Secretariat’s Triple Crown Cover to Cover
There is one aspect of the 1973 Triple Crown that is often overlooked in its importance to the legacy of Secretariat and that is something that happened away from the racetrack. But it created an awareness of this magnificent racehorse that had a profound effect on his exposure to the American public. ~ Steve Haskin
Secretariat’s Triple Crown Cover to Cover
By Steve Haskin
June 1973 Sports Illustrated, TIME, and Newsweek Covers
Shortly after the 1973 Preakness Stakes something occurred almost simultaneously at 225 Liberty Street, 251 West 57th Street, and 1271 Avenue of the Americas in New York City that was so unique in the world of journalism it may never be repeated.
Osborn Elliott, editor-in-chief of Newsweek magazine, Henry Grunwald, managing editor of Time magazine, and André Laguerre, managing editor of Sports Illustrated, three of the most iconic publications in America, all agreed to risk their reputation and winding up with egg on their face by putting a photo of a racehorse on the cover of their magazine and proclaiming him a super horse of almost mythical proportions BEFORE he was scheduled to prove himself worthy of such an accolade. It was unheard of for a major publication to jump the gun in such an overwhelming manner, especially with a subject as fragile and unpredictable as a Thoroughbred racehorse.
Secretariat had just won both the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes by 2 1/2 lengths over Sham and was about to attempt to add the Belmont Stakes and become racing’s first Triple Crown winner since Citation in 1948. But Sham would be no pushover, especially at the grueling distance of 1 1/2 miles. It was only weeks earlier that many people doubted Secretariat’s ability to stay the 1 1/4 miles of the Derby.
But when Secretariat won the Run for the Roses in track-record time, running each quarter faster than the one before, and then turned in one of the most electrifying moves ever seen on an American racetrack on the first turn of the Preakness Stakes, the three magazines all decided to get the jump on history and salute the country’s next superstar athlete even though he still had 12 demanding furlongs of Belmont Park real estate and a daunting foe standing between him and entrance into racing’s pantheon. A defeat would reduce the three magazine covers to nothing more than birdcage lining and have people asking how three of the most reputable magazines in the country could make such a blunder and put that heavy a burden on the shoulders of Secretariat and his connections. It would be the ultimate whammy.
Though each of the magazine covers display June 11 on their covers, in typical publication policy they actually were released preceding their post-dated edition dates and hit newsstands the week prior to the Belmont Stakes. In many ways it was this audacious, but courageous, decision to publish them before the big event that defined just how extraordinary an athlete Secretariat was, and demonstrated the adulation even some of the most prominent editors in American journalism had for him. This was like Time and Newsweek putting John F. Kennedy on the cover, calling him a superstar and doing a major feature on him a week before the presidential election. This was like Sports Illustrated putting Cassius Clay on the cover and proclaiming him sport’s next hero a week before his heavyweight title fight against Sonny Liston. There have been very few people in history, and now a racehorse, who have had the mystique and the hold on one’s imagination to give three national magazines confidence to do what they normally would never consider doing. Secretariat had broken through the sports barrier and infiltrated the realm of national news before proving himself worthy of such acceptance.
Frank Deford was the senior writer for Sports Illustrated from 1962 to 1989 and a revered figure in the world of sports with a gift for turning a phrase. Later in 1973 he took it upon himself to cover Secretariat’s final race, the Canadian International at Woodbine. After Big Red demolished his opponents Deford did something you would rarely if ever see a writer of his stature do. He wrote afterward, “I went down to the finish line and snatched up the very grass where, best I could tell, the supreme champion’s hooves had last touched a racetrack. I stuffed it in my pocket and took it home.” You could understand looking back how someone that awestruck by a racehorse would never doubt the result of the Belmont Stakes.
In the story accompanying the Newsweek cover, which showed Secretariat winning the Preakness with the banner “Superhorse,” the magazine’s lead sports writer Pete Axthelm wrote, “No horseman has to be reminded when he is in the commanding presence of a racehorse as rare and brilliant as Secretariat.” He continued, “Secretariat generates a crackling tension and excitement wherever he goes. Even in the kind of gray weather that shrouds lesser animals in anonymity, Secretariat’s muscular build identifies him immediately; his gleaming reddish coat and rippling power. When he accelerates he produces a breathtaking explosion that leaves novices and hardened horsemen alike convinced that for one of those moments that seldom occur in any sport they have witnessed genuine greatness.”
Time magazine, which had a striking head shot of Secretariat with the same “Super Horse” title and a story with the headline “Wow Horse Races Into History,” said of the colt, “He has a neck like a buffalo, a back as broad as a sofa. His chest is so deep and wide that it takes a custom-made girth to hold the saddle. And he is still growing.” They concluded by saying, “Thus the horse owners continue to chase their rainbows, knowing that the gold will elude most of them most of the time. Every one of them will be imagining himself in Penny Tweedy’s place this Saturday afternoon as her superhorse makes his run at racing history.”
And so the American public was now aware of this modern-day Pegasus, and everyone, whether a racing fan or not, was prepared to see him make history in the Belmont Stakes. After all, if three of the most powerful and reputable publications in the country were willing to go out on such a precarious limb and do something so unprecedented and daring how can anyone doubt the outcome.
Imagine the look on the faces of Frank “Pancho” Martin and Sigmund Sommer, the respective trainer and owner of the all but forgotten Sham, when they saw those covers. A breathtaking physical specimen in his own right, with his glistening and dappled seal brown coat, Sham’s courage in the Kentucky Derby, in which he knocked two of his teeth out hitting the starting gate and returned with a bloody mouth, went overlooked by many. And his connections felt that Secretariat’s spectacular move in the Preakness caught Sham’s jockey Laffit Pincay Jr. by surprise and he was unable to make up any of the lengths Secretariat gained on him. Although Martin felt strongly the Belmont would be a different story, it seemed the public and the media had already placed racing’s most exalted crown on Secretariat’s head..
