Secretariat's Triple Crown - Part 2 - Belmont Stakes

[@mikebowman8680]

I like how in the first two races it was like he held back and said ok im going to give you guys a headstart, and then just so much speed and power. What an amazing horse. And over 50 years later still holds the records in all 3 races and the Belmont record will never be broken. Pure perfection.

[@markmainzer2158]

Greatest race horse ever...Still holds all 3 track records-48 years later. Incredible.

[@stonesinmyblood27]

49 years later ❤️

[@DragonMama-sj5fh]

Binge-watching his races! Just incredible!

[@Dannyedelman4231]

50 years later

[@bobjohnson1587]

@@Dannyedelman4231 Not yet!

[@tektoniks_architects]

Think of all the training advantages and juice today's horses get, too....and still, no other horse has come close.

[@moovyz]

I'm 62 years old and have seen this race a hundred times. Yet I still ball like a baby EVERY TIME I SEE IT! Even now, I'm typing through tears!

[@lucyjune]

Bawl, not ball.

[@henrysettles7431]

Me too. I' thought I' was the only one. 🎉

[@WayneMorrison-t8j]

🐎👌

[@miniforest-y2p]

50 yrs and still holds all 3 race records!! I really don' t believe there are words in the human language to truly describe this event. So many people try. ( Amazing, Unreal , Mind blowing, Supernatural ) I'm just so grateful I was alive to see it !! I get choked up everytime I watch this race. The pure majesty of this horse and this moment is just overwhelming. I must visit his grave before I leave this world!! My all-time favorite sports moment. Thank you Secretariat :)

[@christinematton4125]

I was at his grave may 16th 2023... please go❤❤

[@jeffreywolfe1]

I was 9 years old watching the Belmont on TV with my family. I can still hear my mom and dad screaming in pure ecstasy. I feel beyond fortunate to have witnessed it even on television.

[@christinematton4125]

I was 11 years old when he won the Triple crown and still can't watch him without crying.❤️

[@ABCD7-f5s]

SECRÉTARIAT 💪😉💪 Yo! Yo! Tucker! 😮 It's me! The G.O.A.T since 50 year!

[@sweitzride]

Secretariat is the greatest athlete of the 20th Century, period. Pure and honest, not corrupted by anything. Doubt that this will happen, but would love to see another one like him today. In the current political climate, the country would appreciate a hero like him I'm sure. Every time I watch him in the Triple Crown races, it brings tears to my eyes. What an icon.

[@myroselle6987]

And unlike so many human athletes, he always knew how to behave in public….🐴

[@gentjim5007]

To think, 50 years later, that we would be talking about a horse in a race. But he was more than a horse, and it was more than a race. It was a miracle, an honest to goodness miracle, that brought people together. One of those rare times when someone or something performs to its absolute best, to show all of us how great the world is, the possibilities, the heights that we all can achieve. I cry every time I watch this race. It is a testament to greatness how much absolute will this horse has, to show the world what can be possible. I'm glad that I was alive to witness this miracle.

[@seansmith6745]

No matter how many times I watch this, it still gives me chills.

[@anthonybick9264]

It really does.

[@theearl1477]

I cried tears of joy when I watched it live and still do to this day. As Chic Anderson said that day "an unbelievable, amazing performance one we might never see again." Man was he right!

[@peterweinstein3155]

I saw the 1973 Belmont Stakes live at my home. The race was and STILL IS the most remarkable sporting event that I have ever seen. Secretariat, you are the GREATEST.

[@theearl1477]

I saw it live as well and have gone on record many times by saying '"this was one of the greatest performances by an athlete, yes an athlete, I have ever seen in my lifetime. Amazingly Secretariat's Triple Crown track records still stand to this day. Today we have the Breeder's Cup Classic to determine the Horse of the Year, but I feel the Belmont Stakes (a mile and a half) is still the true test when looking for a champion in thoroughbred racing.

[@michaelmilberger7066]

I was eleven at the time, watched all three races and still, to this day, just marvel at Big Red’s performance. I was so psyched when the movie came out. Next summer should be really cool…50 year celebration of that magnificent horse.

[@drobson8004]

As did I. You are so right.

[@debraenderle4737]

The day Secretariat won the Belmont was the first time I saw my parents cry. That day was when I learned about happy tears.

[@Neal-h80]

The day I was born.

[@JK-lp6uw]

I still get tears every time i watch . I watch it often.

[@pamshewan9181]

That is sooo cool!

[@charlesrobertson2412]

@@debraenderle4737 that’s so touching 👍❤️

[@henrysettles7431]

RESPECT 🎉

[@sab605]

I have watched this race at least 20 times. I was bound and determined to watch this race without shedding a tear but I still can not do it. There will never be a horse like Secretariat again.

[@josephparido4919]

Same way for me

[@ronin4580]

Words fail to adequately describe his greatness. The importance of Secretariat in 1973 cannot be over estimated. The nation needed something special to focus on and this horse delivered, boy did he deliver.

[@stevekyes5962]

This year is the 50th anniversary of Big Red's TC records and the fabulous Belmont Stakes. I expect all his records to remain after June 10. 🥰

[@dominickgilroy9418]

Was born 9 years after his Triple Crown Run, to this day when I watch the 1973 Belmont Stakes I tear up. Every. Time. AMAZING!!!

[@davidgreen9917]

I watched all three races with my father. I was 16 at the time. P-E-R-F-E-C-T-I-O-N. The greatest sporting event ever in history. There will never be another Secretariat again nor a sporting event to match that Belmont race again in history. It makes a grown man cry watching it.

