Secretariat Through My Eyes and Lens – Part 1
Welcome to Part 1 of the story and photos surrounding the most intimate foursome in my five decades involved professionally in Thoroughbred racing – myself, Secretariat, and my two Canon cameras. I surely was no professional photographer, being more involved in the history of the sport, but with the help of Secretariat and my trusty cameras I was able to produce some indelible images of arguably the most magnificent horse anyone has ever laid eyes on. ~ Steve Haskin
Secretariat Through My Eyes and Lens
By Steve Haskin
For more than 40 years they lay dormant, cloistered away in the back of a drawer inside the plastic pages of a cheap loose leaf binder. And there they likely would remain unseen by any eyes other than mine. Other images would be discovered later in slide boxes buried in my basement when we were preparing to move to Connecticut. As the years went by it became more and more apparent that these now historic photos of the legendary Secretariat would never reach the public, and the stories behind them would never be told.
But just as fate guided me to the old Morning Telegraph in 1969 as a copy boy and librarian, and then up the journalistic ladder of the Thoroughbred Times, Daily Racing Form, and Blood-Horse, it led me to Secretariat.com, which was founded in 2002 by Leonard Lusky in consultation with Secretariat’s owner Penny Chenery. It was the first website ever to be devoted to a single racehorse. When I joined in 2020 my photos had not only found a home after nearly five decades, it was Secretariat’s home. And with Leonard’s marketing prowess they have since become available to the public.
It dawned on me recently that of all the photographers that were close to Secretariat and had access to Barn 5 at Belmont Park, his residence for two years, I likely am the only one still around. Bob Coglianese and Harry Kaplan of NYRA are gone, as are Tony Leonard and Ray Woolfe Jr., my close colleague with whom I shared an office at Daily Racing Form. Ray was probably as close to Big Red as anyone, and I was proud to have researched and proofread his magnificent coffee table book simply titled “Secretariat,” with its behind-the-scenes text chronicling the colt’s life.
Ray and I often were shoulder-to-shoulder photographing the big red horse throughout his 3-year-old campaign. The column’s headline photo above is your classic conformation pose with the head turned slightly to the left was the first time Ray Woolfe and I shot Secretariat together and with no one else around. Ray, to his credit, had his idea for a book on Big Red very early on and was given total access to the colt and the barn by Penny and Lucien. There certainly was no competition, as there usually is among professional photographers. Ray was one of the leading racing photographers in the country and I was but a mere librarian taking photos for my own pleasure.
But as you will see, there was one special morning in September when it was just me and Secretariat and Riva Ridge, as they went to the track together, their coats illuminated by the morning sun, to work on the grass. I was also privileged to have had access to the Preakness infield saddling area, where I was able get within inches of Secretariat and take one of my all-time favorite photos of him.
Because of Secretariat.com, all my photos have been restored on vibrant archival photo stock, with most of them available to the public. You are about to see many of them, along with the stories behind them, in this first of two columns followed later in the month by Part 2, which will include my visits to Claiborne Farm, where I took arguably the most popular of all my photos. Here then is the world of Secretariat through my lens and my words. It’s only been 51 years in the making.
GOOD MORNING, SECRETARIAT
The first sequence of photos was taken on a glorious September morning with Secretariat and Riva Ridge going out together to work on the grass. At the time, Big Red, coming off his record-breaking victory in the inaugural Marlboro Cup, was being prepared to make his grass debut in the Man o’War Stakes.
In the first photo, Riva Ridge is all ready to head to the track with jockey Paul Feliciano aboard, but everyone is still waiting for Ron Turcotte to show up as Secretariat patiently goes about his business on the walking ring.
Finally, Big Red spots Turcotte, as trainer Lucien Laurin walks over to give his rider a leg up.
Once the riders have mounted, Secretariat and Riva Ridge take another turn on the walking ring.Getting a different light, I love the way the sun outlines Big Red’s frame and just seems to illuminate his entire presence. I also love the way the photo is balanced by the position of the two colts, with exercise rider Charlie Davis on the stable pony Billy Silver perfectly placed between them and the red water bucket completing the frame and providing a dash of color.
This photo has always been special to me because it portrays the beauty and serenity of a morning on the backstretch. At first glance these are merely two horses enjoying a leisurely morning stroll. That they are the sport’s two biggest superstars just adds to the photo.
After passing though the backstretch gate, Secretariat and Riva Ridge are bathed in sunlight, as a wisp of a breeze does just enough to blow Big Red’s mane straight up like the plume of a Greek warrior’s helmet, giving him an even more majestic look.
Again, both colts are perfectly placed between their buddy Billy Silver, with the three of them so close they seem to form a single entity. I like how close Secretariat and Riva are to each other, as they will forever be linked together, stamping their place in the history books and changing the fortunes of Meadow Stud. The next two photos follow Secretariat to the track.
As Big Red, who has been isolated in this photo, struts by me he turns his head and looks at me; something, as you will see, he has done before. Even though he was already in the zone and in full stride walking to hit the track, he couldn’t resist looking over and checking out the guy with the camera. Like Norma Desmond in Sunset Boulevard he was always ready for his close-up.
If there was ever a horse who knew he had star power it was Secretariat. It seems totally illogical and anthropomorphic to think a horse knows what a camera is, but when you’re the one looking through the viewfinder at Secretariat and he’s looking back at you you’re convinced at that moment that he does. You will see a better example of that further on.
