Secretariat was born in Meadow Stud, in Doswell, Virginia, a beautiful chestnut colt with perfect legs and a star on his forehead. During his 2-year (1972-1973) career he won 16 of 21 starts. He also won the Eclipse award for horse of the year both years. In 1973 he won the Kentucky Derby, beating the 2 minute times of all past races. His 1:59:2/5 record still stands today. He was ridden by jockey Ron Turcotte.
At the Belmont Stakes he finished the 1 1/2 mile in 2 minutes and 24 seconds. The crowds went wild. He appeared simutaneously on the covers of Time, Newsweek and Sports Illustrated, and was often reffered to as the Horse of the Century by his fans. However, he placed number 2 in the Top 100 horses of the 19th century. He was the 9th Triple Crown winner.
After his racing career, Secretariat was retired to stud in Paris, Kentucky, where he sired 663 foals in 16 years. He was euthenized on October 4, 1989 due to complications of laminitis, an incurable hoof disease. A bronze statue of Secretariat stands in the center of the paddock in Belmont Park, in Elmont, New York.
