Forty four years ago to the day , Secretariat, known as “Big Red” by his owner Penny Chenery won the Triple Crown. He was the first horse to do so in 25 years!

Secretariat, born at Meadow Stables in Doswell, Virginia, trashed the competition at the Belmont Stakes and set a blistering pace, completing the 1.5-mile race in only 2 minutes and 24 seconds.

He broke the previous record by 3 seconds and won by a record 31 lengths. Watch as he demolishes the competition:

Not only did Secretariat set a blistering pace at the Belmont Stakes, he set, and still holds, the record at the Kentucky Derby winning the 2 1/4-mile race in 1 minute and 59 seconds.  He was the first to run the Derby in less than two minutes.

 

 

He also set a record time at the Preakness Stakes completing the 1 1/16-mile race in 1 minute and 53 seconds.

Secretariat still holds all three records for the Triple Crown.

He is the only non-human to be ranked in ESPN’s 35 Best North American athletes. He was also ranked #2 behind Man o’ War as the greatest racehorse of the 20th Century.

Disney even made a movie to enshrine his story on the silver screen.

“Big Red” was truly one of, if not the greatest racehorses ever. His legend continues to grow as his records stand the test of time. Here’s to celebrating Secretariat’s Triple Crown Victory back in 1973!

Share if you remember Secretariat’s historical Triple Crown win!

H/T: History Channel

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