Passing the majestic Belmont grandstand in the background, it is time to step on the track and get to work. Here you get a good full body side view shot of the majesty of Secretariat and the radiance of his coat, which could be gold or red depending on the light.
As a change of pace, let’s go back to earlier in the year on a dreary April morning when Secretariat was to have his final serious work for the Wood Memorial, which was to propel him to heavy favoritism in the Kentucky Derby, What I like most about this shot is having Big Red, his owner Penny Chenery, trainer Lucien Laurin, jockey Ron Turcotte, and groom Eddie Sweat all in the photo. You can feel the anticipation mounting, just wanting to get this important work out of the way.
In the background remaining at the barn are several journalists and a cameraman, as DRF photographer Ray Woolfe Jr. and I headed to the track with the horse. Little did anyone know this morning would be the beginning of a nightmarish three weeks in which Big Red would develop an abscess in his mouth, work an extremely slow mile in 1:42 2/5, and suffer a shocking defeat in the Wood to his own stablemate Angle Light.
Despite all these obstacles to come, in the photo of the resulting work below, you can see the enormous length of Big Red’s stride as he is fully extended. You can also see the colt’s powerful muscle definition, especially the rippling neck muscles. Who knew the photo would play a major role in the Secretariat legacy many years later.
When artist Jocelyn Russell constructed her magnificent 1.5 life-size bronze sculpture of Secretariat that was unveiled at Keeneland Race Course in 2019 and now resides on its own roundabout on Old Frankfort Pike in Lexington, Kentucky, this photo served as an inspiration when she designed the statue.
You can see the similarities in the stride and muscle tone. A second casting of the statue to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Secretariat’s Triple Crown went on tour in 2023, and was on display at racetracks such as Churchill Downs, Pimlico, Belmont and Saratoga before being permanently installed in Ashland Virginia in March, 2024.
THE PERFECT SPECIMEN
No matter from what angle you photographed Secretariat you got perfection. I had the privilege on several occasions to get close to him and feel the aura that exuded from him, and it was that aura that somehow always managed to show up on the negatives and slides. Yes, we had negatives and slides back then. There were no rapid-fire shots within seconds and then hoping you got that one terrific image. You got one shot with each click of the shutter and pretty much knew when you pressed down on it what kind of photo you were going to get. I took my first horse photo in 1968 after going to Saratoga for the first time and buying a Kodak Brownie Instamatic that took 3 ½” by 3 ½” prints. Thank goodness by 1973 I had a Canon FTB and Canon F-1 and a zoom lens and was able to shoot both color and black and white and both prints and slides.
When I was with Secretariat outside his barn only slides would do. There wasn’t much you could do with them if you weren’t putting on a slide show, but their quality far surpassed prints, and you wanted the best quality when trying to capture Secretariat posing in all is magnificence.
This trio of photos demonstrate just what kind of subject Secretariat was and what kind of temperament he had when being photographed. In the first photo he is standing perfectly, his head and ears up, looking straight ahead like the old-time horses used to do, which I prefer, and his legs perfectly placed. All I had to do was aim and shoot. He couldn’t have made it any easier. I also have to give credit to his groom Eddie Sweat. He knew Red like the back of his hand and was always helpful and knowledgeable in helping to position him. When Secretariat told you it was time to shoot you knew at that moment you were about to capture the most perfectly conformed horse you would ever photograph.
After I took the first photo I started walking to the front of the horse to get a different angle. Even though I had gotten my shot and appeared to be finished, Secretariat literally never moved a muscle or even blinked an eye. He remained in his perfect position as if his legs were glued to the ground. I was able to get the exact same pose as the first photo, but from a brand new angle. That could only have been accomplished with a horse that had extraordinary class and who seemed to be aware of what was being asked of him.
The last photo shown here was taken immediately following the first two. It shows Penny with Secretariat. What isn’t posed in the photo is the proud smile on her face. I didn’t want to interfere with Ray’s photo, so I took it from the side, but I still feel it is a good shot of the two of them, and one of the few in color capturing them both together. I never did see the shot Ray took, as it didn’t make the book.
Although each of my photos of Secretariat has a story and I am proud of all of them, there are a few that are extra special; one of the reasons being they are unique and show a side of the horse that people never see. One of those is the larger second shot of the pairing you see below. That is the shot that best stands alone, but for this column it is the pairing that I am displaying for the first time in order to tell the story visually.
As you can see they were taken in the saddling area of the Preakness. Most of the people were on one side of Secretariat, who was being held by Eddie Sweat after he had just been saddled by Laurin and equipped with his blinkers. I walked over to the other side of the colt and found myself pretty much one on one with him. He already had his game face on, standing like a statue and looking straight ahead.
I quickly raised my camera and took the photo, which I thought would be the so-called money shot. But when Secretariat heard the clicking of my shutter he turned his head and looked right at me through his blinkers. I have always said it was more like he was looking right through me.
Of course I got that shot as well, and to this day that look was the most special one-on-one experience I have had with a horse.
Keep an eye out for Part 2, where you will see Secretariat on the track, including a long lost photo from the Bay Shore Stakes and the remarkable resurrection of that photo, as well as photos of Big Red’s retirement party at Aqueduct and at Claiborne Farm featuring arguably the most unusual and playful photo ever taken of him.
