A Horse That Ran Impossible Splits During The 1973 Kentucky Derby Race At Churchill Downs

Secretariat did something during the 1973 Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs that still looks almost impossible when you examine the numbers. On May 5, 1973, Secretariat won the Kentucky Derby in 1:59.2/5 for 1 1/4 miles, becoming the first horse to break the two-minute barrier at Churchill Downs. But the final time is only part of what made his performance so extraordinary. The real story is hidden in Secretariat's time splits. 1973 Kentucky Derby Splits (1 1/4 Miles) 1st quarter: 25 1/5 seconds (slowest segment) 2nd quarter: 24 seconds 3rd quarter: 23 4/5 seconds 4th quarter: 23 2/5 seconds 5th Final quarter: 23 seconds (fastest segment) The Kentucky Derby was the first step toward Secretariat's historic 1973 Triple Crown, but when you look at the race through its time splits rather than simply the final result, the performance becomes even more remarkable. #secretariat #kentuckyderby #1973kentuckyderby #churchilldowns #triplecrown #horseracing #thoroughbredracing Secretariat 1973 Kentucky Derby Secretariat time splits 1973 Kentucky Derby Secretariat 1:59 Kentucky Derby time splits Secretariat fractions Secretariat record 1973 Triple Crown Secretariat documentary horse racing history