America could only wonder what amazing feats Secretariat could perform in the Belmont to top his Kentucky Derby, becoming the first horse to break the 2:00 mark for 1 1/4 miles while shattering Northern Dancer’s track record. And what he could do to stun the crowd even more than they were stunned by his jaw-dropping early move in the Preakness?
Regardless of what amazing feats lay ahead in the Belmont, Secretariat, thanks in part to the three magazine covers, had already provided a respite from the typical headlines and magazine covers everyone was seeing every week. His face on the cover of Time with the headline “Super Horse” was such a stark contrast to the magazine’s covers and headlines in 1973 it seemed totally out of place. Each week Americans were looking at Time with cover headlines that read: “Richard Nixon the Watergate Scandal”… “Nixon on the Brink”… “War in the Middle East”… “Vanishing Ozone”… “Nixon Beyond Vietnam”… “Watergate Breaks Wide Open,”… “The Push to Impeach.”
As the Baltimore Sun put it, “Secretariat was a controversy proof superstar to watch and appreciate without the residue of any political division or partisanship.”
Secretariat had become something pure, honest, and beautiful during troubled times. Even in sports he provided a welcome breath of fresh air, with the 1972 and ’73 World Series won by baseball’s controversial bad boys the Oakland Athletics. And people were still reeling from the previous year’s Olympics when 11 Israeli Olympic team members were taken hostage and ultimately murdered by Arab terrorists. In short, America needed Secretariat, and Time, Newsweek, and Sports Illustrated were determined to make sure the country was aware of this magnificent, larger than life athlete who had already brought joy and countless thrills to so many people, beginning with his rare feat of being crowned Horse of the Year as a 2-year-old and being syndicated for a record $6.08 million.
But putting hm on the cover at this point in the Triple Crown and proclaiming him a superhorse was like a theater critic writing his review of a lavish Broadway musical and calling it the greatest show of all time even before seeing the second act. But somehow all three magazines could foresee Secretariat’s performance bringing down the house to spark the most rousing standing ovation in the history of the racing stage.
However, not even the editors of Time, Newsweek, and Sports Illustrated could have imagined the magnitude of what Secretariat would accomplish on that unforgettable, nearly 90-degree day in June. By winning the Belmont by an astounding 31 lengths and obliterating Gallant Man’s track record with a mile and a half in 2:24, which no one has come even remotely close to in 50 years, Secretariat seemed to raise the equine genus to another level.
He turned racecaller Chic Anderson’s words, “Secretariat is moving like a tremendous machine,” into timeless literature. He inspired the New York Times headline “A Horse for the Ages” following the Belmont. He had his owner, known for her class and dignity, flailing her arms about in celebration like an unrestrained teenager.
Whitney Tower, covering the race for Sports Illustrated, wrote: “As Secretariat thundered down the homestretch at Belmont Park to the roar of nearly 70,000 fans, he took on legendary stature.”
Even today when people watch the Belmont on the archival film that remains, whether for the first or 100th time, it still brings the same tears and goosebumps it brought those who saw it live. Those images are as eternal as the big red horse himself. The Baltimore Sun wrote recently, “People gravitated to his remarkable talent. When you watch the grainy footage of Secretariat’s win at the Belmont Stakes by 31 lengths, to win the Triple Crown, it looks otherworldly.”
Secretariat would go on to transcend not only Thoroughbred racing, but sports in general, and his name still resonates in everyday conversation, becoming part of its vernacular. To demonstrate the mystique that still surrounds him a half-century later, the saddle owned by jockey Ron Turcotte that was placed on Secretariat’s back by trainer Lucien Laurin before the Belmont Stakes, and all his races, recently was sold privately to Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay — to go on public display as part of his traveling collection of iconic American cultural artifacts — for a phenomenal $2 million.
Even the three magazine covers remain an everlasting tribute to Secretariat. In a 50th anniversary resolution from the Kentucky State Governor’s office, it read: “WHEREAS, Secretariat is the most celebrated racehorse of all time and has forever raised the bar by which all Thoroughbreds are measured, gracing the covers of Time, Sports Illustrated, and Newsweek and being named the only non-human ranked among ESPN’s 50 Greatest Athletes of the 20th Century…”
The Time magazine photo showed up again 26 years after the Belmont. On November 18, 1999, as part of the Celebrate the Century Series, the U.S. Postal Service issued a limited 33-cent stamp of Secretariat, using the same head shot.
Then in 2021, Lelands’ Spring Classic auction unveiled a never before seen Time magazine alternate cover design that was considered for their June 11, 1973 issue. For almost five decades the only documented proof of this unpublished cover could be found in Penny Tweedy’s private collection.
“We are proud to offer this truly unique piece of racing history that represents the never-before publicly seen conceptual design for the cover of the iconic publication,” Lelands said.
The alternate layout showed a smiling Penny Tweedy dominating the cover, with a head-on Secretariat seemingly running right off the page. Time had presented the framed cover layout to Penny as a gift.
Lelands called it, “A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to own a priceless piece of racing history representing a once-in-a-lifetime horse and the woman who was his voice during his racing career and beyond.”
Between the alternate cover and the steady stream of covers of all three magazines still being sold on eBay, this journalistic phenomenon still lives on as an integral part of the most historic Triple Crown in history.
Of course when we think of the 1973 Triple Crown it is all about Secretariat’s three record-breaking performances, but what should not be forgotten is the faith three of the nation’s leading magazines had in a Thoroughbred racehorse, despite the unpredictability of the breed and how easily and dramatically its good fortunes can change in a heartbeat. They simultaneously decided to elevate Secretariat to a height of public awareness never witnessed in the world of sports, even with his ultimate goal not yet completed.
The wonder of Secretariat never ceases to amaze us, not only because of its profound effect on horse racing, sports, and American culture, but its longevity. But the truth is, 50 years is not a long time compared to eternity. For that is how long the name Secretariat will live on in our mind and our heart as the truest and purest form of greatness.