View photos available for purchase in the Steve Haskin Collection
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.
Steve, do you have a good photo of my dad, Harry Kaplan, from The Belmont Stakes day, or on the front corner of the infield finish line stand? Thanks Steve!
The show brought tears to my eyes.
On another note looks like Amr Zedan is at it again. Just paid $3.4 million for a Not This Time colt. He is a beauty. Nice picture of him on Paulick Report. Now he has to hope he can run. Have not too much about the Curlin/Beholder colt he spent $4 million last year.
Baffert apparently pointing Arabian Knight and Parenting for Pacific Classic. Arabian Knight last race very disappointing and Parenting even though he won his last race I was not impressed. Could be a wide open Pacific Classic this year.
What a looker! Not This Time is such an interesting sire, and y’all know I love his kids. I hope they put this beautiful colt in the right spots.
It’s never too early to look at this year’s crop of 2 yr. old prospects moving forward.
Owen Almighty and Politicallycorrect have captured my interest early on. Both colts are entered in the Ellis Park Juvenile Stakes on Sunday, August 11th.
Owen Almighty, by Speightstown, out of a Bayern mare, won his debut race at Churchill Downs, on June 20th, going 5 1/2 furlongs, in 1:03 flat, drawing off by 3 1/2 lengths. He earned an impressive Equine Speed Figure of 95 in the process.
Politicallycorrect won the Bashford Stakes, at Churchill, going 6 furloings in 1:10.56, drawing off by 5 lengths, in his most recent outing, (6-30). He worked a bullet 4 furlongs in 47.00 flat, so he appears ready for a big effort in the Ellis Park Juv. Stakes.
PoliticallyCorrect is by Violence, out of a Candy Ride mare which indicates speed on top and stamina on the bottom, IMO.
Keep an eye on those two colts moving forward.
Bill, we’ve all been wondering where you’ve been! Anticipating next year’s Derby, I see. So far this year I like Mo Plex and of course, the latest phenom, Ferocious. Your two intrigue me as well; will check their past performances before Saturday’s race.
Hi Ms Blacktype
After my horses failed to fire in the Derby, I decided to step back awhile.
Hats off to Steve Haskin and his Derby pick, Mystik Dan, who lived up to his Thoro-Graph number, with the best number in the field, 0-1/4. Next came Sierra Leone with a TG number of 1 1/2 and Forever Young with a TG number of 1.
There’s your $1.00 Trifecta, which paid $1,113.84.
In next year’s Derby, I’ll pay closer attention to Thoro-Graph numbers.
BTW, Ferocious is on my Derby watch list as well.
Good luck moving forward.
Hi Bill…great to see you back!
Thanks Lynda, it’s good to be back.
I hope everything is going well for you.
Hey Bill! Glad you’re back!
Hi Mike
I’ve missed exchanging comments with you and the regular contributors on Steve’s blog.
It’s good to be back in the fold.
Recently I asked Mr. Haskin if he heard from you. Always enjoy your comments.
Bill, nice seeing you back. Hope your horses for the Derby do better next year. Another horse you might keep an eye on is Getaway Car. He is a fast one. Will see if he has the stamina to carry it. Also looks like Tim Yakteen has McKinsie colt that could be a… monster !!!
Thanks, Downthestretchpp 0.01
Yes, I have Getaway Car on my watch list who was impressive in his debut race at Del Mar, going 5 furlongs in 57.43, drawing off by 3 1/4.
Midland Money is another Baffert colt who won at first asking, going 5 furlongs in 58.15, drawing off by 6 lengths.
Three other Baffert 2yr. old colts to keep an eye on are Emerald Bay, Authentic Spirit and Cornucopian.
I look for at least two Baffert colts in the upcoming Best Pal Stakes.
I had not made the trip down to Del Mar. . For 40 years—but on Sept 3, 2022 I made the train ride down, then bussed into Del Mar. .I took three pictures.. Flightline walking out of the walking ring… Express Train–an incredible looking horse. ..and Slow Down Andy— the 11-1 upset horse, in the Del Mar Derby…..I walked up to the starting gate, alone from the crowd….and as Flightling ran past twenty lengths in front I yelled “YEAH HOO”—-and Prat looked over at me—in my little way I “saw” the importance, of the moment …..but Steve— your understanding, of the times you were in….are the reason SO MANY are understanding how important Secretariat was, as a horse…. for the times….America needed a hero, during times of unpopular war, and unprincipled government—you were there to capture it with your hand-held camera!
Great post, Matthew W.
Matthew, something to tell the great-grandchildren. “I was there.” By the way, did Prat smile?
I told my brother and he texted me about Prat having a jockey’cam, and you see him looking right—that was me yelling “Yeah–hoo”!…
Nice post Matthew, I have always said thru the gene Justify got alot of Secretariat ‘s ….. Greatness.
BTW I think I have traveled on that same train you took severaltimes. All the way from Simi Valley to San Diego. It is a great trip
AS PER YOUR REQUEST…THIS IS A TEST COMMENT TO SEE IF THERE WAS AN ONGOING PROBLEM WITH MY POST YESTERDAY……..
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Thanks Steve. A trove that is a truly a treasure. Thanks for sharing the photos and your beautiful words.
