"A horse like Secretariat...That will never happen no more."

There were Triple Crown winners before him, and Triple Crown winners after him, but nobody swept through the Kentucky Derby, Preakness, and Belmont Stakes with the same drama, style and flair as Secretariat.
He won 16 of 21 races, graced the covers of several national magazines, was twice Horse of the Year, but it is the Belmont for which Secretariat is best remembered.
On June 9, 1973, Big Red went postward as the 1-10 favorite to become the ninth Triple Crown winner, and the first in 25 years. Challenging him were Sham, who had finished second in both the Derby and the Preakness, and three other mismatched Thoroughbreds.
When the gates opened, Secretariat and Sham and raced together around the first turn through a half-mile in a suicidal :46 2/5. On the backstretch, with jockey Ron Turcotte sitting still as a stone, the colt gathered momentum with every stride. He ran three-quarters in 1:09 2/5, the mile in 1:34 1/5, and when he hit the quarter-pole in 1:59, faster even than he had won the Derby, the crowd was on its feet, screaming in anticipation.
Secretariat is alone. He is moving like a tremendous machine!" track announcer Chick Anderson yelled. "He's going to be the Triple Crown winner. Unbelievable! An amazing performance. He's 25 lengths in front!"
Prompted only by history and racing only against the clock, Secretariat was completely alone as he swept across the finish line an astounding 31 lengths in front of Twice a Prince in a world-record 2:24 for the mile and one-half miles.
As Charles Hatton wrote in The Daily Racing Form, "His only point of reference is himself."
Secretariat was born March 30, 1970, at Meadow Farm in Virginia, a strikingly handsome chestnut son of Bold Ruler with three white stockings, a white star, and stripe. Viewing him as a yearling, trainer Lucien Laurin commented he was probably too good-looking to amount to much as a racehorse. Upon his arrival at Hialeah Park as a 2-year-old, all his owner, Penny Chenery, could say was Wow.
He began his career at Aqueduct, finishing fourth, and then embarked on a campaign that would carry him to Horse of the Year honors, a rarity for two-year-olds. Early in his freshman season, Hatton wrote: "The cognoscenti give Mrs. Helen Tweedy's Secretariat a nod for potentiality. He has electrifying acceleration, duende, charisma, and starfire raised to the steenth power. He is also pretty good."
Big Reds three-year-old campaign started off as more of the same: He swept through the Bay Shore and Gotham Stakes, but then the unthinkable happened: He lost, finishing third in the Wood Memorial to Angle Light. Immediately, questions were raised about his ability, as a son of Bold Ruler, to go a mile and a quarter, but when the first Saturday in May rolled around, he was the 3-2 choice to win the Run for the Roses the last time in his career he would go off at more than even-money.
By the time he arrived back in New York for the Belmont, the entire country was anticipating the end of the quarter-century Triple Crown drought. In the New York Post, columnist Larry Merchant warned that the "the country may turn sullen and mutinous" should he lose the Test of the Champion.
Before the race, columnist Pete Axthelm wrote in Newsweek:
"Secretariat generates a crackling tension and excitement wherever he goes. Even in the kind of gray weather that shrouds lesser animals in anonymity, Secretariat's muscular build identifies him immediately; his glowing reddish coat is a banner of health and rippling power. Magnificent enough at rest ... when he accelerates ... he produces a breathtaking explosion that leaves novices and hardened horsemen alike convinced that, for one of those moments that seldom occur in any sport, they have witnessed genuine greatness."
When Secretariat won the Belmont, he did more than become the first horse since Citation to win three races at three different distances over three different racetracks in the span of six weeks. He turned in the single greatest performance in the history of horse racing, and raced into immortality.
After the Belmont, Secretariat raced nine more times, winning six, coming in second twice and third once. His major losses were to Onion in the Whitney and to Prove Out in the Woodward; both were trained by Allen Jerkens .Inducted into racings Hall of Fame in 1974, Secretariat was also ranked 35th on ESPN's 100 Greatest Athletes of the Twentieth Century, one of only three non-humans on the list.
Suffering from laminitis, he was euthanized in October, 1989, and is buried at Claiborne Farm in Paris, Ky.
Wrote Hatton at the end of Secretariats 1973 campaign:
"Weave for the mighty chestnut
A tributary crown
Of autumn flowers, the brightest then
When autumn leaves are brown
Hang up his bridle on the wall,
His saddle on the tree,
Till time shall bring some racing king
Worthy to wear as he!"

