It was random really. They kept sending names in, and the Jockey Club kept sending them back, so by the time they got to Secretariat they were pretty far down the list on rejected names. It may have had something to do with Miss Hamm's job as a secretary, but I doubt it.
There were several, including Scepter, and Deo Volente (God Willing, in latin), Royal Line, and Games of Chance, Something Special.
"Secretariat" was the eleventh option given to the Jockey Club and the first one that wasn't taken. The secretary for his breeder had worked for a secretariat before.
You can get a copy from the Jockey Club, which is the American Thoroughbred registry. There may be a small fee and may be able to download which will save time.
It belongs to the jockey club.... Because it is under the ownership of the jockey club.....
Jockey Club Stakes was created in 1894.
Jockey Club Córdoba was created in 1887.
Macau Jockey Club was created in 1980.
Maryland Jockey Club was created in 1743.
Prix du Jockey Club was created in 1836.
Jockey Club de Rosario was created in 1900.
Jockey Club Gold Cup was created in 1919.