This day in history: January 2nd 1974, the year of my birth (yikes, I just dated myself) American President Richard Nixon set a national speed limit for the United States. The maximum speed on United States highways was 55 miles per hour. Prior, to the national speed the states controlled the limits themselves. The speed tended to range from 40 to 80 mph. In 1987 some changes began and by 1993 the national limit was repealed and given back to the states discretion.
A Thoroughbred is the fastest breed of horses. Some say they may run 44 mph. The 1973 Triple Crown winner, Secretariat, was estimated to run at 55 mph that same year to win the Belmont.
Horses run in furlongs. 1 furlong is 1/8th of a mile. Horses generally can not continue to run at those top speeds for too long. The Kentucky Derby is “the greatest (or most exciting, or fastest) 2 minutes in sport.” This race is 10 furlongs. Once again, Secretariat is the record holder at 1 minute and 59.40 seconds. Yes, it gets so close they split the seconds. The average winner comes in at about 2 minutes and 2.25 seconds. Winning by a nose in the photo finish is a tough call sometimes. What a thrill!
Today’s lessons: Secretariat was an amazing horse that took home all kinds of records including but not limited to the Triple Crown composed of the Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes and Belmont Stakes/ horses are crazy fast and the distance they run in measured in furlongs
Share This: