Secretariat earned nearly $7 million in stud fees over his breeding career, which spanned about 17 years at Claiborne Farm. His stud fee started at $10,000 in 1974, shortly after his Triple Crown win, and rose over the years as his offspring proved successful. By 1979-1980, his fee was $125,000 per mare, and it doubled to $250,000 in the early 1980s. In 1983-1984, it jumped to $500,000, then reached $1 million in 1985. From 1986 to 1989, his stud fee peaked at $3 million per live foal, the highest ever at the time
. He was bred to about 58-60 mares annually during his prime years, commanding $125,000 per breeding in the late 1970s, which contributed significantly to his total stud fee earnings
. Overall, Secretariat's stud career was financially remarkable and set records for stallion fees, reflecting his legendary status and the high demand from breeders wanting to carry on his bloodline
. In summary:
- Initial stud fee (1974): $10,000
- Fee in late 1970s: $125,000 per mare
- Early 1980s: $250,000
- Mid-1980s: $500,000 to $1 million
- Late 1980s peak: $3 million per live foal
- Total stud fee earnings: nearly $7 million over 17 years
This made Secretariat one of the most valuable and highest-earning stallions in thoroughbred racing history