[@katerossi2821]

I watched this horse in 1972 & 1973. He amazed me then & I suppose he always will. Each time I see this race my reaction is the same. Awe & tears.

[@rustymacneil3227]

Still brings tears to my eyes, the greatest sports event ever!!

[@jcalhoun7501]

Thank God that this film exists.

[@gregoryholland1465]

There are events in sports that bring goose bumps, tears to your eyes. This one does it every time for me. What a performance. What a horse.

[@richardbramley5794]

I was just a kid when Secretariat won the Belmont race, and subsequently the Triple Crown. I was home watching it on the TV with my Mom. She started crying, when he blew by Sham, and started his epic turn and run down the home stretch. I knew, I was seeing something very rare and very special. Perfection.

[@agherbie]

One of the greatest calls in sports history - "He is moving like a tremendous machine"

[@cathleencaratan3373]

I totally agree. I remember watching it as a little girl. The tone in Chick Anderson’s voice, “But Secretariat’s all alone!”

[@jerrysullivan7223]

And at the same moment as he's moving like a tremendous machine you see the horse rider and the American flag . A Great American moment for all time. .

[@nomiddlenamenmn427]

I agree. A tremendous machine made by the loving hand of God.

[@jamesdyer9558]

And one of the greatest athletes in sports history.

[@jeffreyrobinson6628]

He’s in a position that he’s impossible to catch

[@Maddenuser]

This is by far the greatest moment in sports history.

[@jackgold735]

Yeah, I'd have a tough time arguing that point. Just an incredible moment in sports. Any horse that goes through the grueling campaign of the Triple Crown is certainly NOT easy. I think we all would agree that Sham just 'hit the wall' in the last 3/8 mile or so. And then you've got Secretariat just rolling along that's never been done before - or since. I can still remember hearing the news back in 1989 that they had to euthanize Big Red. It pretty well hit me like a tsunami. What a beautiful horse he was. It was a privilege watching him throughout his career. Thanks for the memories there Big Boy!

[@peterross1666]

When he says " He's moving like a tremendous machine" I am weeping. Not just another horse.

[@dougkemp8888]

+Peter Ross You nailed it exactly

[@depaola63]

You are not alone !! Very MOVING indeed ! Esp. now as I see it from my 56 year old eyes !

[@suzannerobbins6293]

Yes! That tremendous machine comment grabbed my heart!

[@rstefanie2622]

also note as Chic Anderson makes the call the camera rolls through the American flag blowing in the wind. Timeless.

[@royboy9361]

@@rstefanie2622 I always thought the exact same thing! There’ll never be another Secretariat.

[@jeany0081]

My parents went to the race. I stayed home and watched on TV. It is hard to think of any event that hyped, with that anticipation, since. Maybe the first step by Armstrong on the moon a few years earlier. When the horse began separating from sham, riveted you as it began. The call "tremendous machine" live, took your breath away. From that moment on I can say this honestly, it was the only thing I have seen that felt supernatural. The witnesses to people crying aren't lying. My dad came home and told me a few hours after the race. It overwhelmed you live even if you saw it on TV. It was a very special moment to just be a witness. When I watch the race today, it is the only thing I can recall from that far in the past, as if it just happened, with the same raw emotion of the moment then.

[@Nassau1969]

Great Statements about a horse will never see preform like this again. Mike Battaglia - There's no horse in the history of horse racing that could have beaten Secretariat on that day. William Nack - I leaped up out of my chair at Belmont park shouting will never see this again. What a horse, I'm just so glad you tube came along, Thank you YOU TUBE so we can enjoy these great moments. Again and again.

[@charlesdossett398]

the greatest race horse that ever lived, you will never see anything like this ever again. R.I.P. Secretariat

[@ernestodeltoro4535]

nope, that was perfection,

[@garethivin4473]

@@ernestodeltoro4535 Frankel

[@sab605]

This has to be the greatest sports moment that I have ever seen. I was in the Army in a bar watching this in Virginia beach Virginia. I called my girlfriend after the race and asked her to marry me when I got out of the service in two weeks. She said yes, and we got married in October. I will never forget this day.

[@douggriggs1499]

+Steve Balistreri : And may God Bless you and your loved ones for your service!! I am a Boston Celtics fan starting wayyyy back in 1950s. I used to consider Bill Russell to be the greatest athlete ever. He still is the greatest human athlete ..... but "Big Red" is the greatest imo now.

[@theearl1477]

Me too.

[@MrHerbieK]

I never get tired of watching this clip. The first time I saw this, it was on the actual day of the race. I still can't believe what Secretariat accomplished that day. A friend of mine said to me on that fateful day, "He (Secretariat) would have won that race if Dick Butkus was the jockey."

[@krazy8chris670]

I can’t stop watching even today it still makes me cry and it’s a happy wonderful cry. When I’m feeling down or having a bad day I watch the secretariat Belmont race…..and I feel great again !!!

[@theearl1477]

I still get tears of joy every time I watch it.

[@marymitch316]

That photograph of Ronnie Turcotte turning around (seen at about 6:38) is one of the most memorable sports photos I've ever seen.

[@johnwalsh3215]

That picture is the most recognized in horse racing by far

[@JimFox-vm9rx]

That photo is right along with Mays catch over the shoulder. Ali looking down at Frazier. Pele’ with the bicycle kick for a goal. Lou Gehrig’s and Babe Ruth’s retirement speeches, Jesse Owens winning the 100 yd dash and Franco’ Immaculate Reception.