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 thanks so much for your fantastic articles and making the triple crown so much more fun ! Just rewatched secretariat amazing Belmont ! I’m
Drawn to the forgotten losers in the race twice a prince my gallant and especially private smiles what became of them after their taking a very supporting part In Secretariats immortal race Sham we know but private smiles ? Thanks and here’s to a safe Belmont for all
Twice A Prince ran all of his 23 races in 1973 as a 3 year old. He graded stakes placed in 4 races to include the Belmont and the Jockey Club Gold Cup. In that race he finished third to the horse that defeated Secretariat in the Woodward, Prove Out. Prince showed some promise. I read on a face book posting that early the following year he suffered an injury in training. He underwent successful surgery but a few months after recovery, possibly in April, he developed laminitis and tragically had to be put down. He ran all his races as a 3. My Gallant had a good career on the track winning and placing in graded stakes. As a stallion he was a nice black type producer. He died in Florida the same year that Secretariat died, 1989, at the age of 19. For a horse with a fabulous pedigree chart which included the likes of Man O War, Pvt. Smiles didnt do much on the track. He did place in the G1 Jersey Derby to Sigmund Sommers Knightly Dawn, his finest performance, but beyond that it seems he faltered. After 19 starts he recorded no wins, 3 places and 1 show. The remainder of his life is a mystery. He records no progeny.
A filly named Lily Poo is running in a stakes race at Santa Anita today.
Should if I could bet on her.
My grey Arab mare is named Divine Easter Lily.
When she is bad which is quite often, I call her Lily Poo when I have to fuss at her.
LOL!!!
My granddaughter’s name is lily
That’s right, she is and she is as pretty as a lily!
Questions regarding the suspension of Churchill Downs racing…
Why are they waiting for June 7th. It should start immediately. Is the $3 million available purse money this weekend be the reason?
Why Ellis Park? Is it because EP is owned by CDI? Since the distance is about 130 miles wouldn’t horses still be working and training at CD before being vanned to EP? What is the purpose of that?
I understand CDI was against the move to Ellis Park..
Well I blew that one!
Congratulations Auguste Rodin!
Have a great weekend everyone
Not as bad as me, Lynda. I didn’t know they run the Darby early on the card. I set the DVR for 9 and was lucky to catch the recap at the end of the tape. Auguste Rodin is a remarkable horse running down that (American) longshot. Is Aiden O’Brien invincible, or does he always have the best horses?
MsB, I thought the race was going to be between AR and Arrest.
Ryan Moore rode AR beautifully.
AR is such a lovely horse and so beautifully bred and very lighty inbred. (goes back to Secretariat through his dam).
Aiden hit a slump for awhile a few years back as I think most trainers do.
Personally I think he is the best Thoroughbred horse trainer in the world (probably get some kickback on that).
Aiden does get great horses, his training methods are admirable (in my opinion) and he a very humble man and always appreciative of all their efforts. He and Ryan Moore make a great team.
Is he invincible…no, guess no one is though.
I have come to have such an appreciation of International horse racing in the past decade, Ireland, Japan, The Emirates.
Read something interesting this morning that AR is from Deep Impact’s last foal crop ( 11 foals).
AR winning the Epsom Derby meant that Deep Impact sired at least one Classic winner in all his crops.
That just brought a tear or two. Such a tragic loss to the Thoroughbred breeding world.
Awesome run by King of Steel, his connections must be so proud.
I so enjoy a good horse race and that was a good, good race (in my opinion).
Aidan O’Brien can be acknowledged as a genius who belongs and perpetuates a dynasty.
His horse training IQ is greater than 140 and his Stats are clear upshot of his brilliance.
Well said Nelson!
One of our greatest days was me being invited to Ballydoyle and Coolmore and driving around with Aidan in his car watching the horses train and seeing all the big horses at that time. Aidan never ever forgets someone’s name and when he gives instrructions to his exercise riders he makes sure he calls everyone of them by name and I’m talking about a set of som 30 riders. Then we lft for Cooolmore and lunch at the farm and seeing Sadler’s Wells and Danehill. Then dinner with the staff in town. Amazing day. Aidan is 100% for real and the nicest person you’ll ever meet.
Lynda, now you’ve piqued my interest about O’Brien, what stands out to you about his training methods? As I watched the horses in the paddock and warm-ups, they seemed so much more relaxed than our Tbreds, more horsey, if you like.
And yes, I heard an announcer mention AR was from the last crop of Deep Impact, both a great racer and sire, the foremost carrier of the Sunday Silence line in Japan. (Although I just looked up King of Steel’s pedigree and there’s nothing American about it. Perhaps the ownership is American?)
Ms B
King of Steel is by Wootton Bassett out of Eldacar.
He was bred in Kentucky by BCF Services LLC and sold at the 2021 Keeneland Yearling Auction to British connections.
Wooton Bassett is owned by Coolmore Ireland and has shuttled but I do not know if he ever came to America and if Eldacar was bred here or if she was sent to Ireland to be bred and returned to Kentucky.
Bred in Kentucky means that he (King’s Steel) was born in Kentucky.
You have to go back a bit but he does have an American pedigree.
Wootton Bassett’s great grandsire was Gone West.
WB’s dam Balladonia’ damsire was Chief’s Crown by Danzig and out of Six Crowns whose sire was Secretariat.
King of Steele’s dam Eldacar was by Verglas out of Rahaam. Rahaam’s sire Secreto who was out of Betty’s Secret (by Secretariat).
Other lines include Tom Rolfe, Sir Gaylord (out of Something Royal); Dr Fager and an additional line back to a Secretariat daughter, Secretive, just mention a few.
Granted King’s Steele does not have a typical American Thoroughbred pedigree, at least in the first couple of generations but going back to the 4th and 5th and beyond, he has a lot of American blood in his pedigree.
Secretariat did sire a stallion that continued his sire line but through his many daughters, he certainly passed on his legacy.
Correction: Secretariat dot NOT sire a stallion.
