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.
Please allow up to 48 hours for submissions to post.
3072 entries.
wrote on December 11, 2021
at
9:23 am
Suppose someone invents a revolutionary ice cream that lasts 5 times longer than regular ice cream before melting . Would you take this ice cream instead of regular ice cream and put it in your small portable fridge when you go to a park for a meal ? Of course you would ! For speed records it is the same because the records that have not melted are superior to the ones that have melted , so the ones that have broken . Secretariat`s records were still not melted in 1999 when the vote for the vote of the horse of the century was held , while Man O`War`s were , and yet the voters erred , where children would have understood . Is the madness is this absurd vote or to keep it when the records still haven`t melted after 50 years ? Perhaps this vote predicted the covid . . . . .? ( !! )
wrote on November 15, 2021
at
7:58 pm
I have been lucky enough to see 5 Triple Crown winners in my life time. Secretariat is by far the most exciting and beloved of all time.
wrote on November 13, 2021
at
6:16 am
I'll never forget the 1973 Belmont Stakes.
First, you must understand America and us Baby Boomers at that time. We were getting older. We had our doubts about Santa, Easter Bunny, etc.. America had very little, if anything, to be proud of.
Vietnam, Watergate, A President resigning, heck even the Green Bay Packers could not have a winning season!
Then along comes this red horse with the checkered head cloth. About everything he did he did it HIS way, and like any proud American he won doing it his own way. Everywhere he set foot a track record would fall. He had bombed the sacred 2 minute barrier in the 1 1/4 mile Kentucky Derby. He still owns that record. And he would have another in the Preakness, had there not been problems with the Pimlico clocks. But The Belmont, the 1.5 mile Belmont Stakes is where he would leave his mark for eternity. Even though the field was tiny, all America stopped mowing their lawns, grilling their hot dogs, etc. We ALL NEEDED to see him and see him do something great. Just to remind everyone that America can still dig down and perform miracles when they were needed. I won't bore you with the entire race, but I must mention a couple items, to give those who were not yet born an understanding of what America's favorite son did that Saturday afternoon. As soon as the race started there was simply NO DOUBT who was going to win. What he would accomplish while doing it was another matter. After 3/4 of a mile, only HALF of the huge Belmont stakes distance, the public at home and at the track was jolted by announcer "Chic"Johnson, his voice a full octave higher than normal and he was so awe struck, I for one wondered if the Second Coming had just occurred in the Belmont booth! Then the words slowly sunk in, "Secretariat has just DESTROYED the Belmont track record for 6 furlongs!' ( Dang! I told myself I wasn't going to cry recalling these once in ten millenniums events. Guess I lied to myself). With another 3/4 of a mile to go in the Belmont, Secretariat has SHATTERED the Belmont track record for 6 furlongs!! I for one ran my fingers in my ears. I just knew I did not hear that correctly. Oh but we ALL did. And two of the horses foolhardy enough to TRY to stay close to him ended up walking off the track, as the lactic acid in their bodies would not allow them to run one more step. They were totally exhausted. But he was not done! Not by a long shot. We watched him run down the never ending backstretch. And I dare say ANYONE who heard Chic's words that day will NEVER forget them. As he entered the turn, Chic yelled out for every American to hear:"AND SECRETARIAT IS MOVING LIKE A TREMENDOUS MACHINE!!" He exited the fourth turn about the same time the remaining horses were entering the third turn. The only question remaining was by how much would Big Red win? Lengths become meaningless after a certain distance. Nobody refers the distance between Earth and the Sun in lengths. After he crossed the finish line, and the crowd gave one tumultuous cheer, it started to get quiet, as everyone wanted to hear the time. Had these other champions been adversely effected all at once, somehow? Then Chic gathered himself up and with a cracking voice, he said in effect: "We have just witnessed something that has NEVER happened before. Secretariat has run the 1 1/2 miles in... (one more pause to be certain this was correct. It was) Secretariat has broken the WORLD'S RECORD for the distance of 1 1/2 miles, completing the distance in 2:24 FLAT!" That is two full seconds faster than the previous track record. His margin of victory estimated and later confirmed at 31 lengths. That time of 2:24 has never been equaled, let alone surpassed. In just a couple more Belmont's it will have been One Half of a Century since that day in June. Fifty, (50 years), and it has never been equaled on dirt.
As everyone left Belmont that day, we all stood a little bit straighter, carried or heads a bit higher. Yes, America has had some terrible events occur in the last couple years, but do not EVER give up on The Stars and Stripes! No matter how downtrodden we feel, how badly things have gone, you just never know where the next American Hero will rise up and even the score! All I can say in closing is I am glad there is not a Skype camera here. Recounting that unbelievable day in June of 1973 has me looking like a blubbering fool. But, in this case I am not the least bit ashamed of it. This is about Secretariat.. one of the Greatest Americans of the 20th Century!!