I know that Next has very few available marathon races to enter, and fewer competitors each time… but boy, do I love that horse! I inexplicably got a lump in my throat, watching him stroll out down the stretch with his ears up, and hearing the race call and the crowd’s reaction today.
I know the fans want to see Next at the BC. His connections know who he is, and the races he can win. I don’t see them giving him 1/2 mile less to do what he does – and I am with them. I think this should be a signal to the BC brass that the Marathon is not dead. We still have some stock (and hope for more) who can make longer-distance races exciting in the US! If they really want to showcase stars in racing, and accomplishments in breeding… bring the Marathon back to the Breeders’ Cup card! (If anyone affiliated with the BC reads Steve’s blog. If not, they SHOULD!)
With so many horses stamina challenged….Mewonders if The Classic would suffice..
You could be right. Maybe he can reach for it earlier in a race, when everyone else starts huffing and puffing. I don’t think they will try it, though. If he was mine and he liked his job, I’d hate to see him NOT win. I do like their idea to retry him at his preferred distances on the turf, or as a MTO entrant for longer turf races. The sire is turning out some nice turf horses.
I still think ditching the Marathon – and the runners/lines who can do that – is a shame. With the Europeans and Japanese more eager each year to compete on BC day, I think it could be a race they’d want to enter. Horses who come over and work well on the dirt, as O’Brien felt Auguste Rodin did, might get in on it. I’m probably wrong. (Don’t tell my husband, but that happens a lot.)
Katy, it is a shame there are neither races nor competition for Next. Too bad Mike Maker can’t make it a speciality like his claiming and development of so many turf distance horses. If the races were there, would they come? Maybe not. And I’m sure your secret is safe.
I will always love secretariat he’ll always be my favorite race horse there’s no other horse can take his place he will live in my memory forever he ran like the wind he was so beautiful and full of spirit I hope one day I will see him in heaven
That’s right Matthew, in the Whitney there were two that had true stamina.
Rah for Dragoon Guard in the West Virginia Derby! What a lovely long stride he has.
He is a pleasure to watch, and really coming along nicely. Cool to see sons of the two old rivals finish 1-2. Looked like old times.
Honor Marie worked brilliantly this AM! A bit crowded! Workmate was hard-urged, ‘Marie was not! Terrific work….not sure if he wants ten furlongs, AM SURE he has class!..
We disagree on 10F, but I agree that he looked very good in the brief video clip that was available. Whit seemed happy
We should know in a few days who the jockey will be
I don’t disagree about him but I’m just not as sure as you are! About ten furlongs, that is..
I hope that he’ll finally get a clean trip and we can see one way or the other…
Amazing the number of horses Bob has that can’t get 10f. Honor Marie CAN get distance!
I knew I would love this story and photos, Steve and I did! Thank you!
The horse to keep an eye on is a big two year old purchase named Ferocious, who debuted yesterday in the Saratoga mud….missing the break then rushing up and taking slop, every reason to pack it in….he came away from them, once straightened out! Yesterday had some nice performances, Arthur’s Ride, Ways and Means, Adare Manor—but I’m bullish, on Ferocious!…
Ferocious cost $1.3million. Basically, the same connections as Mage. Javier Castellano is even back on good terms after ditching Mage for Arcangelo. Looked real good.
Breeders Cup is less than 3 months away.
I appreciate that someone had the forethought to give him a decent name. It’s creepy when we get really nice horses with trendy, uninspiring names.
Hooray for Arthur’s Ride! He gave an impressive performance in his first graded stakes, let alone a Gr. 1. Patience is rewarded for Tapit and Bill Mott fans.
I liked Adare Manor’s win at Del Mar today. Yes, she was heavily favored, but with her trip she should have lost, but didn’t. Nice to see a horse that doesn’t need excuses.
National Treasure didn’t enjoy a day to remember.
Todd, that was not the usual running style of Scylla so with all things considered she will improve greatly from the race. Whether Scylla goes to the Breeders’ Cup is uncertain but she should improve by lengths by the experience and when partnered her usual jockey.
Del Mar is a tiring track, around two turns…Scylla is going to benefit from trying Adare in August, she will fetch a good price too….
Thanks Matthew, that’s what I suspected. Idiomatic and Randomized might set the Distaff up for Adare Manor or Scylla. The speed will definitely help Scylla, Adare Manor can just sit and pounce.
I see Scylla as more of a miler, but still should have been able to win with the jump she got. I think Adare Manor is becoming a better horse and will be tough in the Distaff. As always, we will see.
Sorry, Todd, I see a totally different perspective. Scylla’s best race was winning the 9f Fleur de Lis and her two full brothers Tacitus and Batten Down won Graded Stakes races at 9f or over.
Adare Manar flopped in last year’s Distaff coming in 7th, with a home town advantage at Santa Anita, to Idiomatic and Randomized among others.
I think you’re a little tough on Scylla considering she was going back in distance, had a new jockey, had never raced at Del Mar, never flown to California and forced into a style she is unfamiliar.
I see upside for Scylla in the Distaff with a return to 9f and Castellano back in the saddle, riding her in a more familiar fashion she is accustomed to.
Adare Manor will be up against three experienced front runners in the Distaff at Del Mar in November, Idiomatic, Randomized the 1, 2 in last year’s Distaff at Santa Anita plus the indomitable 3 year old filly .Thorpedo Anna.
I see more advantages to Scylla than I see for Adare Manor in the upcoming Distaff.
