Animals Article:

Kentucky Derby, 2025: Horses Have Genetic Links to Secretariat

Written by Edda Bevilacqua

Secretariat, the 1973 Triple Crown (Kentucky Derby, Preakness, Belmont Stakes) winner, is an ancestor of every horse that ran in the 2025 Kentucky Derby. According to the Louisville Courier-Journal, every horse that competed in the 151st Kentucky Derby was discovered, after a search of pedigrees, to be a descendant of Secretariat. Derby trainer Whit Beckman said, in the Courier-Journal, “It’s bound to happen at some point, with how much he shows up in every single pedigree. It’s really cool. Very cool.”

Secretariat was the sire for more than 660 registered foals. Notable winners included Lady’s Secret, the 1986 Horse of the Year and Risen Star, who won the 1988 Preakness and Belmont Stakes. In 2025, Secretariat’s legacy lives on, with Sovereignty winning this year’s race. Journalism placed second and Baeza third.