Secretariat is widely regarded as perhaps the most talented horse in racing history, and his greatness was evident beginning with the Kentucky Derby. Secretariat set a track record of 1:59 seconds at Churchill Downs by fending off Sham for the victory. His win at the Preakness Stakes was not as easy.
Secretariat got out of the gate slowly on May 19, 1973, but quickly kicked it into high gear as he ran the second quarter mile of the race in less than 22 seconds. With 5 1/2 furloughs left, Secretariat took the lead he would never relinquish, passing Sham and Our Native to win the second leg of the triple crown.