The Derby record at its current length of 1-1/4 miles was set more than four decades ago. In 1973, the legendary Secretariat pulled away for victory with a final time of 1:59:40. Just one other runner has broken the two-minute mark at the Derby. That was Monarchos back in 2001, with a time of 1:59:97. Northern Dancer is third on the all-time list with a time of 2 minutes flat. In the early days of the event, the race was contested over 1-1/2 miles. Spokane holds the record at that length, with a winning time of 2:35:50 in 1889.