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Kentucky Derby Record Holder - Secretariat

Secretariat

Certain sports records are controversial (60, 61*, 70 or 73*). Others are impressive in that the represent consistent above-average performance over time (Ripken's 2,632). But, some are truly special. They are the result of an awe-inspiring performance that we mortals cannot fathom seeing repeated (DiMaggio's 56 game hitting streak, Wilt's 100 point night, Larson's perfect game). Among the last set of records, is Secretariat's 2:24 world record time at the 1973 Belmont Stakes. The race is legendary and his 31-length victory remains unparalleled in horseracing history.

Watch it on Youtube

What is less commonly known is that Secretariat also holds the Kentucky Derby record at 1:59 and 2/5s. In the 112 years since the 3-year olds have been running 1-¼ miles, only one other horse has broken the 2-minute mark (Monarches-1:59.97). Less than 1 second separates the two and yet it is an eternity. The paradox of time.

This year, the first Saturday in May brings with it the start of the 134th Kentucky Derby and another field anxious to challenge the bar set by Secretariat. At the end of the day, the record will still be intact, but no one will speak of it. Instead, all will focus on the horse standing in the winner's circle wearing the blanket of roses. They will laud the new Champion. However, before the first petal begins to wither, they will question his ability. Is he fast enough for the Preakness? Will he have the stamina for the Belmont? Does he have the desire, heart, pedigree, upbringing, to join Secretariat as a Triple Crown winner and as a Legend? The paradox of success.

The challengers....

Post Horse Jockey Trainer Odds
1 Cool Coal Man Julian Leparoux Nick Zito 20-1
2 Tale of Ekati Eibar Coa Barclay Tagg 15-1
3 Anak Nakal Rafael Bejarano Nick Zito 30-1
4 Court Vision Garrett Gomez Bill Mott 20-1
5 Eight Belles Gabriel Saez Larry Jones 20-1
6 Z Fortune Robby Albarado Steve Asmussen 15-1
7 Big Truck Javier Castellano Barclay Tagg 50-1
8 Visionaire Jose Lezcano Micahel Matz 20-1
9 Pyro Shawn Bridgmohan Steve Asmussen 6-1
10 Colonel John Corey Nakatani Eoin Harty 4-1
11 Z Humor Rene Douglas Bill Mott 30-1
12 Smooth Air Manoel Cruz Bennie Stutts, Jr. 20-1
13 Bob Black Jack Richard Migliorie James Kasparoff 20-1
14 Monba Ramon Dominguez Todd Pletcher 15-1
15 Adriano Edgar Prado Graham Motion 30-1
16 Denis of Cork Calvin Borel David Carol 20-1
17 Cowboy Cal John Velazquez Todd Pletcher 20-1
18 Recapturetheglory E.T. Baird Louie Roussel III 20-1
19 Gayego Mike Smith Paulo Lobo 15-1
20 Big Brown Kent Desormeaux Rick Dutrow, Jr. 3-1

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Erik Hitzelberger is a licensed real estate agent with RE/MAX Alliance in Louisville. If you need a Bullitt County Real Estate agent please email me or call 502.921.3989.

I specialize in the following areas of the Metro Louisville Area: Jeffersontown (J-Town), Okolona, Fern Creek, Shepherdsville, Mt Washington, Hillview, Brooks and Pewee Valley. Click the following links to learn more about Louisville and Bullitt County Real Estate or to Search the Metro Louisville MLS.

Posted Saturday May 03
( 05/03/08 01:59AM ) — Tony & Darcy Cannon - The C Team

Erik, I remember watching Secretariat's running of the Belmont on TV.  It was incredible, even for an 8 year old!  You're right that some records are so special that you are fortunate if you get to see them.  It is still impressive to watch, but nothing matches seeing it happen.  I am glad that my parents loved to watch horse racing.  I hope that the weather is nice and it is a good race at the Derby! 

( 05/03/08 10:51AM ) — Erik Hitzelberger, --Louisville-Bullitt County Real Estate

Tony,  Every time I watch the race, it makes me want to see it again.  Thanks for stopping by.  Happy Derby Day! 

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