On another racing site-a few are losing their mind over National Treasures debacle today. Lol
Do you think we can call it a Fierceness Pattern, and have that stick? Kind of like Tommy John surgery.
Maybe.
I do not think NT liked the track conditions.
Bob said the track was fine, but horse just never got into the bit…
National Treasure always looks more comfortable at a mile – Gulfstream Park 9f is not the same test as many other tracks. I noticed that Speed Boat Beach is finally back in training at Los Alamitos.
Arthur’s Ride explodes in a dominant performance in the Whitney Stakes, Junior Alvarado is having a year to remember. Bill Mott shows his talent in developing horses to their best potential. Bravo!!
Tapit gets another Grade 1 performer and within a week has the top two older horses heading into the Breeders’ Cup Carnival.
And he is a beauty!
Basic snaffle bit!
Davids and Lynda – yes! I like the versatility we are seeing in Tapit’s get!
I also like when I can see that this breed needed hot desert blood to become thoroughly bred. Arthur’s Ride sure had the goods to back up the eye candy today!
And that was his stakes debut!
Yes, Lynda, and I’ve read/heard that Arthur’s Ride can be a bit quirky and a handful at times. Mind you, you don’t on which situation that is applicable. Arthur’s Ride was quite composed with the pink roses being adorned on his shoulders.
Davids, many if the Tapits are known for their quirky behavior. Most notable was Lani who raced in the TC races few years back and took 3rd in the Belmont as I am sure you recall
Arthur was prancing and dancing before the race. Usually but not always of course of a horse ready to run.
He was named after the owner’s late Father. Great story on TDN.
Yes, Lynda. Some Tapits can be a handful and the storyline of Arthur’s Ride was a pleasure to read. Arthur’s Ride has always been a free spirit, he reminded me of Careless Jewel a Tapit filly who was very quirky at times but oozed talent and packed with stamina.
Davids –Arthur’s Ride is quite a handful due to the influence of his late dam sire, Point Given, and due to his sire, Tapit. Point Given was the big bad boy on the track, but also the most talented of the two. Funny how Point Given has a talented grandson win a grade one the year after he died.
Of course, Tapit, has had the most influence in the breeding shed comparing he and Point Given.
And it’s ironic how Baffert’s National Treasure didn’t hit the board, but the grandson of the horse he trained, Point Given, won the race.
Yes, Terri, I remember seeing pictures of Point Given rearing up at Churchill Downs working out in preparation for the Derby. Point Given was a massive horse even at three.
I was intrigued how the cross of Tapit with a Point Given mare would turn out both having their idiosyncrasies and size as well. Which has worked ok with Arthur’s Ride. He must have incredible stamina, which, hopefully, we’ll see in the Jockey Club Gold Cup. You can see traits of both Tapit & Point Given coming through in Arthur’s Ride. Fingers crossed he stays healthy.
David’s I heard he threw his rider, on the gallop out….and Alvarado—a weight lifter—was able to run alongside and hoisted himself back up!…
He did. Saw photos.
Rodeo style. Ha ha I caught the interview with Maggie Wolfendale but missed the ‘fun.’ Alvarado is the quiet champion.
I’ve been offline all week in Maine. Didn’t even know Arthur’s Ride was entered in the Whitney! So proud of my boy. A lot of catching up to do.
Run free with the Heavenly Herd Ova Charged.
Sad.
I had hoped we had escaped it today. Heartbreaking.
We may have just seen the Hopeful favorite in Ferocious …the $1.3 million baby just destroyed some nice colts
Flatter was a fantastic sire – I’m thrilled he’s left such a good one
Agree, Betsy! Flatter was a favorite of mine, too. My kid had Ferocious, and has written down his name. So impressive. I want to slow down footage, but at speed, he looked like he was able to achieve double suspension in the stretch. SUPER flexible shoulder!
Kate, Flatter was the real deal even though he had a brief racing career _.and what a stride!
I was so interested to read your comment about Flatter’s stride, Betsy! I have a share in a MyRacehorse horse who is a son of Flatter, and he’s got an absolutely gorgeous stride. He must have inherited it from his dad.
Arlington fan, I have to credit my Twitter friend who pointed this colt out at the sale …It’s not hard to see why he sold for $1.3 million
Are you referring to Hero Status?
Yes, I am!
Good luck with him!!!
Thank you, Betsy! (For some reason, there was no “Reply” box under your “Good luck!” comment, so I’m replying here.)
Betsy and arlingtonfan, I loved Flatter’s son Flat Out and I was fortunate to see him race. I had met Flatter at Claibourne Farm several years ago. Flatter was the sweetest stallion I have ever met. And what was cool was that there was a creek running through his paddock where he would often soak his ankles in. He was smart and knew how to take care of himself. What a special boy.
Flat Out was a hard knocking favorite of mine, too. Another that Bill Mott handled so well as a mature racehorse. He seems to be doing well in OK – big fish, smaller pond, but has some runners. Preserving the AP Indy sireline, tucked away for rainy days. Better than poor West Coast, sent to Ecuador. Still can’t believe that!
Sired West Coast, who ran arrow-straight….
Betsy, I hope they wait for the Champagne Stakes and bypass the Hopeful Stakes with Ferocious. Yes, fantastic for Flatter.
