Guestbook
Secretariat inspired and touched so many of us! He exhibited heart, courage, the will to win, and stood for all things good in our sport. Pure and noble, he remains a hero to new and old fans alike. We welcome you to leave your comments in this public guestbook so we can share your thoughts and memories with other visitors.
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2937 entries.
wrote on November 21, 2020 at 11:11 am:
It is obvious that in my opinion that champion horses must be categorized into two distinct evaluations. The greatest at the classical level and the greatest at the potential level. For the first one I see Kelso with a lot of records that still hold after almost 60 years !! For the second one I see Secretariat but Kelso follows him very closely and kisses his ass because think about his record of 2 miles that he improved while the first one he held himself is still standing !! ....and : His record for the same distance as Secretariat at the Belmont that he did in 1/5 second faster !! Why are we not talking this into account ? These two things in a row are almost worth the 3 races of Secretariat because it was done into 11 days !!
For Tim Dean : Man O`War`s records are not as impressive as Kelso`s or Secretariat`s records because what speaks powerfully are records that are maintained over time ? Man O`War`s records fell quite naturally over time while Kelso and Secretariat`s records are still there.
P.S: It`s not the number of records that counts but the quality and Secretariat and Kelso have both !!.....and it is the length of time that a record is maintained that attests to its quality.
For Tim Dean : Man O`War`s records are not as impressive as Kelso`s or Secretariat`s records because what speaks powerfully are records that are maintained over time ? Man O`War`s records fell quite naturally over time while Kelso and Secretariat`s records are still there.
P.S: It`s not the number of records that counts but the quality and Secretariat and Kelso have both !!.....and it is the length of time that a record is maintained that attests to its quality.
wrote on November 13, 2020 at 7:39 am:
I believe I was born a horse lover. I spent most of my childhood trying to be one, talk about bad knees. The first horse I remember being so impressed with his big heart and beautiful spirit was Secretariat. I was eight years old in 1973 and no horse has ever taken a place in my heart like him. I am 53 now and the original Breyer model of Secretariat always stands in first place ahead of near 100's from my childhood. There is a tug at the heart strings remembering this magnificent horse. What a blessing to have shared in his life and legacy, then and as long my heart beats I will remember.
wrote on November 13, 2020 at 6:32 am:
Those of us who have had or do have the wonderful fortune of sharing our lives with horses know the ups and downs, the good days, the great days and because of one headstrong lady with the unwavering faith and belief in her colt, we as a nation got to experience three of the unbelievably almost perfect performances ever seen by our beloved Big Red, the true horse that God built. I remember as a girl telling my father that be should bet on that big red colt because he WAS going to win the Triple Crown this year. That big red colt was better than Seabiscuit...he was better than War Admiral and in MY opinion (the opinion of a 9 year old girl, it was) he was even greater than Man O War....Of coure he knew I was horse-crazy..everyone did! So he told me we would watch the Triple Crown together and see if I was right about that red colt. By the end of that summer, I couldn't talk about anything else but that colt and how lucky his jockey was to be able to ride him in every race!
As I sat down to watch the last race of the crown with my father, my heart was on the back of that colt, behind his jockey and all my hopes were there as well. When the race started, he was side by side with that big black colt and with fingers crossed I stood up and silently cheered MY colt on...and as he passed that other black horse and started flying around that racetrack I was filled with the most fear I had ever felt in my short little life. Even I knew he was going way way WAY TOO FAST...THERE WAS NO WAY A RACEHORSE COULD RUN THAT FAST!! He is going to run himself to death!! Then he turned the last post for home...my heart wanted to explode, even my father was on his feet...and that afternoon I knew there would never be a racehorse as great as Secretariat. I loved that colt as if he were my own horse..and when he crossed that wire 31 lengths in front of the rest of the field..he proved to everyone else he was the greatest horse that ever galloped this planet. He has been one of the few truly meaningful events I have never forgotten in my whole life. I grew up less than 20 miles away from the great Longacres racetrack just south of Seattle. Never had the pleasure of seeing a race but I DID have posters of Gary Baze and Gary Stevens, who were both jockeys there, in my bedroom. And as many pictures of Secretariat as I could get my grubby little mitts on!
Secretariat was the horse of my dreams..literally. My greatest regret was not being able to travel to the stables where he lived so I could actually see him.