[@lizzieevans297]

"Secretariat was God's creation...A creature beyond words..."

[@ratso4443]

They’ll still be talking about him 100 years from now.

[@johnforeman634]

That close up of him approaching finish at the Belmont gives me chills

[@milenekransen9426]

We lost the greatest who ever lived, my big boy secretariat

[@johnwalsh3215]

He’s not lost as long as we remember him!

[@PepsiMama2]

Secretariat... the GREATEST horse EVER...

[@parkerbohnn]

Most list "The Great Dan Patch" as the greatest horse that ever lived. His records put Secretariat to shame.

[@tombeasley9667]

@@parkerbohnn That is because Secretariat had yet to make his appearance

[@Whoopdido777]

@@parkerbohnn You can’t compare harness racing to thoroughbred racing. For example, Dan Patch’s best time for a mile was 1:55. The all time best record for a mile is 1:32 by Dr. Fager.

[@HarbingerLea]

Rest In Peace Big Red.... We all miss you...

[@tdvcleve]

Secretariat, the horse that all others are measured against. None have measured up and probably never will against the greatest racehorse of all time.

[@Whoopdido777]

Maybe we’re about due for another “super horse” soon. Secretariat came around a little over 50 years behind Man o War. Secretariat was foaled 50 years ago, so maybe in 3 years we’ll see another horse that’s similar. Somehow I doubt it though.

[@stuballs42]

Never before ,never since ,never again ,a horse like Secretariat !

[@clifflawrence7479]

Only if God wants it to be

[@stuballs42]

@bruce robbins Sour grapes Bruce, I feel sorry for the way you feel! Won the three races in the triple crown ,and you sir will not live to see the Belmont record broken ,nor will I !Secretariat the super horse!

[@stuballs42]

@bruce robbins Ok Mr. Robins , geeezzz!

[@cmf4321]

This horse is my God on earth. We'll never see this miracle of nature again. God made only one creature genetically & physically perfect...and with heart, intelligence and confidence that no human could ever achieve on his own. This God-like perfection came once...his name was Secretariat. I will always think of him as the "supernatural" being. I will always be in awe of what true perfection can do for the human spirit...in the form of a horse.

[@astridschlegel7681]

Rest in peace darling angel secretariet You are a true champion of the ages. You are God's gift with your beautiful spirit. You fly with angel wings l love you

[@tresalamb2793]

I love all of them, but, Big Red is my greatest love. I watched him win the Triple Crown and, even now, my heart swells when I re-watch those races. I still grieve at his death. For me, he will always be the best. Seattle Slew was my second favorite. He could have came from my neighborhood...a tough scrapper, who wouldn't quit.

[@johnwalsh3215]

It’s breathtaking watching him run, brings a tear to your eyes! I’ll never get board watching his videos!

[@riverzala9186]

Still the best..the beautiful Secretariat 💯 2020

[@sheilagibson982]

I totally agree, Big Red was magic!

[@cmf4321]

@NDRonin1401 BTW, I want to share one fact with you that you may not know. The day at the 1973 Belmont when Secretariat set the fastest time in history...it was over 90 degrees at the race track that day. And he was running a mile & half speeding up throughout the entire race. It was truly a supernatural performance. We'll never know what he was capable of...he was retired before he peaked in age. And yet he still holds these records is completely mind blowing. You can't duplicate a miracle:-)

[@katetweedy8852]

We lost the greatest champion that ever lived.

