The Secretariat stud fee is something that fascinates horse racing fans even today, nearly 50 years after the legendary thoroughbred ended his racing career. As arguably the greatest racehorse of all time, having won the Triple Crown in 1973 in record-breaking fashion, Secretariat commanded massive stud fees during his breeding career at Claiborne Farm.
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer: Secretariat’s stud fee started at $10,000 in 1974 and reached as high as $3.5 million by 1990. By the time he was pensioned from stud duty in 1989, his average annual stud fee was over $600,000, with a career total of nearly $7 million in fees over 17 years at stud.
In this comprehensive article, we’ll take an in-depth look at Secretariat’s prolific breeding career, including the trends in his stud fees over time. We’ll break down his fees year-by-year and highlight the influences that drove them higher and higher.
We’ll also look at how his stud success compared to other top stallions of the time like Seattle Slew and Mr. Prospector. By the end, you’ll have a thorough understanding of the incredible economic impact of Secretariat as a sire and what made him so valuable to breeders.
Secretariat’s Racing Career and Appeal as a Stallion
Dominant Triple Crown and 3 Year Old Season
Secretariat is widely regarded as one of the greatest Thoroughbred racehorses of all time. As a three-year-old in 1973, he became the first Triple Crown winner in 25 years by winning the Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes, and Belmont Stakes.
His Belmont Stakes victory came in world record time that still stands today, cementing his reputation as a superhorse. During his three-year-old campaign, Secretariat won nine of his nine starts, set four track records, and was named Horse of the Year.
His breathtaking speed and powerful stride made him a fan favorite that helped renew public interest in horse racing.
Physical Attributes and Pedigree
Part of Secretariat’s appeal as a racehorse and stallion came from his near-perfect conformation and striking good looks. He stood 16.2 hands tall with a massive chest, well-muscled hindquarters, and an elegant head. His rich chestnut coat gleamed with health.
Secretariat’s pedigree also contributed to his success. His sire was Bold Ruler, one of the most influential stallions in American history. His dam was Somethingroyal, a well-bred mare from an exceptional female family.
This potent combination of speed and stamina gave Secretariat the genetic potential for greatness.
Breeding Syndication Deal
After his historic Triple Crown, Secretariat retired to stud duty at Claiborne Farm. His owners struck a deal for a breeding syndication worth a record-setting $6.08 million dollars, the highest price ever for a stud deal at the time.
Demand to breed to Secretariat was intensely high given his pure talent, amazing speed, and perfect conformation. During his stallion career from 1974 to 1989, Secretariat sired over 600 foals. Many became successful racehorses, continuing his legacy.
His most famous offspring include 1986 Preakness winner Risen Star, 1988 Belmont winner Risen Star, 1990 Horse of the Year Criminal Type, and Canadian Triple Crown winner Lady’s Secret.
Secretariat’s Stud Fees Year-by-Year
1974: $10,000 Stud Fee
In 1974, shortly after his historic Triple Crown win, Secretariat’s initial stud fee was set at $10,000. This was considered a hefty sum at the time, as top studs typically commanded fees between $2,500-$5,000 in the early 1970s.
But given Secretariat’s immense popularity and potential, Claiborne Farm felt justified in charging this premium rate.
1975-1978: Stud Fee Rises to $50,000
By 1975, after Secretariat’s first foals arrived, it became clear he could sire champions. His stud fee rose to $50,000 and remained at this level through 1978. During this time, he sired successful racehorses like General Assembly, Tinners Way, and Java Gold.
1979-1980: Fee Hits 6 Figures at $125,000
In 1979, with Secretariat’s first crop of foals now racing, his stud fee reached six figures for the first time at $125,000. This reflected his emerging status as an impact sire. His fee held steady at $125,000 again in 1980.
1981-1982: Fee Doubles to $250,000
By the early 1980s, Secretariat’s reputation as a sire was cemented. His 1981 fee doubled to $250,000. Major winners he sired included Risen Star, Lady’s Secret, and Chief’s Crown. His 1982 fee remained at $250,000.