My heart broke when he passed, I still tear up when I think of it. I have also leak severely from my eyes when I watch replays of the win at the Belmont. But now I am happy these days knowing that everyone is all together again in the afterlife...Miss Penny..Eddie...Charlie..and Big Red. Maybe one day in the afterlife I'll be able to meet them too.
As I sat down to watch the last race of the crown with my father, my heart was on the back of that colt, behind his jockey and all my hopes were there as well. When the race started, he was side by side with that big black colt and with fingers crossed I stood up and silently cheered MY colt on...and as he passed that other black horse and started flying around that racetrack I was filled with the most fear I had ever felt in my short little life. Even I knew he was going way way WAY TOO FAST...THERE WAS NO WAY A RACEHORSE COULD RUN THAT FAST!! He is going to run himself to death!! Then he turned the last post for home...my heart wanted to explode, even my father was on his feet...and that afternoon I knew there would never be a racehorse as great as Secretariat. I loved that colt as if he were my own horse..and when he crossed that wire 31 lengths in front of the rest of the field..he proved to everyone else he was the greatest horse that ever galloped this planet. He has been one of the few truly meaningful events I have never forgotten in my whole life. I grew up less than 20 miles away from the great Longacres racetrack just south of Seattle. Never had the pleasure of seeing a race but I DID have posters of Gary Baze and Gary Stevens, who were both jockeys there, in my bedroom. And as many pictures of Secretariat as I could get my grubby little mitts on!
Secretariat was the horse of my dreams..literally. My greatest regret was not being able to travel to the stables where he lived so I could actually see him.
My heart broke when he passed, I still tear up when I think of it. I have also leak severely from my eyes when I watch replays of the win at the Belmont. But now I am happy these days knowing that everyone is all together again in the afterlife...Miss Penny..Eddie...Charlie..and Big Red. Maybe one day in the afterlife I'll be able to meet them too.
wrote on November 7, 2020 at 2:06 am:
I read Your Post Paul Jenkinson on how you enjoyed the late William Nack's book titled Secretariat....Secretariat not only picked up a rake in front of his groom Eddie Sweat, Secretariat also would watch a plane fly over at Claiborne Farm, he would grab Bill Nack's note pad as you know...Secretariat always posed for the camera no matter where he was at...I don't care how close another horse comes to Secretariat's record his record's WILL NEVER BE BROKEN !!! SECRETARIAT IS A ICON, A TIMELESS CLASSIC LEGEND !!! Hello to my good friend at Secretariat.com and Sarah , Kate & John Tweedy....And of course my friend Ronnie Turcotte the best jockey in the world...Another great jockey is Pat Day a Christian brother... Pat rode a Secretariat daughter named Lady's Secret in the 1986 Breeders Cup Distaff....Lady's Secret Won and was in the lead from start to finish...
wrote on November 6, 2020 at 11:29 am:
I've sooooo enjoyed my 2020 Secretariat calendar,feeling like I'm reliving him each month. Any chance of a 2021 calendar?
wrote on October 16, 2020 at 1:02 am:
I was 17 years old when Secretariat raced into history at the Belmont Stakes. I knew then that i had never seen anything greater in my life. That belief remains so.
I have just re-read William Nack's marvelous book for the 3rd time while away from work at my Hotel job because of Covid-19. I love, love, loved it. So many wonderful insights. Such as how much Secretariat was beloved by all the working members at Meadow Farms. That he was considered the favorite pet.
How Secretariat would pick up Eddie Sweat's rake in his mouth and play at raking up the straw in his stall. How he snatched a notebook out of Nack's hand and went to the back of the stall and dropped it on a pile of straw then turned to see how Mr. Nack liked that!
Perhaps the most poignant story to me was how crushed Eddie was when leading Secretariat off the track at Woodbine in Toronto, knowing that Secretariat would be retired to stud.
Then returning a year latter to Paris, KY eager to see Secretariat and when greeting him after that year wondering if the horse would remember him?
As if on cue Secretariat showed just how human and intelligent he was by simply reaching down and pulling out Sweat's shirt tucked into his pants. A ritual "Big Red" had performed many times. I cried. I still love Secretariat all these years later.
I remember well how as the Belmont played out, listening to Chic Anderson's call as he marveled that Secretariat was blazing along running the first 3/4 mile in 1:09 4/5. I became frightened. That; as was well documented he was "going too DAMN fast."
i pleaded at the T.V., please Secretariat don't die. I don't care if you don't win the Triple Crown. PLEASE DON'T DIE!! Little did i or the racing world know just how transcendent this horse was. I say it again. I fell in love with Secretariat that memorable day. I cry to this day when reminisce about the Belmont.