First, you must understand America and us Baby Boomers at that time. We were getting older. We had our doubts about Santa, Easter Bunny, etc.. America had very little, if anything, to be proud of.
Vietnam, Watergate, A President resigning, heck even the Green Bay Packers could not have a winning season!
Then along comes this red horse with the checkered head cloth. About everything he did he did it HIS way, and like any proud American he won doing it his own way. Everywhere he set foot a track record would fall. He had bombed the sacred 2 minute barrier in the 1 1/4 mile Kentucky Derby. He still owns that record. And he would have another in the Preakness, had there not been problems with the Pimlico clocks. But The Belmont, the 1.5 mile Belmont Stakes is where he would leave his mark for eternity. Even though the field was tiny, all America stopped mowing their lawns, grilling their hot dogs, etc. We ALL NEEDED to see him and see him do something great. Just to remind everyone that America can still dig down and perform miracles when they were needed. I won't bore you with the entire race, but I must mention a couple items, to give those who were not yet born an understanding of what America's favorite son did that Saturday afternoon. As soon as the race started there was simply NO DOUBT who was going to win. What he would accomplish while doing it was another matter. After 3/4 of a mile, only HALF of the huge Belmont stakes distance, the public at home and at the track was jolted by announcer "Chic"Johnson, his voice a full octave higher than normal and he was so awe struck, I for one wondered if the Second Coming had just occurred in the Belmont booth! Then the words slowly sunk in, "Secretariat has just DESTROYED the Belmont track record for 6 furlongs!' ( Dang! I told myself I wasn't going to cry recalling these once in ten millenniums events. Guess I lied to myself). With another 3/4 of a mile to go in the Belmont, Secretariat has SHATTERED the Belmont track record for 6 furlongs!! I for one ran my fingers in my ears. I just knew I did not hear that correctly. Oh but we ALL did. And two of the horses foolhardy enough to TRY to stay close to him ended up walking off the track, as the lactic acid in their bodies would not allow them to run one more step. They were totally exhausted. But he was not done! Not by a long shot. We watched him run down the never ending backstretch. And I dare say ANYONE who heard Chic's words that day will NEVER forget them. As he entered the turn, Chic yelled out for every American to hear:"AND SECRETARIAT IS MOVING LIKE A TREMENDOUS MACHINE!!" He exited the fourth turn about the same time the remaining horses were entering the third turn. The only question remaining was by how much would Big Red win? Lengths become meaningless after a certain distance. Nobody refers the distance between Earth and the Sun in lengths. After he crossed the finish line, and the crowd gave one tumultuous cheer, it started to get quiet, as everyone wanted to hear the time. Had these other champions been adversely effected all at once, somehow? Then Chic gathered himself up and with a cracking voice, he said in effect: "We have just witnessed something that has NEVER happened before. Secretariat has run the 1 1/2 miles in... (one more pause to be certain this was correct. It was) Secretariat has broken the WORLD'S RECORD for the distance of 1 1/2 miles, completing the distance in 2:24 FLAT!" That is two full seconds faster than the previous track record. His margin of victory estimated and later confirmed at 31 lengths. That time of 2:24 has never been equaled, let alone surpassed. In just a couple more Belmont's it will have been One Half of a Century since that day in June. Fifty, (50 years), and it has never been equaled on dirt.
As everyone left Belmont that day, we all stood a little bit straighter, carried or heads a bit higher. Yes, America has had some terrible events occur in the last couple years, but do not EVER give up on The Stars and Stripes! No matter how downtrodden we feel, how badly things have gone, you just never know where the next American Hero will rise up and even the score! All I can say in closing is I am glad there is not a Skype camera here. Recounting that unbelievable day in June of 1973 has me looking like a blubbering fool. But, in this case I am not the least bit ashamed of it. This is about Secretariat.. one of the Greatest Americans of the 20th Century!!
wrote on October 13, 2021
at
5:24 am
When I was turning 10 in 1973, my dad asked me what I wanted for my birthday. Well, living in Canada on a farm I said "either my beloved Montreal Canadiens or Secretariat", he laughed. I did get a Stanley Cup, a Triple Crown and Big Reds last race on Canadian soil. More importantly, a life long love for the GOAT, Secretariat
wrote on October 4, 2021
at
6:29 pm
Remembering Secretariat today on his day of passing in 1989, 32 years ago!
Mad respect for the greatest of all time!!
Forever Run Wild and Free Champ!!!
Mad respect for the greatest of all time!!
Forever Run Wild and Free Champ!!!
wrote on October 4, 2021
at
5:14 am
Thirty-Two years ago today we lost the most magnificent creature many of us have ever seen.
Gone but not forgotten. God-Speed Secretariat.
