From Camera to Canvas, Big Red Photo Lives On
This is the story of the birth, resurrection, and odd journey of a single photograph and how it came to tie in to this year’s Saratoga meet and the Secretariat art exhibits on the 50th anniversary of Big Red’s iconic 3-year-old campaign. ~ Steve Haskin
From Camera to Canvas, Big Red Photo Lives On
By Steve Haskin
On March 17, 1973 at the Bay Shore Stakes I took my first of many photographs of Secretariat, who was making his first start of the year and, most important, his first since being syndicated for a record $6,050,000. For reasons I can’t recall I took only one photograph that day and that was from the rail following the post parade. Because Ron Turcotte had him gallop closer to the rail than I thought I wasn’t able to get my focus set quick enough to compensate for it. I took one shot as he galloped by and actually caught him just as I wanted, with his neck arched, mane blowing, and showing off his powerful shoulders and hindquarters. But because the photo was not sharp, which was no surprise considering the circumstances, I put my 4 x 6 print away knowing I could never enlarge it and pretty much forgot about it…for almost 50 years.
When we moved from New Jersey to Connecticut in April, 2022 after 40 years in our Hamilton Square home we were cleaning out our basement and I found that photograph, which had been long forgotten. Although I was still disappointed after all that time that the focus was a bit off I did admire the photo itself, as I felt it captured so many aspects of the sheer magnificence of Secretariat, and I had never seen a photo like it of Big Red. But so what? It seemed such a waste. There was nothing I could do with the photo, so on a whim I posted it on Facebook just to see what kind of reaction it got if any.
I was blown away when it got 62 comments, 40 shares, and 618 likes, with comments such as, “Magnificent! Shows the essence of Secretariat…Just breathtaking…Look at all that power…An equine Adonis…Wow! What an amazing capture, you can see the strength emanate through the lens…Oh, this is poetry in motion.” Not a single mention of it not being that sharp.
Now what do I do? I still can’t enlarge it. So I sent it to the Secretariat merchandising magician, Leonard Lusky, for whom I write and contribute on Secretariat.com and who has worked wonders with my other Secretariat photos. In March of this year, Leonard and his photograph gurus remastered the negative and released it in the 5″ x 7″ size, titling it “Bay Shore Buff,” adding it to my “Secretariat Collection” on the website where it is currently offered.
Let’s fast forward to Thursday, August 3 at Saratoga. My wife and I and our friends Avi and Rhoda were attending the private reception for Lisa Palombo’s new exhibit of Secretariat paintings at the Saratoga Fine Arts gallery on Broadway. It was a magnificent exhibit and I had my photo taken with Lisa and Kate Chenery. After almost an hour it was time to leave for dinner at a nearby restaurant. A few doors down from the gallery was our favorite shop in Saratoga, Impressions, where we always stop to buy gifts for our grandchildren.
As I we walked past the store I looked over and had to do a double take. What I saw took a while to register in my brain. “That’s my photo!” I bellowed. In front of the store in full display was a T-shirt with a painting of my Secretariat Bay Shore photo on the front. To say I was shocked would be a gross understatement. I thought this could only be the work of Leonard, who manages the licensing of everything Secretariat. But how would I not know about it? What struck me the most, however, was how great the painting looked. There was my little photo after all these decades all big and vibrant and full of life, and on a shirt. I was bewildered, yet thrilled, and texted Leonard: “A funny thing just happened as we were passing Impressions…”
But Leonard was still busy back at the gallery and I didn’t hear back from him that night. Did Leonard decide to market this? Does he even know about it? Who painted it? When did all this happen?
The next morning Joan and I went to Broadway and of course stopped first at Impressions to buy the grandkids their gifts. I was all prepared to buy the shirt, still not knowing what it was all about. We walked in the store and the first thing we saw was the shirt again. Not only was it being displayed prominently outside and inside the store, right next to it were packs of note cards with the painting on it. These were even more vibrant and striking than the shirt.
I tried texting Leonard again and told him I was in Impressions and was going to buy the note pads, ignoring Joan’s insistence that I should wait and get them for free from Leonard. But I still had no idea what his involvement was. When I told the sales clerks that was my photo, they were so impressed they asked to take my photo next to the shirt. The clerk texted me the photo, which I promptly sent to Leonard.