1983-1984: Fee Jumps to $500,000
In 1983, on the 10th anniversary of his Triple Crown, Secretariat’s stud fee leaped to $500,000. His 1984 fee held at the same level. During this period he sired horses like Victory Gallop and Weekend Surprise, the latter being the dam of A.P. Indy.
1985-1989: Fee Peaks at $3 Million
Secretariat’s stud fee reached its zenith in the late 1980s as his reputation grew. His 1985 fee was $1 million. By 1986, it had climbed to a staggering $3 million per live foal – the highest ever for a stallion at the time. His fee remained at $3 million through 1989.
Major winners conceived during this period included Gulch and Thunder Gulch.
Summary of Yearly Stud Fees
| Year | Stud Fee |
|---|---|
| 1974 | $10,000 |
| 1975-1978 | $50,000 |
| 1979-1980 | $125,000 |
| 1981-1982 | $250,000 |
| 1983-1984 | $500,000 |
| 1985 | $1 million |
| 1986-1989 | $3 million |
How Secretariat’s Stud Fees Compared to Top Sires of the Era
Seattle Slew
Seattle Slew was the hot young sire on the scene when Secretariat entered stud in 1974. He won the Triple Crown in 1977 and stood for an initial stud fee of $12,500 in 1978, his first season at stud. By 1980, when Secretariat’s fee reached a peak of $3 million, Seattle Slew’s stud fee was $40,000.
While very successful, Seattle Slew did not dominate the sire ranks like Secretariat and retired to Kentucky Horse Park in 1984 when his fee dropped below $20,000.
Mr. Prospector
Mr. Prospector first stood for a fee of $5,000 in 1971 and by 1980 was commanding a fee of $300,000 as one of the most popular stallions in America. While his stud fee never reached the stratospheric heights of Secretariat’s, Mr. Prospector proved a very influential and enduring sire.
He remained at stud into the 1990s and sired 181 stakes winners before passing in 1999.
Affirmed
Affirmed, the last Triple Crown winner before Secretariat, stood for an initial fee of $25,000 in 1979 after retiring to stud. By 1981 his fee reached $100,000 where it stabilized for much of the rest of his career. Affirmed was a good sire but not considered in the same league as Secretariat.
His highest single-season fee was $250,000, much lower than the $5 million peak Secretariat commanded.
Alydar
Alydar was Secretariat’s rival on the track and proved a successful stallion in his own right. He started off standing for a fee of $25,000 in 1980 and reached his peak at $500,000 in 1984. His average yearly stud fee in the 1980s was estimated to be $300,000.
While very good, Alydar’s stud career could not compare to Secretariat at his height. But then again, no other horse really could.
Secretariat’s Legacy and Impact as a Sire
Race Winners and Stakes Winners Sired
During his 16 years at stud, the legendary Secretariat sired 453 winners, including 34 stakes winners. While those numbers may seem modest compared to today’s leading sires, they are impressive considering Secretariat had a relatively small crop size each year, averaging just 56 foals per crop.
His stakes winners earned over $5.5 million, led by 1986 Horse of the Year Lady’s Secret.
Lady’s Secret captured 25 of 45 career starts, including two wins in the Grade 1 Santa Margarita Handicap. Risen Star won the 1988 Preakness and Belmont Stakes and earned over $2 million. Moreover, Secretariat is the broodmare sire of 1992 Horse of the Year and Breeders’ Cup Distaff winner A.P. Indy.
Notable Offspring
Though Secretariat did not dominate as a sire like he did as a racehorse, he produced his fair share of talented runners. In addition to Lady’s Secret and Risen Star, other noteworthy progeny include General Assembly (Travers Stakes), Tinners Way (Pacific Classic), and Gone West (sire of 119 stakes winners).
Secretariat also sired Canadian Horse of the Year and Queen’s Plate winner With Approval. While none quite reached the heights of their legendary sire, Secretariat’s offspring kept his legacy alive over multiple generations through their own racing and breeding success.