I have just re-read William Nack's marvelous book for the 3rd time while away from work at my Hotel job because of Covid-19. I love, love, loved it. So many wonderful insights. Such as how much Secretariat was beloved by all the working members at Meadow Farms. That he was considered the favorite pet.
How Secretariat would pick up Eddie Sweat's rake in his mouth and play at raking up the straw in his stall. How he snatched a notebook out of Nack's hand and went to the back of the stall and dropped it on a pile of straw then turned to see how Mr. Nack liked that!
Perhaps the most poignant story to me was how crushed Eddie was when leading Secretariat off the track at Woodbine in Toronto, knowing that Secretariat would be retired to stud.
Then returning a year latter to Paris, KY eager to see Secretariat and when greeting him after that year wondering if the horse would remember him?
As if on cue Secretariat showed just how human and intelligent he was by simply reaching down and pulling out Sweat's shirt tucked into his pants. A ritual "Big Red" had performed many times. I cried. I still love Secretariat all these years later.
I remember well how as the Belmont played out, listening to Chic Anderson's call as he marveled that Secretariat was blazing along running the first 3/4 mile in 1:09 4/5. I became frightened. That; as was well documented he was "going too DAMN fast."
i pleaded at the T.V., please Secretariat don't die. I don't care if you don't win the Triple Crown. PLEASE DON'T DIE!! Little did i or the racing world know just how transcendent this horse was. I say it again. I fell in love with Secretariat that memorable day. I cry to this day when reminisce about the Belmont.
wrote on October 10, 2020 at 1:30 pm:
From the age of 6, I remember watching him win all three triple crown races. I was a horse crazy girl with a welsh pony that I played make believe Secretariat on. Everything was horses and Secretariat to me. Scrapbook after scrapbook, coloring books, drawings, stories,...You make it, I had it. So much so that I attended The University of Findlay’s Equestrian program out of high school. I will never forget my senior year when our equine reproduction class visited the farm during breeding season. We were able to look at Secretariat up close. Actually put our hands on him. I will never forget what a formidable stallion he was even at his age. He brought me to tears. This was the spring of 1988, just a mere 6 mo the before he passed. I remember the day I heard he passed. It hit me like a ton of bricks. I am blessed to have his genes in my barn with my mare Whimsical Ways and the one foal I got out of her. There will be many great racehorses throughout time but Secretariat will always be the greatest of all time.
wrote on October 6, 2020 at 9:35 pm:
No one, least of all me, can ever forget Secretariat's winning performance at the Belmont. I have viewed it more times than I can remember. On that day, at that track, Secretariat not only achieved Perfection; Secretariat became Immortal.
wrote on October 5, 2020 at 11:56 am:
How can it be that it's already been 31 years since we lost the greatest horse in the last 100 years?!? October 4, 1989 was a very sad day for us all when Secretariat crossed the Rainbow Bridge into the next chapter of his existence. Run wild and free Secretariat. You surely did inspired us all!!
BTW...after 47 years, all 3 of your Triple Crown winning time records still stand, but we had a close call Saturday in the 145th Preakness Stakes. The filly Swiss Skydiver won in an exciting stretch duel that saw her cross the finish line in the second fastest Preakness time ever, 1:53.28. That's just .28 seconds off your record of 1:53.00, but it does represent a difference of about a length and a half in distance. She really dug-in down the stretch to win it. I think you would have been proud of her.
BTW...after 47 years, all 3 of your Triple Crown winning time records still stand, but we had a close call Saturday in the 145th Preakness Stakes. The filly Swiss Skydiver won in an exciting stretch duel that saw her cross the finish line in the second fastest Preakness time ever, 1:53.28. That's just .28 seconds off your record of 1:53.00, but it does represent a difference of about a length and a half in distance. She really dug-in down the stretch to win it. I think you would have been proud of her.
wrote on October 4, 2020 at 1:42 pm:
Looking back at Big Red today and remembering his passing. I am so glad to have witnessed History in the making watching all his races as an awe struck 10 Year Old. I thought then as now there will never be another Horse that can touch his Magnificence. Going to the Ocean later with my Dog to throw a Red Rose into the Pacific Ocean in Remembrance and Honour of this Great Horse who is still part of my Heart.
wrote on September 16, 2020 at 5:18 pm:
Remembering The First Lady of Racing today on the 3rd anniversary of her passing in 2017. She meant the world to so many of us!