WOW, Lynda, that’s quite an exegesis on King of Steel’s family background. That he was foaled in Kentucky would explain why the British TV feed called him “American.” In general, pedigrees worldwide appear to be drenched with the same dominating sires — More Than Ready, Danehill, and before those two, Northern Dancer and Mr. P. Good to see all that Secretariat blood in King of Steel’s pedigree, proving it’s not just the tail-male that matters.
Aidan does it again with Auguste Rodin.
On to the FA Cup…City should beat United but Manchester can’t lose.
King O’Brian achieved a ninth victory in the Derby with Auguste Rodin.
The public kept its faith (9/2 final odds) in a horse that was a top 2-year-old for a long-established powerhouse.
You may have some data about that but it looks like the greatest bounce back ever in the Epsom Derby.
Augustin Rodin belongs to the last crop of the late Deep Impact (Sunday Silence) … what a loss was the passing of Deep Impact at the young age of 7. The impactful Sire produced only 14 crops with more than 60 Grade One winners out of 1714 starters and total earnings close to 800 million dollars.
It sure was a good decision by John Magnier sending his mare (Rhododendron) to Japan. He made possible for a Japanese Sire to produce his first Epsom Derby winner. Another international accolade for Japan.
Nelson, you missed the 1, ha ha Deep Impact was sadly euthanized at age 17. I always tend to believe what Aidan has to say about his horses and he blamed the earlier than usual trip to Newmarket, from Ireland, for Auguste Rodin’s loss in the 2,000 Guineas due to the Coronation. He was so high on Auguste Rodin over winter. Lack of rain may have affected quite a few runners in the Derby but Arrest lost any chance before the race even started. That’s racing.
Man City won the FA Cup which was brilliant, now will they take the historic Treble? Overcoming Internazionale Milano in the UEFA Champions League final in Istanbul on 10 June won’t be a push over though.
Thanks for the correction … Yes I missed the 1 … Deep Impact died at 17 years old.
Auguste Rodin was O’Brien’s best prospect for the 3-year-old Classics and the son of Deep Impact lived up to the hype..
Hope he can keep his winning ways the rest of the year.
I could watch the game as I was counting on ABC channel to broadcasted but it did no happen… and DAZN does not have the rights…
Anyway, I will make sure to catch the UEFA CL final next Saturday.
Nelson, the Irish Derby on July 2 could be a very interesting race especially if there is some moisture around. You would presume Auguste Rodin will be pointed toward the Irish Derby now and any ideas on the St Leger Stakes now forgotten.
At Churchill Downs on Friday two inexperienced Tapit 3 year olds, with impeccable pedigrees, showed signs that their futures could be quite quite ominous if they keep improving. The colt, Magic Tap, who is a half to Grade 1 winner American Gal, looks set for a stakes race in the near future but it was the beautiful full sister to Tacitus, Scylla, that really dazzled.
Scylla, a daughter of Close Hatches, comes from the great family of Best in Show. Go further back in the female line and Nijinsky’s female line connects through Torpenhow. It’s no surprise that this family continually provide offspring to perform at a Classic distances all over the racing world.
What bad luck for the Oisin Murphy, and Howden with Running Lion being withdrawn at the start, the Gosdens were lucky though, they also had Soul Sister in the race. You only get one chance to win the Classic races. Good for Frankie Dettori though, let’s hope he wins the Epsom Derby on Arrest as well.
Is it true? Churchill Downs closing and races moving to Ellis Park?
Stephen Foster will be running at EP.
Yes its true.
Thanks
Emily Uphohn and Frankie..YES, YES, YES!!!
Soul Sister (by Frankel) with Frankie Dettori on board has won the Epsom Oaks!
Congratulations!
Didnt look like a strong race, but Dettori may win every classic on his farewell tour. That would be typical for racing’s greatest showman. Looks like Arrest is next.
Thank you, Steve, for a well-written piece about a horse I despised at the time he won the Triple Crown. Why you might ask, did I feel such animosity towards such a beautiful specimen of horseflesh? I was a preteen who had recently discovered horse-racing, and was upset partly at the way Secretariat’s fans compared him to Man o’ War, calling him Big Red. I did not see him as coming close to Da Mostest Hoss. But the main reason I didn’t join in singing accolades was because Secretariat’s rising star pushed my first love, Sham, into obscurity.
I can look more objectively now, and appreciate what Secretariat accomplished.
I think most of us have, at one time or another, failed to appreciate an outstanding horse because we loved his chief rival. I didn’t give Affirmed and Sunday Silence the credit they deserved because I was a fan of Alydar and Easy Goer. But as you mentioned, history and time do give you a different, or more complete, perspective.
Jiffy, I was on the other side of the Easy Goer vs. Sunday Silence rivalry. I loved that gangly colt who didn’t get the respect I felt he deserved. He wound up in Japan as we all know, creating strong bloodlines for Japanese racing. Their gain, our loss.
Yes, he turned out to be phenomenal. Few horses have revolutionized a whole country’s breeding the way he did. Maybe there was just something about his bloodlines that clicked with those in Japan. But whatever the explanation, he was a remarkable sire.
As a fanatical Damascus fan I didnt despise Dr. Fager but he was the enemy. I feared him but respected him. I wound up writing his biography and became very close friends with his trainer John Nerud.
Side note about Dr. Fager….saw the 1968 Californian live on Channel 2 in LA with Gil Stratton after my father placed bets on the race at the foreign book at Aqua Caliente. Not to take anything away from this brilliant champ (Dr. Fager) but the horse had the perfect trip to win. Sat just inside on the rail and slightly behind the premier California sprinter at the time, Kissin’ George, stalking KG most of the way down the backstretch and waiting for the horse to tire, then made his move hugging the rail all the time while holding off a game Gamely to win. A perfect trip by Braulio Baeza.
He also overcame flying cross country two weeks after winning the Roseben Handicap, breaking from post 11 in a 1 1/16 mile race, carrying topweight of 130 pounds, and being rank early.