[@chucksturzenegger1891]

Kate Tweedy see you at the Meadow in March m.facebook.com/ShamSigmundSommer/

[@actaviss_]

You are really right 😢😭

[@rudycantarini4649]

I have watched and appreciated the great Secretariat from when he was a two year old. I was so disappointed he wouldn't race at 4 because like one of the commentators once said " His limits would know no bounds". He raced against himself. 50 yrs later his triple crown races still stand. I don't assume you are the granddaughter of Mr. Chenery(social media being what it is) but that man was a magnificent breeder. Too bad he didn't get to see one of his last and probably greatest thoroughbred creation fly around the track.

[@cmf4321]

This greatness will never be seen again on this Earth...Secretariat was the chosen one. No man, or horse, has or ever will rival this miracle of nature. Supernatural is the understatement of what we all witnessed with Secretariat.

[@debbieriley3452]

thank you to the whole chenry family for sharing seceriat with us rest in peace penny

[@rscarbro100]

Some johnnycomelaetly asked Steve Haskins from Bloodhorse talking horses did he think Big Brown will break Secretariat Belmont record. He laughed and said that would be to much to ask of any horse.

[@franceswitham8214]

On any other year we'd have been singing Shams praises. He was a wonderful horse but Secretariate made every horse seem ordinary. He will always be my Perfect horse.

[@Dannykeith46]

Here is a FACT for you to digest - NO CONJECTURE: "No horse has ever run a 12F race on a dirt track in race horsing history like Secretariat did on June 9, 1973" & I will leave it at that. NO HORSE...NO WHERE....NO TIME.......CASE CLOSED!!!!!!!!!

[@paulyarek]

@ Joe, That is common knowledge.

[@ratso4443]

12 perfect 12 second furlongs. They didn’t even think it was possible before he did it. The only other time it was done was on a downhill track!

[@jimmynickels5361]

The timer let the clock run and when Secretariat crossed the mile and 5/8 wire he obliterated that record as well

[@krazy8chris670]

Facts

[@elizabethg-w609]

God this is bloody depressing. Love him and will miss him. He is a tremendous horse no doubt about it.

[@hurricane-fly0490]

Laughs at fear, afraid of nothing. - Secretariat no horse like you, you are the best horse in the world. Secretariat fan Zenyatta fan California Chrome fan Bayern fan Ria Antonia fan Hurricane Fly fan My main 4 horses.

[@blackcloudipoy]

SS, no one has forgotten Affirmed, I can assure you! Affirmed had to earn his triple crown like no other horse. He had a tremendous heart and will to win! Great courage that horse!

[@stephen39217]

For 25 years they said that no horse will match Citation in the triple crown. Now they say that no horse will match Sec's records in the triple crown. It has been almost 40 years. I really believe that no horse will ever match Big Red and what he did in 73. If there is I hope that I am alive to see it.

[@DanielSong39]

Time is not the best measure since tracks were bone hard in '73 and they have been slowed since.

[@julieduiguid7772]

Secretariat was a beautiful horse. There will never be another rip big red❤️❤️

[@slownoman]

Simple: the greatest racehorse who ever lived. By far.

[@johnwalsh3215]

No argument from me on the name of this video! I don’t believe we’ll ever see anything like him again!! A once ever horse!!!

[@Dannykeith46]

What you need to understand my friend is that some horses actually run FASTER on the mud, especially if the lower surface/level is hard. I TOO was always fooled by the "running in the mud concept", but if there is a firm lower level, the mud actually HELPS speed, serving as a surface to "glide on". It is a wet TURF surface that serves as a nightmare because horses will tend to slip/slide on wet grass. Don't kid yourself....NO WAY was Prove Out's 2;25.8 on an equal par w/SEC's Belmont!!!!

[@janetgallo5720]

Big red set a standard for all people and especially for my heart. He was the greatest ever, and I go back to continuously watch his greatness.

[@francoarrua011]

If the history of this horse had been far from today, and was not documented, no one would believe it, it is a real legend, an incomparable horse

[@dippin1523]

Man O War was a great champion but the horse I saw in Secretariat is the most amazing horse I have ever seen. I doubt anyone will ever see anything.

[@kemosabe6693]

Champion of Champions. The Creme de la Creme . Perfection. 👏👍

[@billmalec]

Tears. Every time I see him.

