Secretariat was special for several remarkable reasons that have cemented his legacy as one of the greatest racehorses of all time:
- He was the ninth winner of the American Triple Crown (Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes, and Belmont Stakes) and the first to win it in 25 years, in 1973
- Secretariat set and still holds the fastest time records in all three Triple Crown races. His Belmont Stakes victory was extraordinary-he won by 31 lengths, a margin considered one of the greatest performances in thoroughbred racing history, finishing the 1.5-mile race in 2:24, a world record time that many believe may never be broken
- He had exceptional physical conformation, described as nearly perfect, with a powerful chest, massive hindquarters, and an efficient stride that contributed to his acceleration and endurance. His heart was reportedly more than twice the size of a typical horse's, which aided his stamina
- Secretariat was a cultural phenomenon during a turbulent era in the early 1970s, appearing on the covers of major magazines like Time, Newsweek, and Sports Illustrated, and captivating the American public beyond just horse racing fans
- Over his career, Secretariat won 16 of 21 races, earning five Eclipse Awards including Horse of the Year at ages two and three. He was known for his come-from-behind racing style and dominant performances, often winning by large margins
In summary, Secretariat's combination of record-breaking speed, physical perfection, and cultural impact made him a legendary figure in horse racing history
