . This was done with the Bid eased up at the wire. It could have been faster!! What Secretariat had the others didn't, was a marketing division. Hype was built. It is still going today in fact. But run with the likes of Spectacular Bid or Dr. Fager....it is laughable.

[@kenwaring]

For sure, the Bid and the Doctor were great champions. However, your comparison is flawed. They were both 4-years old when they set those times you posted. Secretariat didn't race at 4. At age 3, Secretariat recorded faster times at every distance than either Spectacular Bid or Dr. Fager. Besides the triple crown records that he still holds, Secretariat set several other records that year on dirt AND grass.

[@davidbracher8322]

@@kenwaring not flawed at all. Not the faster horses fault that Secretariat didn't run at 4. Which in most circles would disqualify him from any conversations of the greatest. But we did get a glimpse of Secretariat in open company after his triple crown run. When he went up against older horses. Losing the Whitney to the decent, but no world beater, Onion..and received light weight in that race. The got Smoked by another solid but unremarkable Phone out in the Woodward. Also with light weight. The writing was on the wall..they went to Canada for an obscure turf race..with no other American horses. He did win that. Maybe he would have been a good turf horse. But it sure looked like ja had peaked out. He would have to have gotten much faster than he was, and proved he could carry weight at the same time. Citation never won with the threshold weight of a 130 lbs. Many..most 3yo champions buckle under that weight. The Bid set records with as much as a 136 lbs. And Dr Fager..well we already covered that.. it would have been a herculean task for Big Red to compete with that...maybe he would've. Doubtful. But maybe. So as of today, Many historians, trainers and fans don't agree with all the Secretariat hype is all. I honestly think that most people who make the claim, have no idea what these other champions achieved. It's like watching CNN these days. You obviously do. So it is a bit mystifying. If you want to a most remarkable race..you tube the 79 Florida Derby.with Jim McKay and Eddie Arcaro. .track record the hard way..might get you thinking a bit. Have a good day.

[@kenwaring]

@@davidbracher8322 Maybe you don't remember Secretariat was ill when he ran against Onion and he wasn't training for the Prove Out race, he ran in place of Riva Ridge because of the slop. He came back the next week and smoked older horses in the Man O' War, setting a record on the turf. Secretariat was much faster at 3, which is a fair comparison. Secretariat was much faster at 2. He beat older horses in the Marlboro and the Canadian. Judging from his obvious superior status at 2 and 3 a fair observer might assume he could dominate again at 4. BTW, only a CNN viewer could possibly believe a two time Horse of the Year and five Eclipse award winner with multiple track records doesn't have the resume to be called "greatest of all time."

[@goldenminecard1723]

Secretariats unofficial time when training in the Mile and a quarter before the Marlboro Cup 1:57.80 Which would later be tied by a 4 year old Spectacular Bid. Secretariat was not going at his full speed in the Kentucky Derby. THIS IS SECRETARIAT AT FULL SPEED. Get over it No other horse has been able to run every quarter faster than the one before, let alone in distances like Mile and a quarter and eve THE MILE AND A HALF. Do your research

[@davidbracher8322]

@@goldenminecard1723 No you do your research.."estimated" "unofficial" and still slower than the Bid by a length is the hopeful Speculation is accurate. Then of course the Bid had 9 more lbs on his back, than Secretariats Marlborough, and the Bid was under wraps the final 1/8th of his still standing record that is OFFICIALLY 1:57.66.. where the Bid galloped out in 25 flat. Which would have beaten Secretariats Belmont by 6 lengths without even trying. He also was just 2/5ths off of Dr Fagers Mile mark. As a fraction..incredible!!