David, actually I agree …no need to push him
By the way, HAP had an impressive debut winner last Sunday at Monmouth – Shootersgottashoot
Yes, Betsy, I posted Shootergottashoot to you in Steve’s last week’s article. Fierceness is definitely a two turn horse who is winning on pure talent at present but Gustavo Delgado knows how to win the Kentucky Derby so fingers crossed he stays healthy. Exciting + ha ha
Ugh, I missed it – I’m sorry 😞
He’s gorgeous, and I love his blonde tail!
Ferocious and Fierceness would be nasty matchup 😂
You’re right, he’s no sprinter …and he’s in good hands!
Amazing Mystic Dan more than likely put away for remainder of year. After loss in Preakness, no reason pushing him three weeks later. My impression seems
warranted he required a break. Poor management by connections.
Were did you read this? Last thing I saw he was skipping the Travers and pointing for the Pennsylvania Derby.
Seems you usually have all the ‘answers’, right? Perhaps someone told me regarding Mystic Dan instead of the usual worthless opinions spewing from a “wild west show” some refer to as a racing site I never visit anymore.
You aren’t allowed to visit. You got kicked off.
Maybe can take a page from your worn out play book by deploying fifty different names.
Unlike yourself, not worth my time!!!
I have but one and I use it across multiple platforms, same as you.
Great you answered for Downthestretch- since you’re same jndividual! Lol Same ole sh** different day/ yr. Lol
Steve, or anyone else….do you remember a Seattle Slew colt named Le Prince ? He was entered in the 1990 Gotham as a first time starter, scratched, and ended up debuting in July. He won by 12 1/2 lengths in 1:22 2/5, faster than Carson City did in defeating Rubiano in an allowance on the same card. He was entered and scratched from the Jim Dandy and Travers, and never raced again
Betsy, if you search’ 1990 Press Photo LePrince son of Seattle Slew at Saratoga’ you’ll get a photo. Website: historicimages dot com
Beautiful pictures of a beautiful horse. Thank you for sharing them and telling us about them.
I see some overdue accolades have been awarded by the Racing Hall of Fame. Aristides, the first Kentucky Derby winner, and Lecomte, a memorable foe of the immortal Lexington, have made the Hall, along with Joe Hirsch, the first journalist to be named a pillar of the turf. Long overdue. Gun Runner and Justify are in too.
Mc Vay drew the 11 post at a mile, Saturday….gets blinkers, does not like kickback so I think Mike will send—big framed colt, hasn’t delivered on his lofty purchase price—I saw a horse entered today at Saratoga that went for more than a million, as a 2yo, but was sold at auction a couple weeks back for $15K….I still have faith in Mc Vay!…
Mc Vay isn’t the only horse who hasn’t lived up to purchase price.
No, Matthew. The Green Monkey at $16,000,000 paid at auction holds that record. He raced 3 times and came third once, Total prize money earned, $10,440.
Fingers crossed for a better performance, Matthew. Mc Vay seems to go one step forward then two steps backward.
Bitterly disappointing that Mindframe is out for the year but it could be a blessing in disguise. The drifting out worried me.
At least Speak Easy returned in fine fettle.
Can Scylla win the Clement L. Hirsch Stakes?
Davids, did you see Kyprios in the Goodwood earlier in the week?
The Hirsch should be a good race! It looks like we should have interesting fields all weekend. I am looking forward to seeing Next and Cogburn again. Additionally, I was surprised at how nice of a field the WV Derby drew!
Yes, Katy, I watched Kyprios win the Goodwood Cup for a second time no less. I’m hoping they may send him to the Melbourne Cup but the weight to carry may be the decider not to go.
Glorious Goodwood is lacking stellar performers this year so it’s a bit ho-hum for me. It’s been unseasonably biting cold this year in Melbourne which doesn’t help either. Ha ha
Junior Alvarado gave Neat a brilliant ride in the National Museum of Racing Hall of Fame Stakes today. Tomorrow, l hope he repeats that performance on Arthur’s Ride in the Whitney Stakes.
I responded to you earlier but it mustn’t have taken, as they say. Lots of great racing tomorrow at Saratoga and Del Mar to warm the heart, feet, toes, etc ha ha
Good luck with your favorites.
I knew you’d be happy about Neat!
I like Arthur’s Ride in the Whitney, too. It should be an interesting race with a lot of speed.
I was looking forward to the Saratoga Derby and the Troy. Sadly, we will have to wait to see a few of my favorite turf geldings (namely Witty and Dancing Buck) try Cogburn next week – weather permitting.
Stay warm today with good racing to keep you company! (I love microwavable hot packs from Flax Sak on Etsy, or similar.) We feel lucky with a high around 90 today, but still plenty of humidity – our daily thunderstorms are almost here.
Hope they all come home safe today!
PS – I suck and didn’t post this until after the Whitney, because the WiFi went out in the storm! Go Arthur!
Katy, I’m warning up with porridge and coffee but Arthur’s Ride’s performance in the Whitney was the best. I’ve been , and waiting for this performance you knew the talent was there.
Junior Alvarado is a wonderful jockey, always teaching horses during a race, and is having a brilliant year.
I completely agree! What a super athlete, too. That was brilliant to stay with Arthur and keep him from getting loose, still full of himself after the race! We all come off every now and then, but very few of us can reel in a spooled up racehorse as we do it. You just know it’ll be good when Junior Alvarado and Bill Mott get one going.
