Kentucky Derby legend Secretariat has deep ties to one SEC school still alive today

Kentucky Derby legend Secretariat has deep ties to one SEC school still alive today originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

As we approach the 152nd renewal of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs in Louisville, there are many stories celebrating horse racing's most recognizable events. The horse who is widely mentioned during this week is Secretariat.

In 1973, the first Triple Crown winner in 25 years set speed records in the Kentucky Derby and Belmont Stakes, putting the colt in the history books. But did you know "Big Red" inspired one of the bluest schools in the Bluegrass State?

Secretariat made an impact on the University of Kentucky. In fact, a copy of the Meadow Stable racing silks Secretariat wore en route to the 1973 Triple Crown is on display in the UK's football compound. The blue and white checkered design was also adopted as an alternate jersey for the basketball program, which started in 2008.

However, the unique pattern wasn't a hit for everyone. Now NBA superstar Shai Gilgeous-Alexander wasn't a fan of Nike's out-of-the-box threads when he was with the Wildcats.

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One of the biggest questions is why does Kentucky take pride in a horse bred in Virginia?

Because a majority of Secretariat's life was spent at Claiborne Farm in Paris, KY, which is right outside Lexington. The American thoroughbred racehorse will forever be tied to the Wildcats and part of its tradition, according to the .