The Kentucky Derby, also known as the “Run for the Roses,” is one of the most iconic horse races in the world. Over the years, the race has produced some legendary horses that have captured the hearts of racing enthusiasts around the globe. These horses have become household names, often earning themselves unique and memorable nicknames that reflect their speed, strength, and determination on the track.
One such horse is Secretariat, who is widely regarded as one of the greatest racehorses of all time. Known as “Big Red,” Secretariat was a chestnut Thoroughbred who dominated the 1973 Kentucky Derby, winning by a record-breaking 31 lengths. His exceptional speed and power earned him the nickname “Big Red,” which perfectly encapsulated his larger-than-life presence on the racetrack.
Another famous Kentucky Derby winner is American Pharoah, who became the first horse in 37 years to win the coveted Triple Crown in 2015. Affectionately known as “Pharoah,” this bay colt captured the hearts of fans worldwide with his elegance and grace on the track. American Pharoah’s Triple Crown victory solidified his place in racing history, and his nickname became synonymous with his remarkable achievements.
Secretariat: The Legendary Triple Crown Winner
Secretariat is widely regarded as one of the greatest racehorses of all time. He achieved the rare honor of winning the Triple Crown in 1973, becoming only the ninth horse in history to do so. Secretariat’s dominating performance and record-breaking achievements have made him a beloved and iconic figure in the world of horse racing.
Secretariat was born on March 30, 1970, at Meadow Stable in Virginia. He was sired by Bold Ruler and out of Somethingroyal, making him a descendant of the famed horse Man o’ War. From an early age, Secretariat showed exceptional speed and stamina, demonstrating his potential as a racehorse.
In 1972, Secretariat made his first start as a two-year-old, and he quickly gained attention with impressive victories in his early races. However, it was his three-year-old season that would solidify his place in racing history. In 1973, Secretariat dominated the Kentucky Derby, winning by a record-setting time of 1:59 2/5, a record that still stands to this day.
After his victory at the Kentucky Derby, Secretariat went on to win the Preakness Stakes and Belmont Stakes, completing the Triple Crown in spectacular fashion. In the Belmont Stakes, Secretariat captured the imagination of fans by winning by an astonishing 31 lengths, setting a world record time of 2:24 for the 1 1/2 mile distance.
Secretariat’s brilliance on the racetrack earned him numerous accolades, including Horse of the Year in 1972 and 1973. He retired from racing in 1973 and went on to a successful career as a sire, siring many notable offspring.
| Date of Birth | March 30, 1970 |
|---|---|
| Sire | Bold Ruler |
| Dam | Somethingroyal |
| Trainer | Lucien Laurin |
| Jockey | Ron Turcotte |
| Owners | Meadow Stable |
Secretariat’s legacy as a racing legend continues to inspire and captivate fans around the world. His extraordinary performance and unforgettable Triple Crown victory serve as a testament to his exceptional talent and the enduring spirit of thoroughbred racing.
American Pharoah: The First Triple Crown Winner in 37 Years
American Pharoah is widely regarded as one of the greatest racehorses in history. Born on February 2, 2012, this magnificent bay colt dominated the racing world in 2015 by winning the coveted Triple Crown.
Trained by Bob Baffert and owned by Ahmed Zayat, American Pharoah exhibited exceptional talent and determination throughout his racing career. He won his debut race as a two-year-old at Del Mar in 2014, setting the stage for his future success.
In 2015, American Pharoah captured the attention and hearts of racing enthusiasts worldwide. He started the year by winning the Kentucky Derby, the first leg of the Triple Crown. In a thrilling race at Churchill Downs, he showcased his speed and endurance, securing victory by a length.
Two weeks later, American Pharoah triumphed in the Preakness Stakes, the second leg of the Triple Crown. Despite unfavorable weather conditions, he emerged victorious, further solidifying his status as a champion.
Finally, on June 6, 2015, American Pharoah made history by winning the Belmont Stakes. By crossing the finish line with a 5 ½-length lead, he became the first horse to win the Triple Crown in 37 years, ending the longest drought in the sport’s history.
American Pharoah’s Triple Crown victory was a monumental achievement, showcasing his exceptional talent, stamina, and resilience. His triumph captivated fans and reinvigorated interest in horse racing.
Following his Triple Crown win, American Pharoah continued to race, adding victories in the Haskell Invitational and the Breeders’ Cup Classic to his impressive record. He retired from racing in 2015 and embarked on a successful career as a stud, producing offspring that have inherited his remarkable abilities.
American Pharoah’s legacy as the first Triple Crown winner in 37 years will forever be etched in the annals of horse racing history. His extraordinary talent and achievements have solidified his place among the sport’s all-time greats.