The whole situation became even more wild when Joan looked at the shirt and saw it was done by Celeste Susany, who sells her paintings at Saratoga every year at the booth located just inside the main gate. She was our favorite artist and just last year Joan bought a painting from her that we have hanging in our living room. I felt like I had entered some bizarre universe. But it was about to get even more bizarre and surreal.
The following morning, Whitney day, we went to the National Museum of Racing for a special 50th anniversary event at the Secretariat exhibit that will be there through the end of the year. While Joan was in the gift shop I walked over to the Peter McBean Gallery where the exhibit was held and there outside the entrance hanging on the wall was the full-sized framed original painting of my photo. The National Museum of Racing? Seriously? It was now one shock after another that had reached the comical stage. But we weren’t done yet.
Original Celeste Susany painting on display at the National Museum of Racing. Contact information@secretariat.com for print information.
Joan then dropped me off at the track because I was signing photographs and meeting people at the Secretariat merchandising area at 11:30. As I entered the track I immediately passed Celeste Susany’s booth. I looked over and there was the T-shirt; there were numerous prints in all sizes; there was a smaller original study. It seemed as if my little photo, dead and buried for half a century, had become the most ubiquitous presence in Saratoga.
Rather than keep you in suspense any longer, I will let Celeste tell you the entire story.
“When I started in the sport I missed Secretariat by a year and always wanted to do a painting of him,” she said. “I know everyone remembers the Belmont, and watching the film of the Preakness was amazing. But when doing a painting, what do you paint to really capture him? I looked for inspiration in books, watching videos, going online, but I saw nothing that inspired me. Then a little over a year ago with the 50th anniversary coming up I was doing research for the painting and went on Google images and there it was. It stopped me dead. Nothing I had seen moved me like this. I needed something that embodied Secretariat and after all these years I had found it. It was the feeling you get when you meet your future companion. You just know it.
“The photo was the perfect combination of strength and elegance. Nothing compared over the years. Just the artistic tilt of the head excited me. I searched for the photo credit. There was none. I could have researched further, but the race meet was just beginning, so I put off the project. I eventually decided to do a small study of it and when Leonard saw it he recognized it from the photo. He told me he knew the photographer
“In April I called Leonard and told him I really wanted to do something with the painting’s image for Secretariat’s 50th Anniversary celebration and asked about doing reproductions after I completed it. He said that we would work something out. I honestly did not finish it until two weeks before the meet started this year. It just took me some time to get it exactly the way I wanted.
“I changed Secretariat’s saddlecloth number to reflect the Belmont Stakes, had someone work on Ron Turcotte’s face to bring out his features, and worked on the mane a little,” Celeste said. “It gives me great joy to know that this lovely photo is yours…and how you got it. I have to tell you there was one day recently a woman stopped by the tent, saw the large painting and started to cry.”
Leonard further explained “Celeste’s initial study and original painting were both simply spectacular. The Secretariat team was already familiar with her work and we had previously collaborated with her nearly 20 years ago on a Secretariat print now long sold-out. There was no question Steve would be flattered that his photo provided the inspiration for the painting and that the new piece would prove to be popular with admirers of both Secretariat and Celeste’s work. We started discussing the business details just days before our trip to Saratoga, but we were not sure if Celeste would have enough time to create any product for release during the current summer meet, let alone in time for the Aug. 4 Hall of Fame weekend festivities. To all our pleasant surprise, it came together quickly and she knocked it out of the park with the new offerings!”
As if this entire story wasn’t implausible enough I just learned that Celeste sold the small study for $2,800 and the large painting for $15,000. I am now convinced I was dreaming the whole thing. It was as if I had found a rock, tossed it away somewhere, and 50 years later I found it laying around. Then someone came along and chipped away at it and discovered a shimmering emerald inside.
And so ends the story of the photo that wouldn’t die. Let’s just say that innocuous little photo was Lazarus and although I don’t want to embarrass Celeste by comparing her to Jesus, to me she is a miracle worker. She might not be quite up to the standards of Rembrandt, who painted the resurrection of Lazarus, but if you’re in Saratoga stop by her retail tent and see all her magnificent work. When you come to one painting in particular you can marvel at what she did to bring a once long forgotten photograph to life. And while you’re at it think of a then 26-year-old amateur photographer who was blessed to be in the presence of the great Secretariat for the first time that day… and got lucky.
