Secretariat was a legendary racehorse who set a record time for the 1973 Belmont Stakes, becoming the first horse in 25 years to win the Triple Crown. His record time of 2:24 remains the fastest ever in the history of the race, and his racing career has been immortalized in stories and films. So, the question is, has any other horse been able to beat Secretariat’s record?
Secretariat’s Record
Secretariat was considered one of the greatest racehorses ever, and his record time at the Belmont Stakes is one of the most famous achievements in horse racing. On June 9, 1973, Secretariat set a new record time of 2:24, becoming the first horse in 25 years to win the Triple Crown. This record still stands to this day, and it’s unlikely it will ever be broken.
The Fastest Horses Since Secretariat
Since Secretariat’s record-breaking run in 1973, there have been several horses who have come close to beating his time. In 1978, Affirmed set a record time of 2:26 at the Belmont Stakes, the closest any horse has come to Secretariat’s time. In 2014, California Chrome set a record time of 2:26.65 at the Preakness Stakes, making him the fastest horse since Secretariat.
The Closest Competitors to Secretariat
There have been several horses who have come close to beating Secretariat’s record time, but none have been able to do it. Here are some of the closest competitors to Secretariat:
- Affirmed – Affirmed set a record time of 2:26 at the Belmont Stakes in 1978, making him the closest horse to Secretariat’s record time.
- California Chrome – California Chrome set a record time of 2:26.65 at the Preakness Stakes in 2014, making him the fastest horse since Secretariat.
- American Pharoah – American Pharoah set a record time of 2:26.65 at the Belmont Stakes in 2015, making him one of the closest horses to Secretariat’s record.
- Arrogate – Arrogate set a record time of 2:26.48 at the Travers Stakes in 2016, making him the closest horse to Secretariat’s record since Affirmed in 1978.
Horses That Have Come Close to Breaking Secretariat’s Record
While no horse has been able to beat Secretariat’s record, there have been several horses that have come close. In 1978, Spectacular Bid set a record time of 2:25.20 at the Belmont Stakes, coming within one second of Secretariat’s record. In 1999, Charismatic set a record time of 2:25.53 at the Kentucky Derby, coming within a fraction of a second of Secretariat’s record.
The Challenges of Breaking Secretariat’s Record
Breaking Secretariat’s record is no easy feat. Horses need to be in peak physical condition and have perfect racing conditions to even come close to his record time. Additionally, the track and terrain need to be in near-perfect condition in order for a horse to have the best chance of breaking the record.
Secretariat’s Legacy
Secretariat’s record time at the Belmont Stakes has been an inspiration to horse racing fans for decades. His record is seen as a symbol of greatness, and many believe it will never be broken. He has become an iconic figure in horse racing, and his legacy will live on for generations.
Conclusion
Secretariat’s record time of 2:24 at the Belmont Stakes in 1973 remains the fastest ever in the history of the race. Since then, there have been several horses who have come close to beating his record, but none have been able to do it. Secretariat’s record is seen as a symbol of greatness, and his legacy will live on for generations.