[@JellyBeanInTheNight]

Yes!! The picture is just the coolest really

[@Whoopdido777]

@@JellyBeanInTheNight Definitely. For years I’ve been meaning to get 4-5 classic black and white sports photos and hang them up somewhere…probably in my home office right now. I’ve moved a couple times recently and at each house I had perfect walls to put the pictures up, but just never got around to doing it. I just need to do it. That one would be one of the pictures. I have a few more in mind, but that one would definitely be one of them.

[@edwardwong654]

Nothing is more iconic of pure athletic dominance than that shot. NOTHING. Poor Ronnie must have thought, "Oh shit did we accidentally Rosie Ruiz it and did a short cut?!"

[@johnwalsh3215]

Belmont wasn’t just a race and Secretariat was just a horse it was the greatest sporting performance by the greatest athlete we will ever see!!! That’s what legends are made of!!!

[@Khyyam]

I swear I have watched this trilogy so many times that I can repeat the commentator's comments along with them - and I do - and I cry with happiness each and every time. Thanks to the powers-to-be to grant me life while this immemorial creature of yours ran the tracks.

[@theearl1477]

Me too

[@NateGolon]

Me too

[@gh9111]

No way Big Red was just a horse. He makes people cry.

[@Whoopdido777]

@@gh9111 The part about Jack Nicklaus was awesome. I really hope that was true and not just a made up story. First of all that sounds like something Jack Nicklaus might actually do and secondly, the analogy between his game and what Secretariat did at the Belmont is true. In golf every player sets out to shoot the “perfect round” which would be a 54. That would be a birdie on every hole. I mean I guess technically you could go lower if you eagled a hole, but the prototypical perfect golf round would be 18 birdies and that’s what Jack tried to do every time he teed it up. Of course, he never accomplished it, but he witnessed perfection watching Secretariat run that day.

[@johnwalsh3215]

@@Whoopdido777 it’s probably a true story about Jack Nicholas, it’s been around forever and never heard it being denied. Here’s another story you might have heard or not, Pete Roselle was the commissioner of the NFL at the time and he didn’t really follow horse racing but wanted to see the Secretariat mania so he went to Belmont to check it out and he was watching the race from one of the clubs and as the race was unfolding he suddenly felt someone pulling at his pant leg and his first thought was someone had fallen or collapsed so he looked down and discovered he was standing on a table with no idea how he got there, didn’t remember climbing up there! I believe I got this story from one of the Bill Nack videos, he wrote Secretariat’s biography. If you haven’t seen one you may want to check one out, there’s a couple really good ones on KZbin

[@juliehertz8768]

God decided to create only one perfect Horse, and that Horse was Secretariat. No Horse will ever Beat his winning time and margin of victory in the Belmont and no horse ever will. He was a true athlete and he was absolutely Beautiful. RIP BEAUTIFUL BOY YOU ARE LOVED AND MISSED. AMERICAN PHAROAH YOUR GREAT GREAT GREAT GRANDSON WON THE TRIPLE CROWN. WE ARE SO EXCITED YOUR KIN WON.

[@keiththompson713]

Poor Sham. One of the best horses of all time, and never won anything because he was unlucky enough to come along at the same time as the greatest horse ever.

[@pickle581]

I know. Sham was a great race horse. I actually pity him.

[@salamanca1954]

Nobody felt more empathy with Sham than Penney Tweedy. She thought he was a wonderful horse, cursed to have to run against her big red colt.

[@kurtkull326]

If Secretariat wasn't born. Sham would have been the triple crown winner..unfortunately for two things. Secretariat was born and Sham cracked a bone trying to keep up with him...Sham was a damn fast horse, but there was one faster.

[@kentonclarkson1449]

You are SO right! Sham was a great horse. I think of him as a Jake LaMotta, a great fighter who went up against a guy who was just a little bit better, Sugar Ray Robinson

[@THETOYFROMTHESCHANNEL]

its like with alydar and affirmed

[@BellaDonna55]

I remember watching it on my little black & white TV and I still got chills - for the the first time in my life I could feel the hair on the back of my neck stand up. I will never forget it, he was so magnificent.

[@bobbygibsongibson1401]

Ladies and gentlemen!!!! You are seeing absolute perfection!!!

[@mingster22]

I never fail to cry when I see Secretariat win the Belmont. Amazing, how can younot admire and love this horse.

[@robertgibson5410]

This is the most exciting and beautiful thing these 60 year old eyes have ever seen, bless you and RIP secretariat!!!

[@GasCityGuy]

How can you look upon perfection and not be moved to tears? Truely one of, if not the greatest moments in the history of sports. At some point the Triple Crown will be won again, but Secretariats run to glory will never be surpassed.

[@stuballs42]

Never before ,never since ,never again ,a horse like Secretariat!As least no one sitting at their keyboard tapping letters ,will ever seen the likes of this horse again ! He was a once in a lifetime horse for all people !

[@paulinoscottie]

It's hard not to cry 😢. You just don't see anything like this beautiful horse and what he gave to us on that special day.

[@TreasureOne]

Absolutely. I cried through watching this. I was a miserable little girl in a horrifically abusive household, dealing on top of that with overweight, glasses and acne. Secretariat was an angel who lifted me up into another dimension. I collected all the magazines and clippings, and knew one day I could do something great. He was sent to earth by God to lift us up.