And you did a very good job writing that biography, Steve. I was too young, I never saw Dr. Fager race, never even heard of him until he was long gone. But he’s joined the ranks of my favorites after watching videos I’ve seen of him running, and after reading your book.
Steve, I am continually amazed not only by the depth of your knowledge about horse racing but also your skill and talent as a writer to make the connection between historical events in America and rhe oldest spectator sport in America. I almost always learn something from each and every one of your articles. This article is no exception. I did not know that these 3 magazine covers were a gamble taken by the publishers that Secretariat would win his place in history.
Secretariat comes to mind in the form of a quote from a poem:
“Through his mane and tail the high wind sings”
William Shakespeare, “Venus and Adonis”
The 1973 Triple Crown races were his windsong for a nation desperately in need of a diversion from the chaos.
Fast forward 50 years and we find ourselves in the same if not worse chaotic state than our nation was in during 1973.
This year, however, did not bring us a “horse hero”. We are left to remember and recall and retell our experience watching Secretariat carve his legacy and legendary status that will stand for fifty more years not only because he won the Triple Crown but how he won it and when he won it.
Thank you so much Lynda. I really appreciate you kind and always articulate words. I have always enjoyed not only chronicling history in a story telling manner but fiding new angles in which to tell it. Thank you for picking up on that. Historcal columns, even on Secretariat, dont get nearly as many comments as current columns or Derby related columns/Rankings, as you can see. But I have to resign myself to the realization that history aint what it used to be and that is why you rarely see any young people commenting. The interest just isnt there, which I find sad.
The Shakespeare line reminds me of the old Arab proverb, “The air of heaven is that which blows beetween a horse’s ears.”
Your last graph is very profound and says it all. When our “superstars” race 6 times they beecome a mighty wind that blows through and is quickly gone. How many times as the name Flightline been mentioned thisi year…one year after his spectacular three-race reign? Its not about how long it will endue as much as will it endure. Racing was so much more a part of our culture when we had true superstars and no one cryng out for the abolishing of the sport. The best part of racng today is the awareness of aftercare and providing horses, no matter how bad they were on the track, with a second life.
You’re so right, Steve. It seems as if Flightline’s been nearly forgotten. All-too-brief racing careers and all-too-short attention spans are not the greatest combination.
If you mention Flightline the haters go bonkers, as if it’s the horse that decided on six races….I got to see his third and fifth race he could run some….
Thank you Steve for the kind words.
I find myself leaving this sport and then being drawn back into it…wash, rinse, repeat.
On another note have you read the new rules that go into effect immediately at CHD? Guess I have to ask if they are based on studies and research or just knee jerk reactions?
I did see them and I like them. It’s a good start to help eliminate injuries in a non veterinary/medical way, especially taking away the temptation to run horses just for the sake of picking up a piece of the purse. Lets hope it works.
Hopefully they will help and I do totally with eliminating payouts to get a piece of the purse.
Just from a personal viewpoint, however, I think that today’s training methods are a major factor.
That of course will be a hard sell to change.
If you recall there was some discussion on a previous article regarding Dr Larry Bramaledge of Rood and Riddle’s research that keeping these horses stalled 22 out of 24 hours a day is contributing to bone loss that is resulting in fragile legs that are prone to fracture.
Another change I would like to see is longer warm up time before a race. Those few minutes spent on the track “warming up” are not sufficient to warm up leg muscles.
Look how the Europeans warm up. None of this walking with the pony and then a casual gallop to the gate. The Euros really stretch their legs in a fast gallop and have a longer way to go to get to the gate.
So do the Japanese!
We seem to hurry horses out of their stalls, into the saddling area or paddock and lead them quickly onto the track and pony them for that little casual gallop you mentioned for a few minutes and hustle into the start gate.
Sometimes I think it is a miracle that more of them do not wash out before the race than they do.
Was it always this way?
It makes total sense to me that stalling a horse 90% of the time would contribute to bone loss. I remember an article Steve wrote about Afleet Alex, who used to go to the track sometimes twice a day to jog or gallop. When he had surgery, the surgeon commented that normally when drilling into bone, she’d have to take the drill bit out twice to let it cool down, but Alex’s bone was so dense that she had to take the drill out five times. She felt his training regimen probably contributed to his good bone density.
arlingtonfan, I remember that article.
It was said that Secretatiat had such dense bone that it take a chainsaw to cut through it. That is probably an exaggeration of course, but you can see how dense his cannons were in photos throughout his racing career and after he retired.
I just cannot help but think that Dr B and others are spot on in this theory.
Lynda, i guess it is not new to see our society as irretrievably lost, but i can’t imagine things were ever this far gone. I don’t believe a Secretariat could have an impact now. Not trying to be a downer, because there is still beauty in the world if you can somehow block out the rest.
I believe American Pharoah did have an impact. He did what nobody had done in 37 years, what many people had never seen, and what some said was impossible. A friend whose daughter lives in Saratoga said the whole town was a madhouse during Travers week, and 15,000 people showed up just to watch him work. I found his Belmont more emotional than Secretariat’s because of the circumstances, even though, of course, it wasn’t nearly as great. I was on Cloud Nine for days because the impossible had finally been done and I saw it.
Thank you Steve. History can not be re-written on the greatest thoroughbred horse ever to race. Unbelievable! I would have paid a lot of money to watch a Secretariat v Flightline match. Oh to dream!
Steve, I remember the “Time Magazine” and “Newsweek” covers really well as my father subscribed to both magazines. We were living in the Netherlands at the time but everything was airmailed over. The funny thing is I can’t remember on whether the magazines arrived before or after the running of the Belmont Stakes. I guess beforehand but I’m not sure now. Secretariat has always been a slight enigma to me because I only saw television snippets of his races and the videos of his races are not the best quality.
Reading your articles about Secretariat are always fascinating to read as Secretariat has always come across more as a mythical beast than simply a truly great racehorse to me. Physically, he seemed to dwarf the horses around him or his star quality just outshone the opposition.