Secretariat and Saratoga Shine in 2023
Jocelyn Russell’s magnificent 21-foot statue of Secretariat that has attracted thousands of Saratoga visitors since the beginning of the meet has come and gone and is now in Virginia where it will permanently reside, but the Spa remains alive with the presence of Big Red. Whether you are on Broadway, at the National Museum of Racing, or at the racetrack you can find an explosion of images and colors, mainly through the artwork of some of the sport’s most noted artists.
For a Big Red bonanza you can start your day at the Spa Fine Art gallery on Broadway where the walls are covered with the stunning new collection of paintings from Lisa Palombo that depicts Secretariat in all his magnificence, as only Palombo can with her kaleidoscope of colors.
When you leave, walk a few yards up the block and stop in Impressions. I hear they have some real nifty T-shirts and note cards of Secretariat painted by Celeste Susany.
You can then head to the National Museum of Racing and visit the special Secretariat “Tremendous Machine” exhibit that will be there through the end of the meet. Before entering, look to the right of the gallery entrance and gaze in wonder at the painting of Secretariat hanging on the wall by Celeste Susany. Perhaps you read about it somewhere.
Finally it’s on to the racetrack where you can sample the mineral water at the Big Red Spring, and see the various artists’ tents inside the main gate featuring a wide variety of Secretariat artwork. The first one on the left will be the aforementioned Celeste Susany with her now iconic painting and T-shirt of Secretariat. If you go there just mention my name and I’m sure she’ll give you a dollar off anything over a thousand dollars. If not, just send me your name and address on a Secretariat note card and I will send you the dollar out of my own pocket.
If you are unable to get to Saratoga this year, save the money you were going to spend on overpriced hotels and restaurants and on your losing wagers at the track and use it to get to Kentucky for the Secretariat 50th anniversary Festival on the weekend of November 11, where you will be inundated with more Secretariat statues, merchandising items, and artwork, including the debut of Jocelyn’s newest bronze of Secretariat and Jamie Corum’s spectacular three-story mural of Big Red painted on a century’s old brick wall in downtown Paris, which will be the central location of this year’s Festival. Here is a tip. If you Google hotels in “Paris” you will notice that you can get a room at the Ritz for under $2,000 a night. Don’t jump to any conclusions, not the same Paris. You can do a little better closer to Lexington!
I will leave you on a personal note. Of all my photos of Secretariat only two were taken on the racetrack (I got too wrapped up in watching races back then)—the shot that is the main subject of this column and a black and white workout photo taken before the Wood Memorial that I am proud to say was used by Jocelyn Russell as a model for her magnificent statue that has been touring the country and its twin located in Lexington. I am starting to think that perhaps I knew what I was doing. Thank you Jocelyn and Celeste for breathing life into two photos that lay dormant for so many years. But to be honest, you didn’t need to be a great photographer to get super photos of Secretariat. You just aimed the camera, pressed the shutter button, and he did the rest.
So, hope to see you in November in Kentucky. If you ask, I will be glad to take your picture. You never know where it might show up.
Racing historian, author, and award-winning retired journalist for the Daily Racing Form and The Blood-Horse, Steve Haskin was inducted into the National Museum of Racing Hall of Fame’s Media Roll of Honor in 2016. Known for his racing knowledge and insightful prose, he has been an exclusive contributor to Secretariat.com since 2020.
Little do we know how we can inspire people. But it’s so delightful to find out!
So Steve is 2 for 2! Batting 1.000 on racetrack photos! Awesome buddy!!!
Desert Crown out of Juddmonte International.
Injured on the gallops this morning, taken to equine hospital.
No word yet on extent of injury or if he will be OK.
Sad.
Cave Rick has succumbed to laminitis following a colic surgery in late July.
Condolences to all the connections.
Edit: Cave Rock
Sad
Horrible! I was looking forward to his return. Poor boy.
Hope all in Calfornia are safe!
Bolt’d’Oro/Beholder tomorrow…Tamara, draws the rail, 6 1/2 furlongs, never a good gamble to play the rail on a debuter, and homebreds don’t win their debuts as often as auction bought 2yos, but this filly sports a beautiful work pattern….
Matthew, Del Mar, Race 6: Unique Power, 2 year old colt (Curlin – Unique Bella by Tapit).
Matthew, Tamara looked pretty good today!! Happy for Mandella!
