In 1973, Secretariat captured the world’s attention with his historic Kentucky Derby win, marking the first step in his journey to the Triple Crown. Known as “Big Red,” Secretariat didn’t just win; he set a Derby record that still stands. Starting from the back of the pack, he astonished spectators by running each successive quarter mile faster than the last—a rare feat in horse racing. Under jockey Ron Turcotte, Secretariat finished the 1 1/4-mile race in 1:59 2/5, becoming the first horse to break the two-minute mark at Churchill Downs. His incredible stamina, speed, and heart set the tone for a Triple Crown run that would make him a legend in American sports history.

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