IF Arthur’s Ride and Senor Buscador both point to the BC Classic and make it in, I wonder what Junior will do? I haven’t heard much of Buscador lately, but riding good horses is just a good problem for Junior to have!
Katy, Senor Buscador has been working out since June 12, every 10 days or so at San Luis Rey then Del Mar from July onwards.
Nice to have those two options. Ha ha
Steve,
As always you do not disappoint. Thank you for sharing a more personal side of you relationship with Secretariat. My personal favorite of these photo’s is the one above the one with Ms Chenery. He has the ” Look of Eagles” pose. He had such magnificent presence and stood above all others in his day and even today!!!
As always Steve have a Great Week !!!
Me too! Red was taking a break from vamping fit to put a halter horse to shame, and STILL had the look of Eagles!
My favorite thing is that Eddie is using a lead with a stud chain, but he just has it looped and hooked to itself through the chin ring of the halter. Show me one of the Derby colts this year who were handled that easily and gently. I think I would have REALLY liked Secretariat as a horse.
This is a vapid comment, but the barn photos go to show: a beautifully conformed chestnut horse enhances any outfit! Her fashion sense was timeless, but I do love Eddie’s autumnal color scheme. His hat choices are on point throughout as well! Ralph Lauren should consider having Steve come recreate this scene for a Fall collection!
Steve, beautiful photos, especially the one at the Preakness, where he’s looking straight at you! And beautiful writing as usual. Thank you for sharing he was my favorite.♥️🐎
Thank you Marilyn
Coming late to the party, as I have been on a two-day exodus to Maine. I’m now perched on a bluff overlooking the ocean in an old cottage without wifi, but who knows? The page loaded and I may actually be able to post!
I love this selection of photographs, Steve. The ones at the training track, especially, capture those slow, almost suspended-in-amber moments before the horses begin their works. As I scrolled down without reading to see all of the pictures, the one that grabbed me is the black and white one with Secretariat stretched full out. Then when I read that section, I realized it was the model for the magnificent bronze which I remember from my visits to Belmont. I feel honored to know the very special man, as Lynda so correctly described you, who took the picture.
Thanks Ms. B Enjoy the beauty of the Maine coast.
Been to Maine many times.
And it’s usually a world of new discoveries every time, isn’t it Mike? A lot like the best moments in horse racing.
Presque Isle is great. So is Freeport.
Ms Blacktype, sing along “King of the Road”…
Simply outstanding Steve, and I really look forward to part 2. The photos and the stories compliment each other perfectly. Thank you for sharing your special relationship of Big Red with us.
My pleasure Diane and thank you
Wow, Steve, what a feast for the eyes. How fortunate that you were there to make this photographic record of him, added to your beautiful prose. And how fortunate these pictures were restored and preserved. I’m just enjoying looking at them over and over, scrolling up and down this article, and marveling at perfection. I think that, along with his close connections, you and he had a bond, and it shows in those photos.
So glad you enjoyed them Beth. Thank you. Stay tuned fo Part 2
Thanks Steve for digging out this vault, certainly wouldn’t want them turn turn into the Dead Sea Scrolls. For we Boomers you are of the ilk of Suetonius and Josephus bringing more depth to what we witnessed. Some of us are still here and many are not but Big Red’s records are still there and in my opinion will still be there long after us. I know it’s comparing Apples to Oranges these days but the apple Secretariat was is still the sweetest I’ve ever tasted!
Love your comment Derek!
I just wonder how those who saw the Triple Crown winners of the 40’s felt about the TC winners of the 70’s.
Never thought I would see Roman historians mentoned in a comment here. Thank you for going way out of the box to pull them out. Lol.
Just that Gentile crying in the wilderness!
Interesting question Derek.
Fantastic!
Steve, thank you for the story and for sharing the treasure trove of these pictures.
Reading this and looking at all the pictures were a wonderful ending to a very tiring work day. Greatest way to relax looking at Secretariat and reading Steve Haskin’s writing. Thank you so much.
I appreciate it, Bette. thank you very much
Priceless and professional
I’ve always told people he was the biggest “poser” of all the horses I’ve ever photographed. You’ve definitely got some great shots of him and I love knowing the stories behind them.
Thanks Kathy. I’m glad people enjoy the stories as well.
The content of your photos and emotions/moments captured are so beautiful and endearing. Thank You for bringing these out of the archives.
They are a treasure! 🏇💙
Thank you Todd
What a treat and a treasure, Steve! Breathtaking photos! Thank you!
Thank you very much.
Great pics and story! What a beautiful horse. Thanks for sharing the pics and history. Looking forward to part 2.
My pleasure. Thank you for your kind words
Steve, some years ago the farrier used here in Georgiatold me the story of the time he took his Pony Club members to Kentucky and one of their stops was a visit to Clairborne to visit Secretariat. This was in the late summer just a couple of months before he was put down.
Although Secretariat was in obvious distress and there were signs that he had been battling laminitis, he perked up immediately when the young girls walked up to him with their cameras and posed, turned his head, ears up.
My farrier friend told me that sparkle in his eyes returned when they started to pet him.
I think that is one thing, in addition to his amazing racing career, that endeared so many people to Secretariat was his personality.
The first time I saw him in the post parade before the Derby
(I was watching on a little B&W TV), and I looked into his eyes it was like he was looking into the depth of my soul. I will never forget that.
