Secretariat was an American Thoroughbred racehorse who won the Triple Crown in 1973. His victories in the Kentucky Derby, the Preakness Stakes, and the Belmont Stakes made him the first horse to win the Triple Crown in 25 years and the first undefeated Triple Crown winner in history. Secretariat was foaled on March 30, 1970, and was bred and owned by Meadow Stable. Secretariat was sired by Bold Ruler, a successful sire, and his dam was Somethingroyal, a daughter of Princequillo. Secretariat was trained by Lucien Laurin and ridden in most of his races by Canadian jockey Ron Turcotte. Secretariat‘s popularity and success made him an American icon and helped to revive the popularity of horse racing in the United States.
How Old Was Secretariat When He Won the Triple Crown?
Secretariat was three years old when he won the Triple Crown. In 1973, he won the Kentucky Derby on May 5th, the Preakness Stakes on May 19th, and the Belmont Stakes on June 9th. At the time, Secretariat was the youngest horse to win the Triple Crown since Citation in 1948.
Secretariat’s Early Life
Secretariat was foaled on March 30, 1970, at Meadow Stable in Doswell, Virginia. He was sired by Bold Ruler and his dam was Somethingroyal, a daughter of Princequillo. His breeder and owner was Christopher Chenery, the owner of Meadow Stable.
Secretariat’s Early Racing Career
Secretariat began his racing career in 1972 at the age of two. His first race was on May 20th, 1972, at Aqueduct Racetrack in New York. He finished fourth in the race, but it was evident that he had great potential. Secretariat went on to win seven of his nine races that year, including the Sanford Stakes, the Grand Union Hotel Stakes, and the Hopeful Stakes.
Secretariat’s 1973 Racing Season
The 1973 racing season was Secretariat’s most successful season. He started off the season with a win in the Bay Shore Stakes at Aqueduct Racetrack on March 17th. He then went on to win the Wood Memorial Stakes at Aqueduct on April 14th.
The Kentucky Derby
The Kentucky Derby was held on May 5th, 1973, at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. Secretariat was entered in the race as the favorite. He won the race by 2 1/2 lengths, setting a new record time of 1:59 2/5.
The Preakness Stakes
The Preakness Stakes was held on May 19th, 1973, at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, Maryland. Secretariat won the race by 2 1/2 lengths, setting a new stakes record of 1:53 2/5.
The Belmont Stakes
The Belmont Stakes was held on June 9th, 1973, at Belmont Park in Elmont, New York. Secretariat won the race by a record-breaking 31 lengths and set a new track record of 2:24.
Secretariat’s Legacy
Secretariat’s victories in the Triple Crown races made him an American icon and helped to revive the popularity of horse racing in the United States. He was inducted into the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame in 1974. He was also honored with a U.S. postage stamp in 1982 and a bronze statue at the Kentucky Derby Museum in 1985.
Secretariat’s Breeding Line
Secretariat was sired by Bold Ruler and his dam was Somethingroyal, a daughter of Princequillo. He was bred and owned by Meadow Stable. Secretariat was the first horse to win the Triple Crown in 25 years and the first undefeated Triple Crown winner in history.
Conclusion
Secretariat was three years old when he won the Triple Crown in 1973. His victories in the Kentucky Derby, the Preakness Stakes, and the Belmont Stakes made him an American icon and helped to revive the popularity of horse racing in the United States. His legacy lives on today and he will forever be remembered as one of the greatest racehorses of all time.