This weekend is outstanding for European racing, we have the English Oaks on Friday, the Epsom Derby on Saturday and the Prix du Jockey Club on Sunday at beautiful Chantilly. I like Running Lion for the Oaks, Frankie Dettori to grab another Derby with Arrest, and Continuous might just win the French Derby.
Aidan O’Brien has a chance of improving on his already remarkable record of 400 Group/Grade 1 wins. Now there’s a record that will never be beaten. Enjoy the racing.
Well see if Running Lion will stay. Soul Sister should be tough. Derby is wide open. Arrest looked good at Chester for a big horse. I dont think he beat much, but Dettori has that final tour vibe going for him. Sprewell and Dubai Mile and waipiro could be longshots to watch. Keep an eye on White Birch if he doesnt get left again. Big late kick.
The big mystery is Auguste Rodin. Aidan thought he could win the Triple Crown with him but he was a total bust in the Guineas. Who knows what happened, but he has talent.
The lads were blaming the earlier than usual trip over to Newmarket, due to the coronation security, as the cause of Auguste Rodin flop. They are expecting a reversal of fortune in the Derby.
The lads certainly got the reversal of fortune they expected from Auguste Rodin = Aidan O’ Brien and Ryan Moore triumphal again when it counts.
Yes, Steve, I liked White Birch’s last run and The Foxes might be a surprise as well but I’m still with Arrest for the Derby. Should be a good race.
My problem with the Dante is the number of horses within 2 lengths of the winner. That usually means its a weak field. But well see. White birch at least overcame another bad start. He has to learn how to break.
Steve, Jessie Harrington’s Sprewell might be another danger here although you are just guessing with the firm ground. Will Galileo get his sixth Derby winner, Frankel his second Derby winner or will another son of Galileo sire a Derby winner. Aidan was/is so high on Auguste Rodin as though the race is a mere formality.
The firm ground is worrying me a bit for Arrest, but he’s won on it before.
Arrest, Auguste Rodin and Military Order are my picks to win the Epsom Derby. Long shot Adelaide River.
So much on the line. Will Auguste Rodin find redemption after his failure in his last race? How fitting that he goes back to Secretariat through his dam, Rhododendron?
Will Frankie as he takes his final bows thrill us with another leap out of the saddle at the end of the race?
If Arrest or Military Order wins it will add a 3rd Epsom Derby winner for Frankel.
One more little bit of news, foal watch has started for Zenyatta. She was bred to War Front for 2023.
Hoping three times is a charm and she safely delivers a strong and healthy foal by War Front.
Saw a photo of her this morning and she has dropped low. Could be any day now.
Arrest sure looked good working at Epsom last week. Handled Tattenham corner really well
You are in the money Lynda…Your picks will be taking more than 60% of the betting money. Arrest will be tough to defeat but there are half dozen others looking for a prominent finish in the 1 1/2-mile Derby.
After Steve mentioned White Birch as a possible long shot I watched his performance in the Dante Stakes at York… the son of Ulysses (IRE) by Galileo (IRE)) was really impressive with a powerful late rally after a slow break.
But the unluckiest one in that Dante was Passenger (B.c.3 Ulysses (IRE) – Dilmun (USA) by War Front (USA), USA) and he will be my exclusive longshot. Dubai Mile (Roaring Lion) and The Foxes (Churchill) are good choices to a successful exotic combinations.
It is quite remarkable how Galileo continues his dominance in the European chief Stakes. Out of the 14 runners of the Epsom Derby only Dubai Mile and King of Steel don’t have Galileo in their pedigrees.
Happy week end of racing Lynda.
Thank you Nelson.
Totally agree about Galileo. His influence will be felt for many, many years. He left many stallions to carry on his sire line and his legacy.
The reason I picked Adelaide River was pedigree. He is by Australia and his damnsire is War Front. His damline also goes back to Dixieland Band.
BTW where did you see Zenyatta pregnant…?
Nelson, I am Facebook friends with a wonderful woman who lives in Lexington, Kentucky and she visits the farms frequently. She posted a photo of Zenyatta that she took yesterday with a note that the foal watch has started. I knew Zenyatta was bred to War Front last year but did not know exactly when she was due.
You might recall how beautiful her War Front filly was and sadly died in a pasture accident when she was about 9 months old. Her next War Front foal, a colt, only lived a few days. He had a severe bacterial infection as the result of inhaling fecal contaminated embryonic fluid during the foaling process.
Zenny has had the worst luck as a broodmare. All of these things happen to other mares including slipping a foal or aborting late term etc but not to the same mare.
She looks absolutely gorgeous in the photo and she has obviously dropped.
Thanks to Penny Chenery and her progeny for keeping the the amazing story of one of racing’s super horses inspiring and relevant. She would be so proud of her family, Steve Haskin, Ronnie Turcotte, and Leonard Lusky for continuing to keep Secretariat’s legacy current.
And as she was one of the first supporters of HISA, she would have been upset about the recent deaths of a dozen horses at Churchill Downs. Thank goodness her support of HISA, good things will happen and racing will survive. She not only saved Meadow Stable but might be the savior of the Sport of Kings and Queens 50 years after Big Red’s Triple Crown.
HISA had an emergency conference of veterinarians in Kentucky to address these unfortunate deaths at CDI.There is an ongoing thorough investigation including necropsies, medical records, medications, previous physical exams, and lab tests.
Thank goodness for the memories of Big Red and the continued work done in his memory.
Well said, Terri!
Thanks Jeff.
Great post Terri.
I think we sometimes forget or perhaps neglect to mention Penny’s legacy, what she contributed to the sport and the industry and the glass ceilings she not only broke through but in many cases, shattered.
Thanks Lynda for your lovely compliment. And thanks for bringing up a very influential breeder, owner, and innovator in Thoroughbred racing: Ms. Penny Chenery. And it is no coincidence that you also brought up one of the most prominent Equine Queens living in Kentucky: Zenyatta.