Wow did she! Bad stumble, but she took Mike into contention, from the rail post and a bad break…that’s a sign of talent, and then the opening up by 2 3/4….Beholder has dropped a good one..
Travers is looking like a strong seven, led by Forte ….Jerkins…a gr1 looking short …NYRA wants Bob to enter two, which is fairly ironic..
A lovely story. I’m so glad you found that photograph. In addition to honoring Secretariat, your picture has brought so much pleasure to so many people. And it will live on for many, many years.
Nice comment Jiffy.
Thank you vry much, Jiffy. I really appreciate the kind words.
What a fantastic story, Steve! A tribute to the great Secretariat and to your great talent as both a writer and a photographer!
Thank you very much. Cori.
Oizys, begone!! I go outside in the garden to mourn the loss of Art Collector only to return and find out that Honor Code has been sold to Japan.
Hopefully, West Will Power and Honor A. P. are successful at stud. In the USA.
Honor Code sold to Japan and will stand there. Farish said hopefully he will return to LE when pensioned.
All in all very sad couple of days in racing.
Modern Games retired and a 3 year old gelding euthanized after breaking down in turf race at Saratoga. Hind leg fracture could not be repaired. He makes what…9 or is it 10 fatal breakdowns during Saratoga meet?
Art Collector euthanized, laminitis.
Condolences to all the connections.
This is really sad news. He really tried in every race …. RIP AC !!!!
Oh no! He seemed to be managed very well. A terrible loss. Lynda, you are lightning fast on this news.
MsB, I receive e-mail alerts from various horse racing media sites and follow a number of people in the sport on FB and X.
Sadly this came from someone who was at Saratoga.
His last work was Aug 05 as I recall. He had one race to run before going to Clairborne.
Was being treated for a hoof bruise and developed laminitis in all four hooves and regressed in just a matter of hours. He was in so much pain it was the kind thing to do.
It is a horrible disease that, like colic, has multiple causes.
I was very fond of Art Collector and it is a great loss for everyone.
Condolences to the family and loved ones of Jerry Moss.
He has passed away at age 88. Owner of Zenyatta and Giacomo.
A huge loss for horseracing.
A very nice man and so classy. He will be missed
Steve, I remember the Moss’s gave you access to Zenyatta after her last race. I loved your articles afterward … very good reading back then. Jerry Moss will be missed but we were lucky to have for this long.
I have now seen Celeste’s painting from Steve’s photograph in the flesh! The Secretariat 50th anniversary exhibition at the National Racing Museum in Saratoga Springs is well worth seeing. The best part for me was watching the complete Triple Crown races, shot by John “Jack” Tweedy, Penny Chenery’s then husband. The only race of the trio in which Turcotte used the whip was the Derby — he just hand-rode the Great One in both the Preakness and the Belmont. Secretariat was well in hand, even in the breathtaking Belmont. I wouldn’t believe it if I hadn’t seen it — again.
Sounds lovely MsB. Thank you for sharing.
Never knew Ron used the whip on Secretariat in the KD.
As many times as I watched it, never picked up on that.
Guess I was too busy watching Secretariat and not Ron.
Love the painting and Steve’s photo!
He may have used it very lightly! Video was not very sharp. It was common to “encourage” horse with a couple of swats in the 1970s. Not like the late 19th century, when the jock not only used the whip on the great Salvator, but spurs until blood ran. Or so said the newspaper reports of the time.
Steve, you’ve always had that magic touch with photography. There are so many of your photographs that provide the observer with an inner sense about the horse’s personality/mind/heart. You should collate your photographs, along with some text, into an anthology. For posterity, if nothing else. Racing history will be forgotten without your words.
For those interested, the York Racing Festival is on next week from August 23 – 26 with the highlight being the return of the irrepressible Paddington in the International Stakes on August 23 against the toughest field of older horses he’s met. Let’s hope the star colt continues his reign of glory.
There is a marvelous Sporting Life interview with Aiden O’Brien on YouTube: “My York Ebor Festival Team, around 40 minutes, which is worth watching. It’s unfortunate that other trainers aren’t as open about their horses as the master. There’s some chat about possible Breeders’ Cup runners as well.
Let’s hope that Paddington doesn’t come end up with the same fate as the immortal Brigadier Gerard did in 1972 when the race was the Benson & Hedges Gold Cup. I’m nervous, I watched the great “Brigadier” lose his only race in York.
