Secretariat's Bloodline Present in 19 Kentucky Derby Horses

Why it matters locally: Given that the Kentucky Derby is held annually in Louisville, Kentucky, and the overwhelming majority of horses competing in the 2026 race have lineage connected to Secretariat, this reinforces Kentucky's historical significance within the thoroughbred racing world.

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In the 2026 Kentucky Derby, 19 of the 20 competing horses have documented lineage to the legendary Secretariat. The Puma and Demon Bourbon each feature Secretariat four times in their bloodlines. Further Ado and Pavlovian both show Secretariat three times within their bloodlines. Six other horses in the race, Commandment, Renegade, Incredibolt, Six Speed, Litmus Test and Great White, trace back to Secretariat twice. Secretariat sired 663 registered foals during his stud career from 1974 until his death in 1989. While his direct offspring weren't always top performers, his daughters produced successful sires such as A.P. Indy and Storm Cat. The only horse in the 2026 field without Secretariat in its bloodline is Emerging Market. His parents are Candy Ride and Wild Empress. Winner of all six of his races, Candy Ride was Argentine-bred, while Wild Empress, finished seventh in her singular race. Unbridled, winner of the 1990 Kentucky Derby, is in Wild Empress's family tree, as he sired her father, Empire Maker.