As the Kentucky Derby 2025 approaches, it marks an impressive milestone—52 years since Secretariat achieved his historic Triple Crown victory. His record-breaking feats continue to resonate within the thoroughbred racing community, evident in the lineage of horses competing in this year’s race.

Lineage of Champions

Recent analysis from The Courier-Journal indicates that most horses running in the Derby trace their ancestry back to legendary racehorses like Secretariat and the renowned Northern Dancer. A closer look at their pedigree reveals that, over six generations, many competitors can be linked to these giants of the sport.

During his illustrious career, Secretariat sired over 660 registered foals, contributing significantly to the breed and maintaining his influence in contemporary racing.

Participants of Kentucky Derby 2025

The following horses are set to compete in this year’s “Run for the Roses,” along with their respective jockeys and odds:

1. Citizen Bull, Jockey: Martin Garcia (17-1 odds)
2. Neoequos, Jockey: Flavien Prat (54-1 odds)
3. Final Gambit, Jockey: Luan Machado (18-1 odds)
4. Rodriguez, Jockey: Mike Smith (9-1 odds)
5. American Promise, Jockey: Nik Juarez (13-1 odds)
6. Admire Daytona, Jockey: Christophe Lemaire (40-1 odds)
7. Luxor Cafe, Jockey: Joao Moreira (14-1 odds)
8. Journalism, Jockey: Umberto Rispoli (4-1 odds)
9. Burnham Square, Jockey: Brian Hernandez Jr. (20-1 odds)
10. Grande, Jockey: John Velazquez (18-1 odds)
11. Flying Mohawk, Jockey: Joe Ramos (34-1 odds)
12. East Avenue, Jockey: Manny Franco (34-1 odds)
13. Publisher, Jockey: Irad Ortiz Jr. (30-1 odds)
14. Tiztastic, Jockey: Joel Rosario (19-1 odds)
15. Render Judgement, Jockey: Julien Leparoux (12-1 odds)
16. Coal Battle, Jockey: Juan Vargas (30-1 odds)
17. Sandman, Jockey: Jose Ortiz (5-1 odds)
18. Sovereignty, Jockey: Junior Alvarado (11-1 odds)
19. Chuck of Gold, Jockey: Jareth Loveberry (35-1 odds)
20. Owen Almighty, Jockey: Javier Castellano (43-1 odds)
21. Baeza, Jockey: Flavien Prat (54-1 odds)

Remembering Secretariat’s Impact

Known affectionately as “Big Red,” Secretariat’s legacy is defined by his unparalleled achievements on the track. He famously ended a 25-year drought for the Triple Crown, winning the Derby, Preakness, and Belmont Stakes in remarkable times. His physical prowess, attributed in part to an unusually large heart, established a benchmark that remains unmatched in the sport.

Even after 36 years since his passing, Secretariat’s name and story continue to resonate, solidifying his status as one of the greatest racehorses in history. His influence persists not only in breeding lines but also in the hearts of fans and the fabric of racing culture.