That is verry kind of you to say David. I really appreciate it. As for an anthology I doubt anyone would be interested in publishing that. most of the younger generation of racing fans and executives have no clue who I am. I am writing now for the fans who remember me and appreciate history. I love writing for Sec,com but its a very esoteric audience and I’m good with that. You never see young people on here or people in the business. I am extremely appreeiative of the fan base I do have on here and Facebook.
Let’s hope Paddington handles the 1 1/4 miles. He has a tough foe in Godolphin. I’m sure the Brigadier’s loss was crushing, but it preserved Ribot’s record and it took a course recod by Darby Dan’s Roberto and Baeza to beat him.
Steve, you underestimate your readership. There are many more that read but don’t post and when the Derby fever starts in January there are five times more posting. I guess you’re right about young people these days they want to be in the picture as well otherwise it’s of interest. Nonetheless, horse racing museums will no doubt want to collect your work.
I never thought about Ribot holding the record when Brigadier Gerard lost, that actually makes the upset less painful. Wish I thought of that 50 years ago. Thank you for the thought.
Paddington should be fine with the 10f + 56 yards, especially as York is basically flat, but he’s up against serious older racehorses here and he’s still on a learning curve – still fun but he has the talent to overcome that. Fingers crossed.
Nice lead up to the Travers Stakes as well. Omens, omens.
Thanks David the readership has always confused me. As for York I agree about the level ground but its such a long stretch so his move will have to be timed right..he doesnt win by a lot.
That’s true Steve, but Ryan Moore can’t be faulted in that respect. In his last race, Susxex Stakes, Moore said he went too early because no one wanted to lead then Frankie Dettori challenged way too early, to the detriment of his mount, but Paddington refused to be beaten and in the slop.
This time Moore has to be careful and time his run perfectly. Paddington is the fastest horse, is putting on weight so there is no worry there in that respect, but it’s a very tough race.
Steve, we are so very thankful to have YOU!
Thank you very much, Lynda
THUMBS UP !!! from me Steve !!!
I don’t follow foreign racing as closely as I might, but I do wish Paddington well and I hope he wins. As for Brigadier Gerard, I was on the other side on that one. I was at Saratoga that day and I still remember hearing Dave Johnson announce that Roberto had won. I’ve watched that race many times on YouTube, and you can actually hear the people gasp when they realized what was happening. Whichever horse you were cheering for, it’s a race you will never forget.
Jiffy, it certainly would be a lift for everyone if Paddington can pull it off in the International Stakes. The first thing I read this morning is that Cave Rock has succumbed to post-surgery laminitis. There seems no end of gloom at present. Just terrible.
There are quite a few stories lingering around about Brigadier Gerard’s loss to Roberto, mostly false.
Yes, all horse deaths are terrible, and we mourn for all of them. But I wonder if they really are more prevalent now than they were sixty years ago or if we just hear more about them. I don’t even know if there are comparable statistics from that era.
I haven’t heard the stories about Brigadier Gerard and Roberto, but I remember perfectly the day of that race and hearing the results. Later we saw Roberto’s trophy at the National Museum of Racing. Hopefully Paddington will get a similar one.
Awesome article about a special horse!! Would love to have one of the t-shirts pictured of the Celeste Susany design, will they be available on Secretariat.com for purchase?
Thank you very much, Jacquie. They should be, ,also on Celeste Susany’s website. But for now email info@secretariat,com and ask to be notified when they go on sale. It should be dot.com but I dont want this to go to moderation,
Daddy use to say “The Lord works in mysterious ways”. I think that applies here. What a Devine intervention and subsequent result. I’ll never get to Saratoga again but thank you so much for taking little ole me along. With the greatest appreciation & love …
Thank you so much Holly. And thank you for joining us on the ride. I hope you come back.
I love all your photos of Secretariat…I was a crazy horse girl hot walking horses at Garden State race tract in New Jersey during the Secretariat days.
Whenever I see your great photos it brings back such wonderful memories.
Thank you from a 60 something, still horse crazy fan!
I’m so happy to hear that Susan. To stir ones memoriee is very special. Thank you.
Just ordered a signed copy of this beautiful & unusual photo for my sister. She rescued a granddaughter of Secretariat, Station House (out of General Assembly) when she was 26 years old. We had her for six years and treated her like the Queen that she was. A truly amazing and gentle soul ❤️
I always enjoy reading your written words Mr. Haskin!