[@Suzi64grad]

I understand exactly how you felt…I too was that ugly girl, or at least felt ugly! Secretariat made us feel we could do anything and also that this horse would like us because some didn’t believe he was great at first….he showed them all! God’s horse!

[@scottneil9874]

Wow. I hope you look back on a wonderful life. I totally understand where you started from. I was 14 that year , I remember being in a difficult place.

[@Suzi64grad]

@@scottneil9874 I hope both of you grew up knowing you were beautiful on the inside and just was growing up! I felt so ugly growing up….red hair freckles I was made fun of because my mom also made a lot of my clothes. It is hard when you just feel unworthy! Secretariat made us feel if he could make it we could too! I am 78…retired from education. I took my feelings of being so ugly and asked for the troubled kids. Made sure I told them all how special they were everyday! After I retired I received a letter from a grown up student who told me I really made a difference in her life. That letter is more precious than any beauty crowns! Your message here touched me! You felt awkward at times too! ❤️

[@kimberleydillon8385]

I pray things turned out well for you both. God bless you!

[@chrisrodriquez2639]

Pat Lynch comment at 7:19 is very true. This horse was God's horse which is why we all get so emotional whenever we watch that 1973 Belmont. Like Mr. Lynch stated it was a "Supernatural Experience" on that day and it still is 44 years later. I watched that race in 1973 when I was 13 and was captivated by that horse. I still am til this day. Rest in Peace Big Red! We truly Miss You!

[@pamshewan9181]

I cried when he came down the stretch. I was 14. I am old now and have never seen another like him. I had one of his granddaughters and she was my heart ❤️. Thank you Secretariat for being the greatest Champion of All Time ❤️🏆🏆🏆🙏

[@plumlogan]

I'm on a Secretariat jag right now, and every video makes me cry - what an unbelievable creature

[@pickle581]

+plumlogan Also on a Secretariat jag. About 2 weeks now. I watch the'73 Belmont Stakes over and over.

[@dougkemp8888]

+plumlogan I am glad I am not alone on these feelings!

[@bobzani]

Watching that race live, I got chills!

[@salamanca1954]

Watching that race live on TV, I had tears in my eyes. Still do. And Turcotte said he was running easy.

[@douggriggs1499]

Great comment, "plum." I get the same way -- emotional -- watching his races, especially the Belmont, of course. And regardless of whether it is an actual replay, or in the ESPN greatest athletes collection vid, or the Diane Lane movie.

[@waltonneal3460]

I watched the race as it happened in 1973 from my living room. I remember the announcer commenting "he's moving like an incredible machine!" just about same time my dad, a long time horse racing fan, grew quite in the room. They both knew what as going to happen, they both knew they were watching history. I get goose bumps now as I watch it and remember. Secretariat's name is revered, spoken with the highest respect, but I don't know if even that pays respect to the performance this horse turned in that day to any appropriate degree.

[@eg4449]

You did a good job. Yes Secretariat was a hero for all of who appreciate what he did. RIP Big Red!

[@johnwalsh3215]

There’s not enough adjectives in the dictionary to describe his greatness, pure perfection!!!

[@-C.S.R]

“He’s moving like a *tremendous* Machine”

[@nancyjanzen5676]

My uncle Ralph and I were the big racing fans. He would tell me over and over again about Citations TC. But I was less than a year old then. In 1973 I had never seen a winning TC horse.

[@MrJaycasey]

When Bill Nack said to Jack Nicholas , all your life you have been looking for perfection, today at the Belmont you saw it." That said it all.

[@kwgrid]

Bill Nack was quoting Woody Broun's conversation with Jack Nicholas.

[@salamanca1954]

Actually it was Heywood Hale Broun, of CBS, who said that to Nicklaus, but the words were the same.

[@theearl1477]

I met Woody in Woodstock, NY while a salesman working in the local supermarket in 1995. Despite being nervous I introduced myself and the first thing that came to my mind was Secretariat and his marvelous performance in the Belmont. He said it was the finest moment covering sports. And yes Nack was quoting Jack Nicklaus.

[@garyhastad54]

Secretariat is the greatest athlete of all time, No human or non human can even come close to the greatness of Secretariat, PERIOD !! Truely a gift from God !! I don't think we will ever see an athlete like this ever again

[@raygordonteacheschess5501]

Nearco, Noor, Man o' War, and about 20 horses you never heard of were just as impressive. Heck, even Landaluce before she died rivaled it. RUFFIAN definitely impressed as much as this one.

[@liamg2271]

Gary have you seen Cheetahs timed in the 100m either at zoos or the wild? They can run 0-60 mph in 3 secs. If Usain Bolt had a 45m head start he would lose to a cheetah. They have been timed at 4.1 secs/100m in the wild.

[@greggallucci607]

It's kind or hard to compare Secretariat to Ruffian because the latter ran in mostly shorter races and had clean running room against the other elite fillies and was clearly the best of her class. That being said, Big Red routinely worked out at shorter distances with times approaching what Ruffian did on race day. Ruffian ran once at 1 1/2 miles and she ran a solid 2:26 or so which is usually winning in the Belmont and would of lost to Secretariat by "only" ten lengths or so. And a match race between the two would have been a beat down as well on a fast track. She struggled to stay even with Foolish Pleasure before the breakdown and going by their derby times Secretariat has FP by 12 lengths at least and that's with Red on the outside running a longer distance. Absolutely no chance that Ruffian could beat Secretariat head to head. No shame in that.

[@johnwalsh3215]

That’s why his record will never be broken!