Gone but not forgotten. God-Speed Secretariat.
wrote on October 3, 2021
at
5:58 pm
Just taking time to remember the GREATEST RACE HORSE of all time on his passing Oct. 4th so many years ago. Blessings to all the Secretariat Connections as you also take time to reflect on greatness.
wrote on September 21, 2021
at
9:32 am
I just can't get enough of Secretariat. I was 14 years old when he won the Triple Crown. I just didn't realize what I was seeing then. Now when I watch his races, I just can't help from tearing up, because I still feel his presence each and every time. Go Big Red, I love you!
wrote on September 18, 2021
at
5:21 pm
Remembering Penny Chenery during her time of passing 4 years ago!
wrote on August 28, 2021
at
12:42 pm
Great site! As the lucky and fortunate owner of a decedent of Secretariat I was really happy to find it and leaned much I didn’t know. Thanks!
wrote on August 3, 2021
at
11:14 am
Best horse that GOD created for us to see!
wrote on July 29, 2021
at
3:53 pm
HP Ron.... rider and co-trainer of one of America's greatest runners since Lexington.... Secretariat could have challenged Lexington at 3 miles and maybe more.... They used to run at 3 to 4 miles in those days...HP Ron...
russ
russ
wrote on July 22, 2021
at
11:47 pm
A heartfelt HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Ron!
I am not a particularly religious person, but I believe tht you were divinely selected to be the racing partner of the magnificent Secretariat. You and Big Red gave me the most transcendent moment of my life, and for this, I am profoundly thankful.
May you enjoy many more years filled with priceless memories to share. You are universally loved!
I am not a particularly religious person, but I believe tht you were divinely selected to be the racing partner of the magnificent Secretariat. You and Big Red gave me the most transcendent moment of my life, and for this, I am profoundly thankful.
May you enjoy many more years filled with priceless memories to share. You are universally loved!
wrote on July 22, 2021
at
9:33 pm
Happy Birthday Ron. stay safe and god bless
wrote on July 22, 2021
at
4:22 pm
I wanted to Stop by and Post this on the greatest Thoroughbred race horse Website 🏇 in the country...I wanted to first wish Ronnie Turcotte a very Happy 80th birthday 🎂...Ron won 3,032 career races and was leading rider for alot of his career races...Ron Turcotte rode Secretariat, Riva Ridge, Northern Dancer,Tom Rolfe to name a few...Secretariat Won the Triple Crown in 1973 and Riva Ridge won the Kentucky Derby and Belmont Stakes in 1972...Secretariat track records from 1973 in all three Triple Crown races from 1973 STILL STAND TODAY...There are Professional horsemen in the Thoroughbred racing industry that says Secretariat's 2:24 Belmont Stakes race record will NEVER BE BROKEN...Hello and Blessings to my friends at Secretariat.com, Ronnie Turcotte and John and Kate Tweedy...Again, HAPPY BIRTHDAY 🎂 TO MY FRIEND RONNIE TURCOTTE...
wrote on July 22, 2021
at
12:56 am
Birthday Greetings Ron. Thanks for all your hard work in the past Years promoting Big Red and keeping his spirit alive for the future generations to enjoy. all my best as a fellow Canadian. Thanks for the Great Memories, Cheers Tracy.
wrote on July 21, 2021
at
10:09 pm
Ron, I wish you a wonderful 80th Birthday! I was 13 when I watched you ride Riva to glory and I was 14 when I watched you ride Secretariat to the moon and back! You have always been my hero and always will be! I wish you and your family all of God's blessings and all the happiness your heart can hold! Happy Birthday to the greatest jockey of all time!!!
wrote on July 19, 2021
at
9:55 pm
Just wanting to swish you a very happy 80th......May the Lord's blessings be with you...loved the movie and following your career through the years......nice to have you from our area....so proud of the bridge and the beautiful remembrance of you on Broadway Boulevard......Enjoy your special Birthday!!!!!!
wrote on July 19, 2021
at
7:31 pm
Happy Birthday, Ron Turcotte! Wishing you a great 80th year.
wrote on July 19, 2021
at
5:55 pm
Hi Ron,
Congratulations on your 80th Birthday Thursday! 80 is one of my goals. You have the distinction of riding Northern Dancer in his first win, a $2100 maiden at Fort Erie. In Northern Dancer's next race, the Vandal Stakes, you rode Ramblin' Man for the win. I hope Mr. Taylor and Mr. Luro weren't too upset! It was good to see you, Penny, Charlie and Kate at the 2013 Secretariat Birthday Celebration. All the best,
Congratulations on your 80th Birthday Thursday! 80 is one of my goals. You have the distinction of riding Northern Dancer in his first win, a $2100 maiden at Fort Erie. In Northern Dancer's next race, the Vandal Stakes, you rode Ramblin' Man for the win. I hope Mr. Taylor and Mr. Luro weren't too upset! It was good to see you, Penny, Charlie and Kate at the 2013 Secretariat Birthday Celebration. All the best,
