This 4-legged celebrity was named by his owner’s employee, who once worked for a diplomat at the League of Nations

On the October 2, 2025, episode of Jeopardy!, the Final Jeopardy clue in the category “Animals” was: “This 4-legged celebrity was named by his owner’s employee, who once worked for a diplomat at the League of Nations.”

Who is Secretariat?

This clue points not just to a legendary racehorse but to a fascinating backstory behind one of the most iconic names in horse racing history.

Secretariat wasn’t just a champion—he was a phenomenon. Born in 1970, the chestnut thoroughbred became a Triple Crown winner in 1973, ending a 25-year drought. His Belmont Stakes victory remains one of the most famous performances in sports history, winning by an astonishing 31 lengths. He still holds the track records for all three Triple Crown races—an unmatched feat to this day.

But before he ever stepped onto the track, Secretariat needed a name. And the way he got it is where today’s clue comes into play. While many assume horse naming is a straightforward process, Secretariat’s name came through a unique suggestion by an unlikely source with international diplomatic ties.

The Name with a Diplomatic Origin

Secretariat’s name wasn’t chosen at random. His owner, Penny Chenery, had an assistant named Elizabeth Ham. Before working for the Chenery family, Ham had spent time employed by a diplomat at the League of Nations, the precursor to the United Nations. When it came time to name the young colt, Ham suggested the name “Secretariat” — a nod to her previous role in global affairs.

The name was elegant, formal, and dignified—perfectly fitting the colt’s regal appearance and commanding presence. While Chenery initially submitted several other names to the Jockey Club, all were rejected. “Secretariat” made the cut and stuck.

More Than a Name: A Legend in Motion

Once Secretariat hit the racetrack, the name quickly became synonymous with greatness. His performance in the 1973 Kentucky Derby set a record time of 1:59 2/5, which still stands today. In the Preakness Stakes, he wowed the crowd with an explosive move from last to first in just a few seconds. And at the Belmont Stakes, his dominating win not only secured the Triple Crown but cemented his legacy.

The dignity and weight of his name—evoking power, order, and leadership—reflected his presence in the sport. The name “Secretariat” became more than a label. It came to represent a standard of excellence in thoroughbred racing.

A Lasting Impact

Even decades after his retirement and eventual passing in 1989, Secretariat’s legend lives on. Statues have been erected in his honor. His story has inspired books, documentaries, and a major motion picture. His bloodline remains influential in modern racing, and his name continues to appear in discussions of the greatest athletes of all time.

The origin of his name may seem like a small detail, but it connects an American sports icon to the global stage of international diplomacy—a reminder of how history, even in the world of animals, is often shaped by surprising links.

Closing Thoughts

This Final Jeopardy clue offered more than a test of trivia knowledge. It opened a window into the layered history behind a legendary racehorse and his name. Secretariat’s connection to an assistant with a background at the League of Nations is a story that blends sport, diplomacy, and unexpected legacy—all wrapped in four hooves and a name that still resonates across generations