[@donnydoit7678]

Secretariat did a lot more than winning races in record time. People were looking for something so great to lift up their spirit and feel great about something so special, and god sent Secretariat.

[@seanreilly877]

God created the Perfect Athlete / Horse in Secretariat! Secretariat's amazing performance in the 1973 Belmont Stakes is still the most dominant performance in a Championship Event in the History of Sports! To put it in perspective Secretariat (with his still World Record Time of 2:24 for the 1 1/2 Mile in the 1973 Belmont Stakes) would have beaten American Pharoah's performance yesterday by FIFTEEN (15) LENGTHS!!!! Simply INCREDIBLE!! If there was ONE Sporting Event that I could go back in time to see Live it would be Secretariat's 1973 Belmont Stakes! Every time I watch it makes me cry as it was the most breathtaking performance in the History of Sports! Secretariat was PURE PERFECTION in Motion!

[@depaola63]

VERY WELL PUT ! I was just 10 on this day and I would go see this 1st also !! Then Ali vs. Frazier 1 .....very emotional history as I see it now as a 56 year old !

[@raygordonteacheschess5501]

He beat a weak field of four rivals. Visually impressive but not the best ever. Ghostzapper's 2004 BC Classic was almost as impressive especially since runner-up Roses in May came back to win the Dubai Cup the following spring. People who don't handicap professionally are easily taken in by performances like this. Forego, had he run, would have been at Secretariat's neck turning for home coming off that ridiculous speed duel.

[@TheTennTexan]

The timer doesn't lie. Regardless of the strength or weakness of the rest of the field, no other horse has ever come close to running 1-1/2 miles in 2:24 flat. Remind me to not take chess lessons from you.

[@raygordonteacheschess5501]

Since I only teach prodigies who are already elite players, you'd have nothing to turn down with that internet mouth. Oh and the timer lies quiet a bit, as every professional horseplayer knows. Please keep pumping your money into the betting pools. One reason I chose racing over hustling people is I could take their money without having to do so directly.

[@TheTennTexan]

@@raygordonteacheschess5501 So the timer lied, Secretariat didn't really run that in 2:24? I see. Boy am I glad you cleared that up! You are amazingly brilliant, sir!

[@TSOfan]

Greatest call in sports history. I never get tired of this...

[@charlesrobertson2412]

I can’t watch this without crying. Besides my daughters birth. This was the most miraculous event I have EVER seen. I’m 62. I watched it with my papaw. He told me. Come in here and sit down. Charles he told me, you’ll never see anything like this again. ❤️

[@bobkeenan2907]

I was 7 and watched with my Dad. I had no idea what I was watching until I saw my Dad near tears and then I understood I had just seen true greatness.

[@dianesaienni5466]

Loved this!! I still cry watching Secretariat in the Belmont.

[@eddiebrown687]

The greatest sports moment ever....Secretariat had no millions in salary, no agent, no commercial endorsements, no social media.........he just ran for the pure joy of it.

[@wyluli-dt9wv]

He actually hated running and did it so quickly so he could get it over with.

[@joeclayton2121]

@@wyluli-dt9wv hahahahahaha thanks

[@kanibist8330]

You act as if the horse had any choice in the matter lol.

[@theearl1477]

A horse? What an athlete. Best one in the Twentieth Century.

[@joec9772]

"it was like the Lord was holding the reins, secretariat was one of his creatures and maybe whispered to him "ah go", and that horse really went"... now that's a classic line for the ages

[@gh9111]

My favorite line too....

[@christhompson9486]

It was like God told him to go. Show them what perfection truly looks like.

[@kevinb2844]

Especially from a crusty cynical race horse lifer

[@freelyme333]

Agreed. The most perfect description of his miraculous run. The footage gives me goosebumps every time.

[@theearl1477]

That was NYRA's Pat Lynch. He closed by saying" It was like an almost supernatural experience." Woody Bruen's conversation with the great golfer Jack Nicklaus some time later was priceless. After telling him he saw the race. While coming down the stretch he stood up, applauded and began crying. Woody turned to Jack and said "all of your life you've been striving for perfection. At the end of the Belmont, you saw it."

[@CarolanIvey]

I watched this live on TV and still get the same chills every time I watch it again.

[@charlesf3866]

Notice... Not once does Ronny use his whip, not once does he try and slow him....Big Red ran his own race. Sham Challenged him, and he answered it...all by himself. The commentator said it right...on this day, in this race, there isn't a horse anywhere that could have beaten him. Every athlete has that perfect day...This was Secretariat's. People like to compare this or that, but i believe if you COULD put any horse you think is better, IN this race beside Big Red...He would have answered that challenge as well.

[@cenewton3221]

Well, he holds the records for the fastest times in all 3 Triple Crown races. He was THAT good.

[@johndoe-bw8wx]

The greatest athlete and greatest performance(Belmont Stakes) of an athlete ever..

[@822d]

Absolutely the greatest horse race and the greatest horse ever, imo. His move from last to first in the Preakness, too, were outstanding. I doubt we'll ever see anything like Secretariat again. Perfection!

[@kindarandomhahaha]

GREAT VIDEO ! I do love horse racing, we had our own triple crown winner from here in Seattle, "Seattle Slew", and as proud as we all are for that win, my heart is just stuck on Beautiful Secretariat. I LOVE THAT HORSE, & I cry everytime I watch his races. I hv wtched the movie more times then I can count, & just 4 days ago, I recorded it again. I break down everytime I see his memorial & where he is buried. Never has been or ever will be another horse like SECRETARIAT !

