Fastest times in Kentucky Derby history: Secretariat leads the way

The Kentucky Derby is often called "the fastest two minutes in sports." And for good reason.

Throughout the race's 151-year history, the winning times over the 1 1/4 mile track at Churchill Downs have almost always been just a shade over two minutes. No matter the track conditions or the weather, every single time since 1949, the Kentucky Derby champion has recorded a time of between 1:59 and 2:05.

So which horses have been the best of the best throughout the Derby's storied past?

Here's the list of the fastest times in Kentucky Derby history.

Kentucky Derby fastest times

Race winners, times from TwinSpires.com

10. Fusaichi Pegasus, 2:01.12 (2000)

The son of famed sprint horse Mr. Prospector blazed to victory as the favorite in Y2K, never won another race and was sold for a record stud fee of $70 million.

9. Mandaloun*, 2:01.10 (2021)

In a thrilling finish, Medina Spirit edged Mandaloun at the finish line with a time of 2:01.02. However, the Bob Baffert-trained horse was later disqualified for a positive drug test, giving Mandaloun the victory (and Baffert a suspension).

8. Grindstone, 2:01.06 (1996)

Longshot Grindstone edged favorite Unbridled's Song, but was forced to retire from racing five days later due to a bone chip in his knee.

7. Authentic, 2:00.61 (2020)

In the first-ever Kentucky Derby run in September, Authentic gave trainer Bob Baffert his record-tying sixth Derby win. Jockey John Velazquez won his third.

6. Proud Clarion, 2:00.6 (1967)

A 30-1 longshot, Proud Clarion was one of the most unlikely Derby winners, but on this day he found another gear.

5. Decidedly, 2:00.4 (1962)

Decidedly broke 1941 Triple Crown winner Whirlaway's Kentucky Derby record in becoming the first horse to go under 2:01.

4. Spend A Buck, 2:00.2 (1985)

Oh what could have been ... Spend A Buck romped to victory in a hair more than two minutes at Churchill Downs. However, owner Dennis Diaz chose to skip the Preakness and the Belmont in order to pursue a $2 million bonus for winning the Jersey Derby. Which he did.