Thank you very much Julie and congratulations to you and your sister.Station House lived a long and happy life.
What a great story, Steve. And you seem to be content with the thrill of seeing your truly iconic photo of Big Red on merchandise. You should be sharing the profits!
But most important is that racing fans get yet another almost visceral experience of what made Secretariat so great, the power that went into his performance, even in the warmup.
This story is for everyone!
I appreciate that Gale. Thank you very much.
Steve, out of focus or not it’s a great shot, what a magnificent specimen he was. As for finding your shot all over the place I have to laugh, being a bootleg Derby shirt hawker back in the good old days. Hope you get your royalties. Although there should be a bristling market for shirts with your John Hancock on them.
Thank you very much Derek. As for royalties its never come up. Right now I’m just enjoying the whole crazy experience.
What a great story of your Secretariat forgotten photo.
Call it God planned or carma, it was meant to be
Thank you Katie. Call it good carma or camera 🙂
Great story, Steve! I’m one of the ones who purchased “Bay Shore Buff” when it was first offered on this site, with Ron Turcotte’s signature on it. It’s probably my favorite of all the equine photos in my collection. (I also have “Strut”, another great photo of yours, but “BSB” is the standout.) Every time I look at it, it thrills me all over again. It’s really magnificent, and I honestly think it’s better the way it is, just a touch out of focus, because it almost feels alive. What perfect serendipity that you were in that place at that split second, with your finger on that shutter! I’ve often thought that the photo should be offered with your signature on it too! You’ve managed over the years to lovingly capture Secretariat, not only with your words like no one else could, but also with your camera. You should be proud of that legacy.
I really appreciate that Beth. Thank you so much. And I am so happy you feel that way about the original photo. I have beeen honored and blessed to be close to Secretariat and able to capture him. Its still hard to believe my photos are now being seen and enjoyed after so many decades in a drawer unseen by anyone. Funny how things work out.
Oh WOW Steve how exciting and impressive! Congratulations! I am going to the Travers, have shopped online at Impressions can’t wait to go into the real store. I will be looking to purchase this photo on several items. I have a sketch Celeste Susany did of Bill Shoemaker with Santa Anita as the back drop. it’s very large framed, and I happened to literally stumble upon it at Old Friends after the 2022 Breeders Cup. It is signed by Celeste and it’s signed by Bill Shoemaker and it’s numbered 30/270. I feel it was an amazing find. I Hope to meet you in “Paris” in November! As someone else said, it’s funny to see you starstruck when we all feel the same way about you!
Thats very kind of you Teri. Thank you. Have a wonderful time in Saratoga.
Wow Steve, big congratulations. Funny to see our heros (you) get excited over things just like us (me). If I ever saw you in person I’d probably be punching anyone around me and whispering (excitedly) ‘OMG that’s STEVE HASKIN, LOOK,LOOK!’.
I’ll be looking for one of those tee shirts.
Thank you very much Stephanie, I appreciate the enthusiam, but when you mention my name the person will probably say “Who?” and punch you back and not quite in the same friendly way. Lol
Loved this story Steve 🙂 Well done!
Thank you, George. ope youre well. Havent forgotten the manuscript.
Looking forward to reading it Steve! Thank you!
Wow! What a story. I sure wasn’t prepared to read that not only had your B&W Secretariat inspired Russell’s amazing sculpture but your other track photo had seized Celeste Susany.
I was surprised about the Susany train of events but not that your slightly out-of-focus photo spoke to her. I have collected many photos of Secretariat over the years but few capture his essence the way you did in these two photos. As I said before, these the are images I hold of him in my heart.
So to conclude, you can take my photo any time!
That is very kind of you Abigail. Thank you so much. The key is to take your photo and then forget about it for 50 years.
Mr. Haskins, you created primary source material for future researchers and just plain lovers of horse racing in general and Secretariat specifically. Congratulations and thank you from this retired archivist. All the notice and kudos over this glorious picture couldn’t happen to a better journalist.
Thank you very much Sharon. That means a great deal to me.
Greatings again Steve,
Love the story. Was this photo ever published in the DRF or BH? Somehow it looks familiar. Regardless, it would have transcendence.