[@rcherasaro]

affirmed was a worker for sure and one of the greats.big red had the extra something you do not often see.a belmont for the ages..records were set that still hold.he made the hair on the back of your neck stand straight up!

[@debbieriley3452]

we don't know what we had tell he was gone love you red

[@marciacorbin5751]

Will always be in awe of this great athlete, he was a one & only...what a horse!

[@FanuilosLinwen]

Sham was Secretariats greatest rival, if he had been born a year befre or after he would have won the Triple Crown.

[@FanuilosLinwen]

​ @Julio Chavez lol I completely forgot about this comment! But yeah I don't know that, however, the opposite is also true. Also, Riva Ridge is very important to the survival of the Meadow Stables.

[@barbaralovenvirth8726]

Absolutely!

[@harveyhorwitz1346]

Not necessarily. Would have faced different competition and not placed in the same pole position. Too many variables.

[@FanuilosLinwen]

@@harveyhorwitz1346 wow old comment lol. but good point. However, I still think Sham got the real short stick and should be recognized as a better horse. Also just noticed my poor spelling

[@harveyhorwitz1346]

@@FanuilosLinwen I think Sham was recognized as a great horse, but was overshadowed by Secretariat. Hard to overcome a Triple Crown winner that set a new time record in each of the races. Secretariat was also visually dominant.

[@iamshebeeloloindigenous]

Secretariat. The best there is the best there was the best there ever will be.

[@ronbloomberg]

The day that some horse breaks Red's Belmont record is the day I'll stop saying he is the greatest horse that ever lived.

[@Dannykeith46]

Oh, and by the way, while you are compiling your fractional mph's, have your baked in the FACT that Frankel NEVER had to run on extremely sharp turns (such as Pimlico, etc.) that incredibly impede the speed of an accelerating 1/2 ton+ mammal. Did you ever hear of centrifugal force because a 1/2 ton+ beast going several horses wide on a sharp turn is drastically hindered by such force to complete their turn. Many of Frankel's runs were on predominately straighter paths, a HUGE advantage..

[@nin12dog]

Some say Dr Fager could have beaten Secretariat at a mile? we'll never know.....Secretariat's Preakness was amazing; his burst at the first curve was ASTONISHING! Sec might have won against the expertly gifted miler, Dr Fager. But clearly Sec's real GIFT was SPRINTING for 1 1/2 MILES! I love Secretariat; He's the KING! Dr Fager is also up there with the classic GREATS. But I think Dr Fager is a PHENOM in his own right! A GREAT HORSE! LOVE Dr Fager!!!

[@tracyredies5785]

What a horse, I will never forget his races - he was perfect. No horse has done what he did, to break 3 records in the Triple Crown and the Belmont especially by 2 and 3/5 seconds, its hard to believe we will see that again.

[@pattylevesque2601]

Big Red was the Horse of the century...

[@Dannykeith46]

FYI, who said SEC was sprinting throughout the Belmont??? Yes, maybe from a modest perspective from the 2nd to the 7th furlong, but after that SEC coasted. What is AMAZING about the Belmont is that after that 6/7th furlong, virtually ANY horse EVER would have CRASHED after 8/9 furlongs, NOT coasted which is the TRUE beauty of SEC's Belmont Stakes run. Add in the fact, Turcotte didn't push SEC until the final furlong (when he saw the time), it is virtually unfathomable!

[@davidpadilla9468]

Head to head with the great sham and then big red kicked to second gear and then into overdrive sham ran out of gas ...the some thing would have happened to any other horse including frankel.

[@Dannykeith46]

Another negative dirt surface factor is that it serves as a nightmare on sharp turns. DRY turf provides much better grip/traction. When a horse running between 37 to 40 mph makes that turn, dirt simply does not allow for the required traction to sustain the centrifugal force exhibited by a 1/2 ton+ animal. E.G.- In the Derby & Marlboro, watch SEC's final stretch turns & how much ground he lost before eventually straightening out & running past Sham & Riva Ridge. Had to cost him .6 to .8 seconds.