[@edwardwong654]

I am NOT worthy to watch this, but only say the word and I will watch it [again]. Secretariat's absurd 31 length lead down the stretch is the absolute, without a doubt or anything coming close, ICON of dominance and pure greatness above any other athlete. I am only saying that snapshot down the stretch is the most recognizable icon of dominance. I know Lewis hamilton is great with 7 WDC titles, but if I ask what is the single, instantly recognizable moment that is captured in everyone's memory, this is the ONE.

[@brady2010irish]

Ali & Frazier, Bird & Magic, Lemieux & Gretzky, and last but first in my heart Sham and Secretariat...... truly amazing.

[@antwanlouie]

I've watched the video of that race probably over 100 times and I still, after several years, get choked up. The most amazing and wondrous thing, next to my sons being born, that I've ever seen...

[@222ripley]

me too

[@peterweinstein3155]

No question about it. I watched the 1973 Belmont Stake at home. The race is still the most remarkable sporting event that I have ever seen and brings tears to my eyes every time that I watch it.

[@citizensaneusa]

Peter Weinstein WOW - you seriously saw it in real-time on TV? I can only imagine that was even more dramatic...

[@nyterpfan]

Peter Weinstein Yep--I too, watched this when it happened in 1973!! I remember my Dad was watching it with me and my brother and he was shouting "HOLY S&%T YOU CAN'T EVEN SEE THE OTHER HORSES" And it was true--the TV cameras couldn't even get the other horses in the picture frame!! I think it's the most incredible single performance in sports history!!

[@karch139]

citizensaneusa I too saw it on TV. I couldn't believe what I was seeing. Like everyone else, when he opened up that huge lead, I thought Turcotte was crazy, that the horse was just going to collapse and die. Never saw anything like it before or since.

[@gh9111]

Goosebumps still. Goosebumps forever.

[@tommygunhunter]

It's a pure privilege to have watched this, decades after it actually happened. Phenomenal, out of this world, supernatural.... no superlative does it justice. Secretariat's performance in the Belmont has to be the most awesome spectacle ever in a sporting arena. Oh to have been there!

[@gaylelevine3645]

Love it

[@GasCityGuy]

It's hard to look at perfection and not be moved to tears.

[@robertmanocchia3046]

I was there and sat in the third tier grandstand by the 1/8th pole. I still have the 2$ win ticket and two programs. When the gap opened up between secretariat and sham on the backstretch, all 70,000 who where there that day erupted; knowing that he was going to win.

[@salicemccool9268]

+Robert Manocchia I've often shown this race to my classes of college freshmen over the years. Each time I've done so, at the first wide shot at about that point, several tech-savvy kids have helpfully alerted me to the fact that "the tape skipped;" and just stared at me then quickly back at the screen when I've assured them that it hadn't.

[@raygordonteacheschess5501]

Actually most experts thought Secretariat was going to spit it in the stretch because he had run too fast LOL

[@kbanghart]

And now we have horses dying on the racetrack....

[@carymiller2403]

You witnessed one of the greatest events in sports history.

[@jamessollazzo4860]

@@kbanghart drugs! medina spirit being the latest!

[@alederhos]

The greatest racehorse in history.....period. No other horse who EVER lived- including the great Man O' War- could have beaten Secretariat on that day. I was 11 years old when this race was run- it is still etched in my memory. I have never seen anything like it and this feat will never be repeated. We will never see another like him...not in any lifetime....EVER. He was one of a kind. The word SUPERHORSE applies to him and him alone.

[@theswordguy5269]

I agree. But... I would have liked to see War Admiral, Man O War, and Seabiscuit, amongst others, trained with modern medicine, techniques, and vet care, and then see how they would have done. Big Red would likely still win, and win big, but the race for second would be fascinating!

[@Bruhop60]

@@theswordguy5269 You say the modern training, then, what has happened in the 45 years since? This horse was truly one of a kind. Check the times of the triple crown races.

[@theswordguy5269]

@@Bruhop60 Modern vet science, better use of training intervals, better track grooming and maintenance, the list goes on. You have to ask if the horses were as fast back then because nothing changed, or because they simply rode them harder. Look at how Seabiscuit was manhandled and mistreated early in his career, for example. And, I did say that Secretariat would almost certainly still win, but that the race would have been fun to watch. Genetically and physically, he was - unique.

[@chuckhohenstein2137]

I was 10 years old watching this at home and it is still the most dominant performance by any athlete I have ever seen

[@Johnnygman72]

Just an Awesome horse!!!! What an honor it must have been to see this machine in person!! I work down the street from Meadow Farm in Doswell Va. I can almost feel his spirit in the air while watching this !!

[@MisschiefsCat]

I still cry watching him run. I’ve seen it a million times and I still cry. I wasn’t even alive when this happened, but the feeling of seeing him soar, that feeling is still there. It’s there in every muscle of that magnificent horse, and his heart still shines on anyone who sees him. Rest well, Big Red! You truly earned your wings!

[@davidjunker2772]

Secretariat ran the mile-and-a-half in two minutes and twenty-four seconds. He ran one furlong every 12 seconds…an average of 37.5 mph for the whole race. Only one horse has come within two seconds of tying that record. Amazing. 🐎

[@johnhunter2294]

No horse that ever lived would have been closer than seven lengths to Secretariat in this race. The second-fastest time for 12F on dirt ANYWHERE (not just Belmont) is 2:25 2/5.