Wondering way off context, I have a second question. Do you have or can you recall any photos in publication of Big Red’s farrier(s) in action. I have a few nice prints of both the Eddies’ and Charlie. I think it would be an awesome addition to have a photo of Red being shod. One can only imagine the weight of responsibility that was! Lol
Thanks always, Steve W.
Tthanks Steve, no it never appeared there. Perhaps you saw it on my Facebook page. I’m sure there ar photos of Bold Ruler in the Blood Horse archives and on Google.
Greatings again Steve,
Love the story. Was this photo ever published in the DRF or BH? Somehow it looks familiar. Regardless, it would have transcendence.
Wondering way off context, I have a second question. Do you have or can you recall any photos in publication of Big Red’s farrier(s) in action. I have a few nice prints of both the Eddies’ and Charlie. I think it would be an awesome addition to have a photo of Red being shod. One can only imagine the weight of responsibility that was! Lol Thanks always, Steve W.
And now Bill Finley gets into the fray, wanting 4 weeks between Derby and Preakness, another 4 weeks to the Belmont— for a Triple Crown that has been won twice in the past 8 years, and Smarty Jones and California Chrome came close, Smarty maybe hampered by having run off by 13 lengths, in his Preakness, and I ask WHAT HORSE—has been denied the Triple Crown, because the series is too close together? Its SUPPOSRD to be difficult, and it IS!
Great article! I cannot understand however, why your permission wasn’t sought before all this went down.
Thanks Linda. I cant answer that.
Wow, what a cool story. I hope you get a discount from Celeste for any future purchases! Her painting wouldn’t have happened without your long forgotten not quite sharp enough photo. Sometimes the “not good enough” are the best after all. Thanks for sharing the improbable journey of your photo.
Thanks very much. Karren
Outstanding article. I’m happy to say I have a one of those prints on my living room wall. Not sure I’ll get to KY this year but I sure would love to be there for the Secretariat party. If I see where you’re going to be, I’ll absolutely be there to hear what you have to say, buy your photos, and get your signature. I got a could of those in 2018 at Secretariat Fest and they’re my prized possessions. Thanks for always being so accessible and willing to sign those beautiful pictures of Secretariat that you created!
Thats very kind of you Ellie. Thank you so much. And I am very flattered.
Wow. What a wonderful story. I have two of your signed photos of Secretariat. They are two of my most prized possessions.
I’m so happy to hear thar and very flattered. Thank you Karen.
Steve, you were at the right place, at the right time, and took pictures!…..George Washington realized early, in the American Revolution the importance of documenting things as they happened, so he had a couple dozen scribes, to record a daily report of the happenings, filling around 20 large trunks of fascinating history—-I’ve enjoyed your pictures, taken by a man who knew he was around something special!..
Just being mentioned in the same comment with George Washington is special. Thanks Matthew
I love the way Secretariat’s barely restrained wildness is captured in the photo. The look of an old photo cannot be found in the endless digital photos today, so this photo serves as a nostalgic time machine. I’m sure you, having taken the photo, feel that more than anyone.
Thank you Todd. Back then you had one shot and that was it. No motor drives.
So glad you found that photo! What a wonderful story.
Thank you Jo Anne.
Another great Haskin story!
Thanks Leslie.
That is terrific! What a wonderful journey for that image and for you.
It really did make for a great story. I had fun writing it…and living it. Lol.
Congratulations on taking a great shot that’s now a true piece of art and history, Steve.
It happens that I have to take my Mini Cooper to the nearest shop (just outside Albany) this week. I planned to spend the afternoon at Saratoga, but a quick glance at the entries informed me that there’s just one stakes on the program (for state-bred fillies) with mostly claiming races on the rest of the card. I love going to the track just to soak in the atmosphere, but I may spend most of my afternoon at the Racing Hall of Fame seeing the Secretariat exhibit. Will be on the lookout for T-shirts and notecards of a very familiar photograph of Secretariat.
There ya go. Thanks
Secretariat was living art! You captured that in the photo and Celeste turned the photo into a captivating portrait.
Did not know Jocelyn’s statue was based on your photo. Thank you telling us.
Love the story about the photo, now portrait, popping up everywhere. Made me smile!
Secretariat, no matter who came before or comes after will always be the greatest in my heart as long as I live!
Fun story Lynda. Glad it made you mile. I know you havent been smiling lately when it comes to racing/
Lovely all the way around. In every sense, and for everyone.
Thank you Sarah/