Rest In Eternal Peace Penny
Rest In Eternal Peace Penny
wrote on September 7, 2020 at 1:14 am:
I am back after watching the 146th Running of The Kentucky Derby on NBC TV on September 5th...I must say, I was really disappointed that TIZ THE LAW didn't win, instead Authentic won...I do feel though, that TIZ THE LAW was the better competitor...I also think , TIZ THE LAW could have Won if he would have felt like running...That's one thing SECRETARIAT LOVE TO DO IS RUN & EAT..."BIG RED" Was a ham, HE KNEW HE WAS THE WORLD CHAMPION , HE KNEW HE WAS THE (BEST) and even though SECRETARIAT was a gentle, poised demeanor Champion HE COULD let everyone know, HE was The Man if HE WANTED TO...SECRETARIAT BROKE ALL 3 TRIPLE CROWN RECORDS, WHICH STILL STAND TODAY !!! Racehorses has been TRYING TO tie or break SECRETARIAT'S Track Record's since 1973 and CAN (NOT) DO IT...Over a million & a half horses have come of age to race and NONE OF THEM Can even come close to SECRETARIAT'S TRACK RECORD'S in any of the Triple Crown races, and other races as well...SECRETARIAT IS IMMORTAL, A RACING LEGEND, A ICON IN WORLD HISTORY THAT (WILL) LIVE ON FOR (ALL ETERNITY)!!! And HE Will ALWAYS BE EDGED IN MY MEMORY AND THOUGHTS (FOREVER) !!! I LOVE YOU "BIG RED"...I also want to SAY A BIG HELLO to my friends at Secretariat.com and Ronnie Turcotte, The World's BEST JOCKEY, and John and Kate Tweedy and to Sarah, John & Kate's sister.
wrote on September 2, 2020 at 8:51 am:
Love Secretariat with all my heart..wish I could see my favorite horse of all time..a part of my ❤
wrote on August 29, 2020 at 3:10 pm:
Remembering the 'Groom' Eddie Sweat on his birthday. Mr. Sweat was born on this date (August 29) in 1939.
Turf writer Steve Haskin recently wrote a beautiful piece about the 'Groom' and it is posted here on Secretariat.com for all to read.
Turf writer Steve Haskin recently wrote a beautiful piece about the 'Groom' and it is posted here on Secretariat.com for all to read.
wrote on August 26, 2020 at 4:21 pm:
Hello everyone, im a swedish girl living in spain and I found this amazing statue of Secreteriat in a friends house and she wants to sell it. Now to my question, is there anyone here that would now what its worth by a picture of it or where i could mayby find it out? Thank you Ida
wrote on August 11, 2020 at 7:15 pm:
Kudos to the Secretariat team in adding esteemed turf writer Steve Haskin to your stable! He has written such fabulous pieces about Big Red, and all of his numerous fans will follow his columns avidly. Thank you, and I look forward to visiting your site often.
wrote on August 6, 2020 at 4:48 pm:
Ron,
Thank you for all the memories.
Happy belated and stay healthy and strong.
Thank you for all the memories.
Happy belated and stay healthy and strong.
wrote on August 5, 2020 at 5:34 pm:
Ron when you called me you made the most cherished feelings an old woman could ever have! Please have a healthy, happy birthday and many more! Will cherish the memories you shared and the beautiful pictures of you and Secretariat that you signed! You will always be special to me and hope to chat with you again!
Happy Birthday
Your friend
Victoria Chandler
Happy Birthday
Your friend
Victoria Chandler
wrote on August 4, 2020 at 10:27 pm:
I posted a Happy Birthday post for Ronnie Turcotte on July 21st, it was a day early...I want to say hello to my friend at
Secretariat.com, John and Kate Tweedy and Ronnie Turcotte....Secretariat fans Watch the Kentucky Derby on September 5th on NBC and pull and root for TIZ THE LAW....Tiz The Law is a descendant of Secretariat..
Secretariat.com, John and Kate Tweedy and Ronnie Turcotte....Secretariat fans Watch the Kentucky Derby on September 5th on NBC and pull and root for TIZ THE LAW....Tiz The Law is a descendant of Secretariat..
wrote on August 4, 2020 at 6:37 pm:
Happy birthday and many more healthy ones. Thanks for the great memories you gave me and Big Red fans.