[@kp4949]

Wish we had a Secretariat now. With covid,the election,riots,etc we could all use an uplift. RIP Big Red. You were amazing to watch run then and now through these wonderful videos.

[@sab605]

I am in the entertainment industry and have met actors and actresses from all over the world. Nothing compares as to the day I got to see Secretariat in person. I have watched this video roughly ten times and no matter how much I try a tear runs down my face. Greatest event I ever saw.

[@microphen]

One of the definitive sports moments of the 20th century. I watched this race when I was 13, and it WAS an overwhelming experience. It has stuck with me all these years, and I get choked up every time I watch. I just turned 50, & my birthday present to myself was a signed print of that photo you see in this video of Turcotte looking over his shoulder down the stretch. I don't know of any other athletic event that evokes the same level of emotion and awe. We will never see another Secretariat

[@michaelmcdaniel3376]

With out a doubt-The GREATEST race horse that the sport has ever seen !

[@timhollamby8728]

I was a 12 year old watching on tv...cheering and I wept...I still get goosebumps just thinking about it....Justify and American Pharoah are great horses...Secretariat was the greatest racehorse who ever lived...

[@rexgoodheart3471]

Chills. I'm tearing up again for the umpteenth time. What an outstanding documentary. Thank you.

[@brentmagnussen3173]

Citation was amazing. Man O' War was incredible, Spectacular Bid was other worldly. SECRETARIAT is just simply the greatest. All 3 Triple crown records stand over 50 years later!! No reason to debate. Thanks for posting this great video!

[@sharonmonroe7699]

This horse was in no joke he was God sent in they will never ever have another like Secretariat I got to go see his memorial I love him I was really young and it never got to his race. I'm back at the footage this whole list was the two he the best horse that ever lived on this planet

[@davecheney2314]

This makes me cry Everytime.... what an amazing animal

[@johnrigs6540]

The single greatest moment in the history of Sports.

[@caseroj6020]

Man I got goose bumps watching this video. Fifty years later and Secretariat remains as impressive and legendary as ever. What an incredible animal. How I wish I could have been there to see it in person!!!!!!!

[@ernie1gotx]

This was truely one of the greatest moments in Sports History period. " Secretariat is moving like tremendous Machine".. How this great Campion won all three races in the Triple Crown will never be duplicated ...

[@donnawalden-rf8jj]

I watch this race every week. To see secretariat thundering around that track is breathtaking. Gods gift to us.

[@gcbrown1956]

I still get goosebumps whenever I watch the 1973 Belmont - which is widely available here on KZbin. This may have been the most remarkable performance turned in by any athlete (human or animal). To run a 1.5 mile race in 2;24 is beyond description. Especially when you consider that today, over 40 years later, no other horse has even come close to running that time. For example, I am writing this in June 2015, only a few days after American Pharoah won the Triple Crown, completing it with a Belmont run of 2;26, which is an excellent and typical time for 1.5 miles. Secretariat demolished that record and the other horses that day. What makes it even more remarkable is that Ron Turcotte (his jockey) has stated many times through the years that Secretariat barely worked up a sweat and was never seriously challenged at any time during that race and indeed in all 3 of the TC races. Turcotte noted that he could have won both the Derby and the Preakness with the same domination as he did in the Belmont Stakes. When viewed from this perspective, it's almost frightening to think what Secretariat might have done if Sham had continued to push him instead of fading after the first half of the race, or if the other horses had challenged him. We might have seen 2;20 or even less. And as I noted in a Reply here, I have heard unconfirmed reports that as Turcotte eased up Secretariat after the race, he was still running so fast that he broke the world records for 1.75 and 2 mile runs. I recall from that CBS 1973 broadcast that after the race, one of the commentators called Secretariat a "heavenly horse". He was right. The greatest horse of them all - even if they are still running horse races 10,000 years from now no one will ever top Secretariat. We will never see his like again.

[@jfdodge2002]

If I remember correctly from the book, he unofficially broke the 1 5/8 mile record only as he cooled down after the finish.

[@GlenWFord-ps8ts]

gcbrown1956 He could have clocked 2:20.

[@salicemccool9268]

+Glen W. Ford Agree, given how late in the race Ronnie looked at the board - he could have, and on a hand-ride.

[@GlenWFord-ps8ts]

+Salice McCool --He was clocked after he crossed the finish line at Belmont and set another record which was never officially published. Ron clearly stated he didn`t pull up right away after the finish line. He also stated if he pushed Sec. at the Preakness he could have cleared another 15 lengths.

[@salicemccool9268]

+Glen W. Ford Thanks for mentioning that! His move in the Preakness was awesome; foreshadowed by the same in the Hopeful - when he was only a two year old!

[@aebriggs22]

That horse was a gift from God above. We'll never see something like that again. We are blessed.

[@terrywilder9]

Maybe every thousand years!

[@hwhite68]

Ashley Briggs that is so true. God whispered to him that day no doubt.

[@tonybrewton4331]

Words cant explain only god

[@johnmillard2931]

Amen

[@christhompson9486]

God gave us a glimpse of what was perfect. Red was perfect.

[@bertdurelle387]

Every time I want to see both perfection and greatness I watch these videos. I was 21 yo when this happened and I saw the 3 Triple Crown races on TV. Like the man said;"We'll never see this again" at least not in my lifetime. What an athlete!!!!