Justify: Undefeated Champion of the 2018 Kentucky Derby
Justify was a racehorse that made history in the 2018 Kentucky Derby. The colt went into the race with an undefeated record, having won all of his previous races. With jockey Mike Smith on board, Justify lived up to his reputation and secured a decisive victory.
Justify’s unbeaten streak began in February of 2018, when he won his first race at Santa Anita Park. From there, he went on to win the Santa Anita Derby, solidifying his position as a top contender for the Kentucky Derby.
On May 5, 2018, Justify entered the starting gate at Churchill Downs for the 144th running of the Kentucky Derby. Despite facing a field of talented contenders, Justify emerged as the clear favorite. The rain-soaked track didn’t deter the colt, and he powered his way to a commanding lead, crossing the finish line in first place.
Justify’s victory in the Kentucky Derby marked a significant achievement for trainer Bob Baffert, who had previously won the prestigious race four times. It also set the stage for Justify to pursue the elusive Triple Crown.
After his triumphant run in the Kentucky Derby, Justify went on to win the Preakness Stakes and the Belmont Stakes, becoming the 13th horse in history to win the Triple Crown. His achievements solidified his place in horse racing history and cemented his status as one of the greatest racehorses of all time.
Justify’s dominance on the track, coupled with his undefeated record, earned him a well-deserved place among the most famous Kentucky Derby champions. His legacy will continue to be celebrated by horse racing fans and enthusiasts for years to come.
Seattle Slew: The Only Undefeated Triple Crown Winner
Seattle Slew is widely celebrated as the only undefeated Triple Crown winner in the history of horse racing. Born in 1974, this legendary thoroughbred captured the hearts of fans around the world with his stunning performances on the track.
Owned by a syndicate of breeders called “Slew’s Tizzy”, Seattle Slew was trained by Billy Turner and ridden by jockey Jean Cruguet. Together, they formed a formidable team that would go on to make history in the racing world.
His journey to Triple Crown glory began in 1977, when he won the Kentucky Derby by a decisive 1.75 lengths. Despite facing a challenging field of talented competitors, Seattle Slew showcased his incredible speed and agility, cementing his status as a rising star in the racing world.
Just two weeks later, Seattle Slew continued his winning streak by triumphing in the Preakness Stakes. Once again, he exhibited his exceptional ability to maintain a commanding lead throughout the race, crossing the finish line with a comfortable victory.
The crowning glory came at the Belmont Stakes, where Seattle Slew secured his spot in racing history as the only undefeated Triple Crown winner. With Cruguet in the saddle, he powered past his rivals and emerged victorious, etching his name in the annals of horse racing forever.
With an unbeaten record and a Triple Crown title under his belt, Seattle Slew retired in 1978 as one of the most celebrated racehorses of all time. He went on to have a successful stud career, siring multiple offspring that would go on to achieve their own acclaim on the track.
| Race | Year | Distance | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kentucky Derby | 1977 | 1 1/4 miles | 2:02 1/5 |
| Preakness Stakes | 1977 | 1 3/16 miles | 1:54 2/5 |
| Belmont Stakes | 1977 | 1 1/2 miles | 2:29 |
Seattle Slew’s unrivaled “Triple Crown sweep” and his undefeated record have secured his place in the pantheon of racing greats. His legacy continues to inspire new generations of racehorses and fans alike, reminding us of the thrilling feats that can be achieved on the hallowed grounds of the Kentucky Derby.
Assault: The Lone Triple Crown Winner of 1946
Assault is a legendary racehorse that made history in 1946 by becoming the lone winner of the Triple Crown. Owned by King Ranch, Assault was a American Thoroughbred racehorse that captured the hearts of racing fans with his talent and determination.
Trained by Max Hirsch and ridden by jockey Warren Mehrtens, Assault’s journey to becoming a Triple Crown winner was not an easy one. He faced fierce competition and overcame various obstacles to achieve this prestigious title.
Assault’s Triple Crown victory started with the Kentucky Derby, where he showed his incredible speed and resilience. Despite a rough start and a wide trip, Assault managed to surge ahead and win the race, setting a new Derby record in the process.
Next came the Preakness Stakes, where Assault faced a challenge from a rival horse named Lord Boswell. However, Assault’s determination and skill once again prevailed, and he won the race, becoming the first Texas-bred horse to do so.
Finally, Assault faced his toughest challenge in the Belmont Stakes. The race was a grueling 1.5 miles long, and Assault had to battle against fatigue and a strong field of competitors. But he showed incredible stamina and crossed the finish line first, solidifying his place in history as the lone Triple Crown winner of 1946.