[@mshobohorse]

Sadly some believed Secretariat never had a chance as a 3 year old, but they saw how he proved him wrong. I am in love with the big red horse, and there is no telling to whether or not we shall see the likes of his grace and stamina again.

[@stevemitchell7981]

There will never be another like him.

[@TheVagolfer]

In reference to all the previous posts.........2:24 & 1:59.2 for 40+ years. End of conversation.

[@scarletohara6263]

not to mention the changed time in the Preakness. All 3.

[@zedmarlen]

Nicely done. The horse was awesome. Good choice of music. Cheers.

[@mattsumner8181]

As far as I'm concerned I look @ the times/speed & how good their competitors were that they beat, to determine their talent. I mean racehorses could run against donkeys & have no real competition & have a spotless-win record. Look @ Sec speed records & the talented field he had to race alot..Sham for the TC & see Marlboro Cup. He's the king. imho

[@pattylevesque2601]

and your humble opinion it is

[@lengua92]

Thanks for the compliment. The music is from the movie "The Guardian"

[@kwgrid]

*goosebumps* ♥

[@debbieriley3452]

we lost the best there ever was love you red

[@3crx3]

I don't know anything about horse racing, but of course I've heard of the legendary, Secretariat!! And I recognize when I'm watching one of the most amazing events my eyes will ever see...even tho it was a long time ago, it was the first time I had ever seen it.And the magnificence of this horse just hit me like a ton of bricks...I've watched probably everything on youtube about him! I can't stop.I'm so in love with this horse....

[@Dannykeith46]

You make it sound like 37.5 mph over a 12F dirt track is the standard in the industry? Wake up and smell the coffee because NO HORSE EVER has even approached hat mark. It took YOUR PRECIOUS Frankel 4+ years to FINALLY run more than 1 mile & he STILL never exceeded 10.5 furlongs so why do you continue to minimize Secretariat's Belmont??? Virtually EVERY racing analyst openly admits SEC's Belmont was the most amazing achievement EVER in a single race so what is your problem?

[@davidpadilla9468]

Big red was accelerating at every mark even up to the finish line at the Belmont. I never seen any horse do that not even frankel

[@krazy8chris670]

Belmont Park put a blue and white pole in 2017 to commemorate the 31 lengths that secretariat won by

[@Dannykeith46]

The other issue with dirt is that it is EXTREMELTY trying on horses legs. Turf allows for less bone friction at contact which is why I think more American horses break down than in Europe. E.G. - After my back surgery several years ago, my neurologist clearly stated to avoid running on pavement/dirt/clay type surfaces, and if I had to jog, try and utilize turf type surfaces. For that reason, I always wondered in Ruffian would have broken down so fast as a European thoroughbred???

[@USAUKRAINE786]

❤ he was hero to so many of us will be over in our youth young and old he was hero too young and old we cheered him on as we did Riva Ridge his stablemate

[@rscarbro100]

@jkmooreelle Measuring devices were hard to come by back in the days & using body parts like a hand was simply the best way to do it & it became a standard. Secretariat was actullay 16 hands & 2 inches tall & weighred 1175 lbs in his racing prime.

[@susanmccaleb7117]

He was not just the greatest racehorse that ever lived. He was perfection from the hand of God. He ran for the pure joy of running. God put him in the hands of a woman who believed in herself and believed in him. Together they gave us a glimpse of what we will never see again.

[@lindafurr2404]

I never get tired of watching Secretariat run. None like him before, none will ever be like him again! However I did mute that aaahoooheeeewooooiiiiooooohaaaaah noise!

[@richardsanders365]

No question about it: late May 1973 @Pimlico: " Laffit Pincay has a very strong left-handed whip on Sham & he goes to it time & time again but Ronnie Turcotte has his whip put away & Secretariat has him put away, he opens again to win by 3 lengths!!" ....mic drop

[@bon1042]

Nice comment about beautiful Affirmed... he did have to earn his TC like no other horse. Some people think Secretariat didn't have to earn his because they think he had no competition to speak of, except Sham. Yet he set records in all 3 races and in context of grueling 5 wk period and being only hand ridden except for a couple of whacks on last Derby turn. 2 records not yet broken and one only tied twice. And if that's not astounding enuf, he never raced at more than 85-90 % of capacity.