[@udhoop]

This race was 3 months before I was born and every time I see it I get teary eyed. I'm a huge sports enthusiast and have witnessed many great moments but none better than Secretariat at the Belmont via footage and youtube. As they say in the piece, PERFECTION, and the only athlete who can actually really claim absolute perfection.

[@boblaferriere7579]

udhoop u have the passion, true love

[@jasonarthur443]

udhoop you can say that again 😢

[@brucebrainard653]

yes no matter how many times I watch I tear up - it is perfection given to us all from the perfect machine but he was not a machine he had that persona he knew he knew

[@eg4449]

I was just old enough to know this was an amazing event and horse. Now watching the replays, its very emotional. We all wish we could be like him...a winner without compare. RIP Secretariat.

[@LifeByJordan]

chic anderson's call added SO MUCH to the race itself. its as if he's the soundtrack to this masterpiece.

[@stevefowler1787]

I agree 100%...greatest sports call ever...!!!

[@rootedrotor525]

A brilliant call!!

[@rstefanie2622]

Greatest sports call of all time

[@theearl1477]

I saw this historical race the day before my 20th birthday. Chic Anderson was marvelous and the horse was masterful. I've lost track of how many times I've watched this video. Can't ever remember not being teary-eyed. Secretariat was the "people's and made many of us feel good in a difficult period in our lives. I believe the late Bill Nack's words "we will never see this again." Kudos to ESPN for assembling some of the best journalists ever to do this Sports Century piece. I'll take on anyone who says Big Red was not an athlete. He was supernatural.

[@jmardo6825]

Watching his Belmont performance gives me chills every time. What a beautiful horse....absolute beast

[@mottthehoople684]

I believe this was the best athletic performance of all time

[@cenewton3221]

I'd love to hear an argument to the contrary. Amazing.

[@HollondonSCOEM]

Gives me chills everytime. The best athlete ever.What A Freight Train.

[@douggriggs1499]

+HollondonSCO : Yes, I agree, Big Red is greatest athlete of all time. Just one thing, and this is VERY minor ..... I get irritated a little anytime someone talks about something fast to a freight train. I wish they would use "express train" instead!!! But NOBODY (except me and one guy I heard years ago) says "Express train ...."

[@salicemccool9268]

+Doug Griggs My very minor issue is with his having been likened to a machine. Oh, no; this horse was all heart, personality, and kindness - just of a supernatural variety!

[@eileenpizarro1558]

Secretariat was an athlete indeed.🐎🥇 He was magnificent.✨✨✨✨ #bigred🔥

[@johnurbanik1677]

STILL goosebumps and tears in your eyes after decades....seeing GREATNESS once in a lifetime...

[@sammey1919]

"I believe in Pegasus because I saw him" - Jerry Izenberg

[@archy2frank2]

Makes me cry every time.

[@archy2frank2]

even still

[@patrickhealy2861]

JoJoGunn Presumably because it's the absolute pinnacle of athletic performance. Secretariat was so dominating and so perfect that there is hardly any reason to continue watching sports: nothing can ever top what he did.

[@Hogan1950]

Patrick Healy Exactly. I can't remember who it was, but a Sports Illustrated writer (and not a horse racing guy) said it was the greatest athletic performance he had ever seen.

[@karch139]

Hogan1950 i'd say either this, or Wilt scoring 100 points in a game. That's the only other performance I can think of that comes close.

[@tektoniks_architects]

Sham and Secretariat dueling stride for stride until the backstretch.....and then its as if a switch has been flipped, and Sham has to return back to the pack with the rest of the normal horses.....while Secretariat taps into the universe, and becomes the myth.

[@8fox261]

Secretariat=Pegasus

[@scottrackley4457]

Big Red didn't have another gear, he just had a bigger motor. Than any horse that ever lived.

[@marklothes8884]

But Secretariat was no myth. He was the greatest thoroughbred of all time. And, I don't think he would have done it without his owner, Penny Chenery.

[@protomanv2]

Sham had a crack in its bone thats why it fell back. He (sham) was trying to keep up and his bones couldnt take it.

[@raygordonteacheschess5501]

Sham was cooked in a speed duel that propelled Secretariat to a track record against a remainder of the field of Grade B horses.

[@garyspangler5546]

That day, I cried tears of joy and happiness. Not even being a horse person. I just turned 66 years old. And once again, tears of joy and happiness returned. Secretariat was, is and always a pure inspiration to me. And Badest horse ever to live!!!!❤

[@SterlingRe]

I was 11 when this race was run so I don't remember it that well. Thank god for this video. I've watched this video about 30 times and I know I will be watching it for a long time to come. I'm not ashamed to admit that every time I watch it I get emotional. There is something so moving about Secretariat and his accomplishments. His charisma and personality only add to his legacy. A magnificent animal. Corny as it may sound I love this horse and am saddened that he was afflicted by that painful hoof disease that shortened his life. He could no longer do what he loved to do. Run. A sad end to his life.

[@dsbeerf]

Subie Gate I was in college at the time. LOVED how Secretariat ran the first two legs of the TC. I was standing up and yelling during the Belmont, after the first turn. Still brings tears to my eyes.

[@nancyjanzen5676]

It was 25 years since the last TC which happened when I was about 7 months old.

[@patty0130]

Lucian Loren at the time said it had been 50 years since Man O War and it may take another 50 years before we see the likes of Secretariat again....if ever. It was an exciting time and the most exciting few minutes in sports history!! Absolutely incredible! Oh you can all site this horse or that but I've never seen a horse dominate a field as this horse did in the Belmont...and I've been watching them for 70 years!