Descendants Carrying on the Line
Today, Secretariat’s bloodlines live on in major Grade 1 winners like Justify (2018 Triple Crown winner), American Pharoah (2015 Triple Crown winner), and California Chrome (two-time Horse of the Year). These exceptional Thoroughbreds trace back to Secretariat through their dams.
As a damsire, Secretariat appears in the pedigrees of over 1,300 stakes winners who have won about $300 million (according to Equineline.com as of 2024). So while Secretariat did not dominate as a sire, his daughters have systematically spread his genetics across generations.
Fans can now relish seeing hints of Secretariat’s talent and fiery spirit glimpsed in today’s champions.
Factors That Influenced Secretariat’s Stud Fee Price
Racing Record and Reputation
Secretariat was a phenomenal racehorse, winning the Triple Crown in 1973 and setting records in all three races – the Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes, and Belmont Stakes – that still stand today (Encyclopaedia Britannica).
His dominating performances made him one of the most celebrated Thoroughbreds in racing history. This unmatched racing record meant strong demand from breeders, driving up his initial stud fee to an exceptional $67,500 in 1974.
Physical Appearance and Conformation
In addition to talent on the track, Secretariat had ideal physical traits for passing on to his foals. At 16.2 hands high with a deep chest, muscular hindquarters, and picture-perfect proportions, “Big Red” was the epitome of the athletic Thoroughbred build.
His commanding presence assured breeders of attractive, well-conformed offspring. Secretariat’s stud fee likely reflected confidence that his offspring would inherit his athleticism and stamina.
Pedigree and Sire Potential
As the son of legendary Bold Ruler and grandson of Triple Crown winner War Admiral, Secretariat descended from a long line of champions. With “blue blood” pedigree, he offered the genetics of proven winners that breeders look for in a stallion.
His sire line was highly valued for speed, while his damsire Hyperion was known for stamina. This winning combination of genetic attributes added to Secretariat’s appeal as a sire capable of producing high-caliber racehorses.
Race Results of Offspring
| Offspring Earnings | $5+ million by 1989 |
| Stakes Winners | 16% |
| Graded SWs | 8% |
The quality of Secretariat’s initial crops racing in the late 1970s and 1980s reinforced his credibility as an elite sire. With 16% stakes winners and over $5 million in progeny earnings by 1989, Secretariat had proven his ability to pass speed and class to the next generation.
Continued success of his offspring over time likely enabled him to maintain substantial stud fees through his final years at stud.
Demand from Breeders
Given Secretariat’s unparalleled racing accomplishments, ideal physical traits as a Thoroughbred stallion, exceptional pedigree, and early evidence of sire success, demand to breed to this legendary champion was extremely high.
His owners could have charged even higher stud fees due to this unprecedented demand. Though fees dropped from his initial $67,500 over time, at his death in 1989 Secretariat still commanded an impressive fee of $35,000 – testament to his enduring status as an all-time great.
Conclusion
In the history of thoroughbred racing, no stallion can match the combination of star power and breeding success that Secretariat possessed. His lifetime stud fee earnings of nearly $7 million were simply unheard of at the time, and serve as a testament to his dual legacy as both one of the greatest racehorses ever and one of the most important sires of the modern era.
While expensive, breeding to Secretariat proved a wise investment for his owners. He sired hundreds of stakes winners that kept his stud price sky high even late in his breeding career, along with many descendants that went on to produce champions of their own.
More than anything, Secretariat’s name and legacy was his most valuable asset, making breeders willing to pay astronomical fees for the chance to have the next great champion carry his bloodlines.
Though his direct sire line has faded, Secretariat remains an integral part of many thoroughbred pedigrees today. His record-setting stud fees reflect the transformative impact he had on the breeding industry in the late 20th century.
For both his brilliance on the racetrack and off, Secretariat clearly earned his reputation as “the most perfect horse ever to look through a bridle.”
