Secretariat's stud fees evolved significantly over his breeding career:

• In 1974, shortly after his Triple Crown win, his initial stud fee was set at $10,000.
• From 1975 to 1978, the fee rose to $50,000.
• In 1979 and 1980, it reached $125,000 per mare.
• By 1981-1982, the fee doubled to $250,000.
• In 1983-1984, it jumped to $500,000.
• In 1985, it increased to $1 million.
• From 1986 to 1989, his stud fee peaked at $3 million per live foal, the highest ever at the time.

Over his 17-year stud career, Secretariat earned nearly $7 million in stud fees. He was bred to about 58-60 mares per year during his prime, commanding $125,000 per mare in the late 1970s and early 1980s

. Initially, Secretariat was syndicated for a record $6.08 million in 1973, with 32 shares sold at $190,000 each, and the Chenery family retaining four shares. This syndication price set a new standard in the industry

. In summary, Secretariat's stud fee started modestly but grew to an unprecedented $3 million by the late 1980s, reflecting his legendary racing record and breeding success.