He knew and remembered you Steve and he could sense your love and appreciation of horses.
In this day and age of AI and photoshop and fancy cameras the photography is no match for the photos you captutred with your little camera. Your photos are candid, unrehearsed, not staged and not altered in any way.
I am going to try to print this out and put it with my Secretarist memorabilia so I can enjoy it over and over again.
Thank you for this. A very special man (you) captured the essence of two very special horses to me, Secretariat and Riva Ridge and of the people who brought both of them into my life and the lives of so many racing fans over 50 years ago.
PS, my Mom had a Brownie Kodak (black and white film was avaiable then) if anyone remembers those and my first camera was a Kodak Instamatic.
Thank you so much for for your kind words Lynda and that beautiful story. Gave me chills just picturing that scene. Your comment was wondnerful as usual.
Thank you Steve.
Looking forward to Part 2.
Never do I tire of reading anything you write. Bravo!
I really appreciate that Mike, thank you!
Mr. Haskin, my comments directed to you below Ms. Kings.
Wow! Your story & photos blows me away. Moving, and beautifully done – thank you!
I really appreciate it Diane. Thank you very much
Wonderful thank you for sharing Steve!
I always love your stories, Steve, and this one with the photos is a pleasure to read.
Thanks so much Jerre
beautifull photo a majestic horse, I have a tears in my eyes,…..thank you very much
gabriela
I appreciate it Gabriela. Thank you very much.
Perfection…you brought it all back to life. Thank you
Thank you CJ
This is what happens when you look through a lens and see perfection.
These photos moved me to tears. An extraordinary horse.
Thanks for sharing them.
I appreciate it Jo Anne. Thank you!
Thanks for sharing your wonderful photos of Secretariat, Riva Ridge, and Billy Silver along with the team from Meadow Stable. It’s terrific you saved them and rediscovered them with your move to Connecticut. I am sure it is a much shorter trip to Saratoga.
When a man is tired of Secretariat, he is tired of life, to paraphrase Samuel Johnson.
May we never, ever grow tired of Red and what you can share with us, sir.
And the picture of Eddie and Penny with Secretariat, on the grass…all three in their vibrant times, during that historic Triple Crown….is a treasure..
….with a couple of ankle wraps on a makeshift clothesline in the background…
I’m enjoying the photos, but I find the most interesting subject of the story yourself, Steve. We’ve all fallen in love with something, in this case racing, but lacked the means, will, or opportunity to fulfill it. Through perseverence, and maybe a little fate, you made a life of it. I can see you walking into a 1968 shop, buying the camera, and taking a train to the track to begin fulfilling your destiny.
That is very kind of you Todd. Thank you. I actually took the bus to Saratoga and bought the camera there after seeing what a magical place it was and needing to capture it. I even photographed the McDonalds across Broadway from my ancient hotel, Grossman’s Victoria. Thats long gone but the McDonalds is still there. I have written about that trip.
A true treasure trove! I’m so glad your photos found a home and that we can all enjoy them. I have Ray’s book. Next time I flip through it, I will think of you standing there with Ray, enjoying the magnificence that was Secretariat.
There is a photo of me in the book. page 73 in the oiginal printing. walking alongside Secretariat
I have the 2nd printing from 1975 and the picture is still there on page 73. I found the book in a used bookstore in Seattle many years ago. Tucked inside the book were newspapers clippings from the Washington Star after Secretariat’s Belmont victory.
That first picture, of Secretariat and Riva Ridge….two horses, one real good—the other real great!..Just a great picture, if this picture was in a book I would take great notice and pleasure, they’re not standing in pose, and not in race— but as the horses they are!….
That’s the way I tried to capture them, moe as horses than models.
Steve….you could put put a show—or a book–of your photography, you ate that good….capturing the great horses in motion–creates a “moving” experience for us viewers!..
I really appeciate that Matthew. Thank you very much. I hopee people enjoy them, especially those who never got to se him.
Thank you, Steve. These are such treasures! What a credit to your younger self that you recognized that Secretariat was a truly great horse.
I love how the light in September puts gold in everything. Secretariat just could not have been more magnificent if you had painted him!
I have known a few horses who love cameras, and I think they sense that we are showing adoration for them. All of them were highly oriented to humans, and had (have) a pleaser-type personality, very intelligent and trainable. It seems like Big Red was that way, too.
Thank you very much Katy
Ah…Steve, these photos of Secretariat are a feast for the eyes! They are both inspiring and energizing. They provided a perfect end to my day. Thanks for sharing them!
I really apprciate that\t. I hope they also tell a story and provide a look behind te scenes
They do indeed!
Steve, it seems so long ago now but so refreshing seeing your photographs of Secretariat and Riva Ridge once again. The monochrome photograph of Secretariat at speed during training is one of the best shots I’ve seen in racing. Perfect.
Thanks David. I hope tese photos add to te new look Secetariat.com/ They will always be special to me, Brings back memories of a time long ago
Steve, you were so clever in taking photographs so early on being able to have the physical remembrance especially as the mind can play tricks as you age. I wish I had the confidence at a young age to have invested in a camera. Young lads feel so self conscious they inhibit their own best interests at times.
Your photographs give everyone such pleasure. Mon amie.
Thats very kind of you David. Thank you again