[@cmf4321]

If Secretariat came back to Earth, I'd give my last dime to see the true miracle of nature that God put on this Earth....Secretariat. This perfect "10" was a gift from GOD. He was perfect aesthetically, athletically & his personality. He had a level of confidence, intelligence & free will that no man on Earth can ever match. God gave us a chance to see what perfection would embody. Secretariat was supernatural and a true miracle of nature. God gave us what humans couldn't achieve ...perfection.

[@nin12dog]

If you'd like to see Sec's performance in cold slop, take a look at his final race at Woodbine - another dramatic win for Sec in adverse weather. RE: BB "jogging at the conclusion of race" - apparently Sec didn't jog. Instead, he tore it up - he RACED. Maybe Sec thought 'jogging' was declasse for a thoroughbred?

[@80cathryn]

There likely isn't anyone alive who saw MOW race to share their appreciation for such magnificence; but God must have thought we needed a reminder of what perfection looks like in Sec; hopefully we as a species have the ability to recognize perfection when we witness it. Is there really an argument for what we saw on May 9, 1973?

[@80cathryn]

You are smokin' something to even ponder the question. IHA might be the next Triple Crown Winner, but that doesn't mean he's in Secretariats class, or a lot of horses class either.

[@nin12dog]

wow - This is terrible! Here I am thinking Secretariat was a PHENOMENON, and he was a nag!....NO, protar, you are wrong! Secretariat remains The King - he ran like no other horse BEFORE or AFTER him in the KDERBY, Preakness & the Belmont. I gotcha; he slowed in the last part of the 1.5 mile Belmont..(He ACCELERATED as he ended THE KDerby - but ONLY THE KD!). I'd slow down too, if I had run 1.5 miles in 2.24. Call it what ever you want - He 'covered' 1.5 miles in 2.24. No other horse has done so.

[@ldsunwind]

A 'hand' was the size of an average man's hand.

[@dravendfr]

I’ll take one of the, “Big Reds” and leave with a victory.

[@cmf4321]

BTW, lengua92...loved the musical background:-)

[@liberty_county9990]

He won the triple crown and now he is dead

[@mallorys728]

I sometimes pity Sham, he would have won the Triple Crown too if it wasn't for Big Red. Gotta give credit where credit is due. He was just born at the wrong time poor guy. No one knows what happened to him afterwards either is the sad part. Wonder if he wouldve had better times as a stud then Big Red?

[@mallorys728]

Tresa Lamb That's nice to know, thanks.

[@gotch09]

@jkmooreelle Thanks for clearing that up for me. I always wondered what they meant by x-amount of hands tall.

[@XxSodano]

I think gods recreating him again in I'll Have Another, 3 big red machines.

[@Dannykeith46]

You make a valid point with the inconsistency of 180 degree planes on European tracks. So let's put down our weapons and actually consult for a change. I am curious about your thoughts regarding the negative impact variance between sharper turns versus somewhat uphill/downhill anomalies? Simply stated, how do you measure the obstacle level between the two?

[@mycrystalline]

What is the name of this song...? I love this tribute to Secretariat! Thank you :)

[@albertpeterson5585]

...there may be another; watch the Breeders Cup Classic this year from Keeneland: a horse named Flightline.

[@gotch09]

I thought he made Time magazines top 10 athletes of the 20th century as well, didn't he? And out of curiosity who were the other 9 on the list? Anybody out there wants to help me with this one?

[@bon1042]

@sexymonimone well said.... reading you learn Sec took after maternal grandsire, the magnificent Princequillo who gave large heart gene to his dam SomethingRoyal. In Bill Nack's unbelievable biography of S, you read that "blue hens", the valuable and best broodmares of a breeding operation are it's foundations. Secretariat produced several as you point out. Wayne Lucas, the guy who bought Terlingua said the same thing. He wanted her, S was his favorite colt as was Crimson Saint her dam.

[@bbmtge]

@whennif Looking over some old posts. I see you ran away when confronted with detail Quite fitting.

