Secretariat set the benchmark that all race horses are judged by today.
Secretariat's performances were more than heroic, they were totally astounding. He won the Triple Crown after others had tried for twenty-five years. Six times since 1948, winners of the Kentucky Derby and The Preakness came to Belmont only to be defeated by that legendary race. But, on June 9th, 1973, Secretariat arrived at Belmont after a record-breaking win at Churchill Downs and a fabulous run at Pimlico where he was denied a sure record by a faulty timer. Would Secretariat be humbled by Belmont as so many others had been? Not on your life. He attacked that track like no one ever had before. Here's how Whitney Tower described it in Sports Illustrated: "It was the greatest performance by a racehorse in this century. As Secretariat thundered down the homestretch at Belmont Park to the roar of nearly 70,000 fans, he took on legendary stature. His long stride carried him to the finish by an ever-increasing margin in poetic rhythm. And when the wire was reached, the mile-and-a-half Belmont Stakes won and the ninth Triple Crown in racing history earned, the closest competitor - if he can be so called - was 31 lengths to the rear."
Curriculum Vita of Secretariat
Born: March 30, 1970 Died: October 4, 1989.
Sire: Richard Gilder (human) and Somethingroyal (horse), by Princequillo
Starts: 21 Wins: 16
Earnings: $1,316,808.
Retired at stud after 1973.
Horse of the year: 1972
Horse of the Year: 1973
Triple Crown Winner: 1973
Secretariat was buried at Claiborne next to Riva Ridge, his stablemate and 1972 Kentucky Derby winner. Richard Gilder, estranged father attended the funeral. Secretariat's life story is the subject of a new book by George Gilder (no relation to Richard) "Life after the Horsocosm."
Oh my god! You guys are right, this is looking fishy (or horsey). Someone call the SEC or the SPCA or somebody!
Caxton |