Zenyatta was the first horse to receive Secretariat Vox Populi award which was conceived by Ms. Chenery. And I believe that equine athletes like Zenyatta were her inspiration in creating an award voted for by the horse racing fans. After Zenyatta won the Breeders Cup Classic she did not receive an Eclipse Award for Horse of The Year. Ms. Penny took care of that by giving her the Vox Populi award.
My father and our neighbor, Ed McMahon, both rabid racing fans, decided to take me and Jimmy his son to the Belmont to see racing history. We’d all seen him multiple times at Saratoga, up close when the paddock was still open and they saddled under the trees. He won there thrice at two. My dad was there for the initial allowance win and I remember him coming home that day and telling me he had just seen the second coming and the buzz was that he actually was. I was 12. Being race horse crazy, it would have taken a lot less for me to vow to be there the next time he ran. And I was. It was the Sanford. I saw him in all of his magnificence serenely making his way around his two trees before saddling. He won, of course. My dad and I were there together for the Hopeful. He won, of course. In the interim, while waiting for the Derby the next year, we’d watch the few of his races that were televised at the time. (Thank you TVG, HRTV, CBS, NBC, America’s Best Racing over the years). I cassette taped the TV broadcasts of the Derby and the Preakness on a recorder I was given for Christmas. Haywood Halbrune, Frank Whittaker, and Charlsea Cantey were the best TV racing correspondent team in history. Ever. Period. When my father told me he and Ed had decided to go to the Belmont and take us with them I couldn’t believe it. I secretly forgave him for all the years there was not a pony staked out in the yard on my birthday. We drove down the night before, stayed in a hotel and got up very early to get to Belmont to stake out seats. We accomplished our mission as we were there long before any other spectators. I even wore a dress which signaled to the unnoticing world what a monumental occasion I considered this to be. Throngs of people. Almost overwhelming. I had dutifully brought my camera and went to the paddock well in advance to get pictures to memorialize the fact that I was there that day. What I did not count on was losing my bearings back to our seats amidst the masses making their way back from the paddock to the stands. I could hear the announcer make those last minute comments as post time is approaching and panicking that I had no time to get back to my seat. The race had begun and my mind was racing with it as the announcer was drown out by the crowd from the second the gate opened. Deafening. I decided to just elbow my way through the tightly packed humanity at the top of the seats to find a viewing place on the steps. With no race call I had no idea w where the horses were in their journey. A nice man saw me and offered for me to stand on his seat so I could see as everyone was on their feet for the entire race. Well, I got up there and saw horses entering the stretch. I did not see him. What had happened? Did he get left at the gate? Broken down? Lost the jock? What? I missed it. I missed it all. I have those pics of him in the paddock beforehand and we went back for the Marlboro Cup (which I made sure I did not miss with the same mistake), but nothing can erase that feeling of loss of not seeing what really happened that day. Thank you, Mr. Haskin, for your memory provoking piece. Long live Secretariat.
Tamarra: What a wonderful memory to share with all of us! Perhaps the reason you didn’t “see” Secretariat on the track was that he was so far in front, 12 lengths at the top of the stretch if my memory is right.
That was exactly it. Thank you for reading Ms Blacktype.
I remember these covers and rejoicing at seeing Secretariat dominate at the newsstand.
I got a similar rush upon seeing American Pharoah on the cover of Sports Illustrated after his Belmont. Even though the photo’s focus seemed to be on all the phones taking pictures, I basked for a long time just staring at this (culturally relevant) celebration of a renewed interest horse racing–then I bought the last copy.
Secretariat runs in my blood, sometimes I choke up talking about him
I can really appreciate the significance of this article after learning that a group of fundamentalists called Animal Rising is planning on disrupting the Epsom Derby this Saturday.
Members of the radical group are emboldened after they “rescued” three lambs from slaughter on a farm on King Charles III’s Sandringham estate two weeks ago. They are mobilizing people on social media to get on the Epsom track and “lock and glue themselves onto perimeter fencing”.
The group will be defying a court injunction barring it from staging direct action to disrupt the upcoming Epsom Derby… so full security measures will be a tall order on June 3 at Epsom.
Those abolitionists are not willing to understand that Horse Racing heroes belong to our history, they are part of our culture. Preservation of celebrated moments of history like the saga of Secretariat keeps us alive as a Society. These beautiful memories create proud communities and sustain traditions.
I do not know what drastic goals they want to achieve but cancelling the millenary bond between horse and people is unimaginable.
Horse racing is not an illness but a cure for many of us … and Secretariat is the most powerful elixir ever!
Your last line wass beautifully said. Let’s hope for a trouble-free Derby
Thanks Steve…
Sometimes I feel that the Horse Racing Industry is not totally united against its greatest nemesis in the form of abolitionists.
Seeing some managers incurring decision overkills to try appeasing those antagonistic groups will not do any good as their sole aim is to end animal use … Thank God you are Vegetarian…
Secretariat and I share the same anniversary — 50th for Red’s Triple Crown and 50th me becoming a vegetarian.
Derby looks very wide open right now.
Steve, you certainly deserve much of the credit for bringing not just Secretariat but the great era for racing to life for those of us who missed out. I was in my early teens and not tuned in to racing yet. The old stories are great, and also somehow sad because the end of that age was lurking. Also, congrats on the vegetarianism. Always a personal choice, and i sometimes fall just short, but as a lover of animals, it certainly is admirable.
Nelson, hopefully the Epsom Derby isn’t interrupted. I believe they have been given an area where they can protest without disrupting the proceedings. There is a lot of animal cruelty in the world but colts running in the Epsom Derby is simply not one of them. They have stopped English thoroughbreds from going to slaughterhouses there but disgracefully Irish breds et al are not protected under the same restrictions.
Thousands of ponies et al are shipped to Europe from England for slaughter every year I wish the protesters would signal out that horrific ‘industry.’ I donate to quite a few animal protection societies that are effective in preventing animal cruelty but a lot of these radical activists are often self defeating in their endeavors by alienating the general public.