[@bon1042]

Have you typed Affirmed in here? There are videos.

[@ImRidingmrmurphy]

this Amazing thanks for posting it :) what was the song called and do you mind if i were to use the song

[@jerrisims7488]

Oh happy day?

[@choochoolewis]

did y'all hear that IHA is scratched from the the race tomorrow?

[@cmf4321]

@80cathryn Small correction. It was June 9, 1973

[@Dannykeith46]

Your numbers are 100% accurate, but after running a 1:09.8 3/4 mile and 1:34.2 mile, the final 4 furlongs still amount to an amazing time, and I know you are on board with that concept. FACT also remains no horse has ever got within 9 lengths of SEC's 2:24 12 furlong dirt track time and that my friend says it all...how your performances measure up against your peers Peace!

[@connorduke4619]

Another way to put it: at Secretariat passed the 10f in 1:59 flat. That time will win you 99% of 10f Grade 1 races, after which a horse moving at such a speed is usually fully expended. But Sec kept coasting along as if a 1:59 10f was a training run.

[@NDRonin1401]

@rscarbro100 You are right there, I messed up this discussion with one about different racing surfaces in Europe and America. I was talking about the Kentucky Derby, so you should have known it was a mistake..

[@rcherasaro]

i too loved ruffian..i have been very reticent to compare rachel to her..but the horse with the broken blaze has earned that right!

[@gotch09]

What is the music? It sounds almost like the music from the movie "Titanic".

[@gotch09]

No one has ever answered a question that I've had about Secretariat. I know they said he was "16 hands" tall, but how tall is that in feet and inches. And why is a horse measured in "hands" anyway.

[@cmf4321]

@NDRonin1401 U may want to watch BB when he lost in the Belmont..the longest of the 3 races.The end made him look like he was going in slo-mo. Sec was speeding up. Also BB's 2 sec diff. in KD doesn't even place him as 2nd in history. He broke no records in the TC races. Like MANY before him & after. Spitz set Olympic records & then Phelps came along & matched him (1 race did not break a world record). Not 1 horse in history of TC races has matched what occurred in the 1973 TC races. Never again.

[@hockaday2fer2]

The word NEVER useuly cant be used,except in 2 cases,there will NEVER be a greater horse than Secretariat,or college running-back than Hershel

[@debbieriley3452]

secretariat was the best

[@WhiskeyDrinkinMan]

Oh...so I guess Secretariat wasn't really that big of a deal then?

[@nin12dog]

Only 2 SECONDS??? An 'average thoroughbred' will race a furlong (220 yards) in about 12 seconds; so that puts Sec out front (EASILY) by 36 yards! Subtract 10 YARDS for slop! (This is OVERLY generous!!) 26 yards = 78 feet = 7 lengths. So Sec demolishes him! And it is sad! Because Big Brown was DRUGGED; the Humans who handled his life & career were not very nice! BB was more honest, noble, & courageous than his People! BB the Racehorse did the best he could to win! But his people were unethical.

[@HasaNudin-yh2zu]

secretariat vs symphoni vs seabiscuit

[@Dannykeith46]

A sound assessment for sure. God, I really wish Frankel would have been run at further distances (12/13F). It would have been awesome to see how he handled the extra real estate. Typically, I would say he would have been just fine because of his outstanding 10.5 furlongs. However, look at Spectacular Bid who was one of the fastest/finest 10F horses EVER, yet was not a peak performer at 12F. Amazing what those extra 1,320 feet can/will do to a horse's performance!

[@DanielSong39]

Four years later Seattle Slew happened

[@bon1042]

People keep kidding Belmont mixed up with his Derby. Secretariat ran the Derby going faster and faster in each quarter, not the Belmont. However the quarter times in that Belmont are astounding themselves. You can find them on pg 324 of Nack's biography. In that mile and a half 2 quarters were the slowest at 12 and 4/5ths seconds. The rest were between 11 sec flat, thru 11 4/5two at 12 flat and the rest fm 12 1/5 up to 12 4/5. Even easing up he broke record for 1 5/8 miles at 2:37 3/5 !!