Every horse in Kentucky Derby 2025 descended from legendary Secretariat

It’s been 52 years since Secretariat won the Triple Crown in record times that still stand – and his legacy lived on this Saturday with all horses in the Kentucky Derby 2025 descending from the legendary horse. 

According to The Courier-Journal in Louisville, Kentucky, it may sound impressive, but going back six generations of racehorses will show that most descend from the greats – including Secretariat or Northern Dancer. 

Secretariat sired more than 660 registered foals in his lifetime.

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A groom washes down American thoroughbred Secretariat (1970-1989) on the eve of the Belmont Stakes, at Belmont Park in Elmont, New York, 8th June 1973. (Photo by Bettmann Archive/Getty Images)

Secretariat’s legacy

The backstory:

Nicknamed Big Red, Secretariat had an unusually large heart, according to The Associated Press, and it propelled him to the historic Triple Crown sweep 52 years ago. 

Secretariat won the Derby, Preakness and Belmont in record times, and ended a 25-year Triple Crown drought.

With Saturday’s Derby horses, Secretariat remains the heartbeat of an industry that has yet to see such dominance on and off the track replicated.

Big picture view:

His name recognition, even among those who don’t follow sports, is still strong 36 years after his death, thanks to his inspiring story and his place in history as one of the greatest racehorses of all time. 

Sovereignty horse

Meanwhile:

Sovereignty reigned in the 151st Kentucky Derby, outdueling the favorite Journalism by 1 1/2 lengths in the slop Saturday. 

The win gave trainer Bill Mott a second Kentucky Derby victory.

By the numbers:

Sovereignty splashed through 1 1/4 miles in 2:02.31 and paid $17.96 to win at 7-1 odds. He's the record 20th horse with a name starting with "S" to win. The victory was worth $3.1 million from the $5 million purse.