Assault’s Triple Crown victory brought him fame and recognition, and he became a beloved figure in the racing world. He retired with an impressive record of 18 wins out of 42 starts, and he was inducted into the Racing Hall of Fame in 1964.
Assault’s legacy lives on, and he is still remembered as one of the greatest racehorses of all time. His Triple Crown victory in 1946 will forever be etched in the history of the Kentucky Derby and the sport of horse racing.
Citation: Dominant Triple Crown Winner of the 1940s
Citation was a legendary racehorse who dominated the Triple Crown races in the 1940s. Born in 1945, this bay colt quickly made a name for himself with his impressive performances on the track.
Trained by Jimmy Jones and owned by Calumet Farm, Citation was known for his incredible speed and stamina. He had a sleek, muscular build and was known for his smooth, effortless stride. He quickly rose to prominence and became one of the most popular racehorses of his time.
In 1948, Citation became the eighth horse to win the Triple Crown, which consists of the Kentucky Derby, the Preakness Stakes, and the Belmont Stakes. He won each of these races in dominant fashion, setting records and impressing fans and horse racing enthusiasts everywhere.
During his career, Citation won a total of 32 out of 45 races, earning over $1 million in prize money. He set multiple records, including the record for earnings in a single season. His performances were unmatched, and he earned the respect and admiration of both his competitors and the racing community as a whole.
Unfortunately, Citation suffered an injury in 1950 that eventually led to his retirement. He was inducted into the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame in 1959, cementing his status as one of the greatest racehorses of all time.
The legacy of Citation lives on in the world of horse racing. His dominance and achievements in the 1940s will forever be remembered, and his name will always be associated with greatness.
Affirmed: The Last Triple Crown Winner Before American Pharoah
Affirmed, born on February 21, 1975, was an American Thoroughbred racehorse who became the last horse to win the Triple Crown before American Pharoah in 2015. Trained by Lazaro S. Barrera and owned by Harbor View Farm, Affirmed had a remarkable racing career.
In 1978, Affirmed won the Triple Crown, which consists of three prestigious races: the Kentucky Derby, the Preakness Stakes, and the Belmont Stakes. This achievement is considered one of the greatest in horse racing history, as it requires both speed and stamina to win all three races.
Affirmed’s jockey, Steve Cauthen, played a crucial role in the horse’s success. Cauthen was just 18 years old at the time and became the youngest jockey ever to win the Triple Crown. His partnership with Affirmed was a match made in racing heaven.
| Race | Date | Distance | Jockey | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kentucky Derby | May 6, 1978 | 1 1/4 miles | Steve Cauthen | 1st place |
| Preakness Stakes | May 20, 1978 | 1 3/16 miles | Steve Cauthen | 1st place |
| Belmont Stakes | June 10, 1978 | 1 1/2 miles | Steve Cauthen | 1st place |
Affirmed’s rivalry with Alydar added excitement to his racing career. Alydar finished second in all three Triple Crown races, making their battles legendary. The two horses pushed each other to their limits and provided thrilling finishes for racing fans.
After retiring from racing, Affirmed enjoyed a successful career as a breeding stallion. He sired several successful offspring, including 14 stakes winners. Affirmed left a lasting legacy in the world of horse racing.
Affirmed passed away on January 12, 2001, at the age of 26. He will always be remembered as the last horse to win the Triple Crown before American Pharoah, etching his name in racing history.
War Admiral: Legendary Racehorse and Triple Crown Winner
War Admiral was one of the most famous racehorses in American history. Born in 1934, he had an impressive career and is best known for winning the Triple Crown in 1937.
War Admiral was sired by Man o’ War, another legendary racehorse, and was known for his speed and determination on the track. He was known for his striking chestnut coat and his powerful build, which made him a formidable opponent on the racecourse.
In 1937, War Admiral won the Kentucky Derby, the Preakness Stakes, and the Belmont Stakes, becoming the fourth horse ever to win the Triple Crown. He set a record time in the Kentucky Derby that stood for over 20 years.
War Admiral’s aggressive racing style and strong finish made him a crowd favorite. He was known for his ability to come from behind and overtake his competitors in the final stretch of a race. His thrilling performances captured the imagination of racing fans across the country.
After his racing career, War Admiral went on to have a successful stud career, siring many top racehorses. He was inducted into the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame in 1958.
War Admiral’s legacy as a legendary racehorse and Triple Crown winner continues to be celebrated in the world of horse racing. His name remains synonymous with greatness and his performances are remembered as some of the most exciting in the history of the sport.