I’m sticking with Arrest in the Derby and Running Lion for the Oaks. Go Frankie, Go Oisin!! Will Aidan O’Brien surpass his already incredible record of training 400 Group/Grade 1 winners?Staggering achievement.
Have you looked at the Prix du Jockey Club (French Derby) at exquisite Chantilly on Sunday, June 4. The three favorites: 2 Big Rock, 9-2 Feed The Flame, and 7 Continuous, look the part but at 9 American Flag could be some value and Epictetus could be a danger as well. Good luck.
Not bad racing coming up with the English Oaks, Friday; Epsom Derby, Saturday; Prix du Jockey Club, Sunday. Wish I was there. Sunshine for all three days which is remarkable in itself. Faire des courses de chevaux.
I am with Military Order in the Derby and Soul Sister in the Oaks.
In the Prix du Jockey Club I will go with Marhaba Ya Sanafi to defeat the favorite Big Rock. It will be a tall order but MYS appears to be in great form and should get the distance despite being sired by a sprinter. Counting on his dam side providing him with a good dose of stamina.
There is an interesting YT video from the camera on C. Sourmillon riding American Flag last race (Embarquez au coeur de l’Emirates Poule d’Essai des Poulains avec American Flag et C. Soumillon).
American Flag did not have the best trip finishing 4th behind Marhaba Ya Sanafi and the 1 5/16 could benefit him.
Enjoy a fantastic weekend of European classics…
Kim a bit suspicious about lightning striking twice in the same spot by Military Order, full to Adayar, has been impressive. We’re split over the Gosden fillies in the Oaks and have spotted American Flag as a danger in the Prix du Jockey Club, which could be an omen, but like different colts. Yes, I agree with you about the Poule d’Essai des Poulains.
Not to forget Man City Vs Man United in the FA Cup. I may not be sleeping Saturday night/Sunday morning here. Lol. Good luck.
That’s l’m not ‘Kim’. Ha ha
Thanks for this memory jogger – I’d forgotten about the alternate Time cover. I had a show horse in 1973 and was not into horse racing. I watched the Triple Crown Series on TV, but didn’t know very much about racing. Secretariat was so spectatular I experienced the goosebumps and awe that everyone in the nation experienced. He impressed me so much that I went to work on the track after graduating High School. Thanks Big Red! Best job I ever had.
I just watched all three of Secretariat’s triple crown races for the first time, got goosebumps.
Coming from far back in all three is all the more impressive.
I’ve also never seen a horse look so tired in a gallop out (rightfully so, in the Belmont).
Brilliant idea for a great column, Steve. I had forgotten all three of those magazines ran Secretariat as a cover boy the same week just before the Belmont. Long before the internet, those weeklies were HUGE, a major source of news for many Americans. The editors really stuck their respective necks out, too, given the sad history of all the attempts on the Triple Crown in the previous 24 years. And boy, how Secretariat delivered. I can think of no other sports athlete or team that overachieved in quite the same way. Let’s hope this year’s Belmont winner delivers a performance with just a tiny fraction of the sparkle of Secretariat’s otherworldly performance.
Thank you, sir. To paraphrase: “when a man is tired of Secretariat, he is tired of life.”
We’ll never tire of Secretariat or of your stories.
Another great rendition of your “Wayback Machine” For me I have to paraphrase Daltrey and the WHO. I see that horse coming thru the haze I remember him from those crazy days. Young and crazy that day I was doing my impression of Doc Ellis meaning I was doing a hit of LSD and was peaking for the Belmont. When Big Red was crossing the finish line the trails were unbelievable. From my induced point of view Secretariat crossed the line 3 times before anybody else. WOW From a historical point the only buzz like Big Red got was probably Seabiscuit, he even made into Merry Melodies cartoons. Did Secretariat ever make it into any cartoons? PS. I’ve calmed down a lot since then!
I was listening to the “Archive on 4” program on BBC World Service discussing “The Socrates of San Francisco” – Howard Gossage. Gossage ‘discovered’ Marshall McLuhan, among other numerous famous people of the 60s, and advised him on how to promote his thoughts to the general public. You may find the program quite fascinating.
I cry every time I watch the Belmont. The covers cemented his greatness before he had a chance to do so, but Secretariat rose to and conquered the challenge of the Triple Crown’s third leg.
Wonderful article as always, Steve!
I don’t think I ever knew about the magazines being published before the Belmont Stakes. Thank you for bringing that to our attention. But I bet even the writers who celebrated his greatness were amazed at his performance that day.
The magazines’ synchronicity cemented what was already in the hearts of the American people- a horse who carried their hopes and dreams with both elegance and power. Fitting that of the top 100
athletes of the 20th century- only one- Secretariat –
made ESPN Sportscentury’s top 100 – and number 35 at that.
The magazines’ synchronicity cemented what was already in the hearts of the American people- a horse who carried their hopes and dreams with both elegance and power. Fitting that of the top
athletes of the 20th century- only one- Secretariat –
made ESPN Sportscentury’s list of 100 – and number 35 at that.
The magazines’ synchronicity cemented what was already in the hearts of the American people- a horse who carried their hopes and dreams with both elegance and power. Fitting that of the top
athletes of the 20th century- only one- Secretariat –
made ESPN Sportscentury’s list of 100
Secretariat and all of us are so lucky to have you Steve ! Thanks for another amazing article !
I appreciate it Nick. Thank you!
Great Job as always, Steve. Thanks for pointing out what a bold move those editors made. It was pretty thrilling at the time, I must say. Best to you–Kate T.
Thank you very much Kate. Always wonderful hearing from you. Exciting times for you celebrating all the 50th anniversary events. Enjoy it all
Great article, thank you Steve!!
Thanks Katherine.
Thanks for the absolutely brilliant article….I have played and followed sports since the “50’s….Nothing I know of comes close to matching the magic of this wonderful story…For years now, when I get in a dumpy mood, I watch the three races and the sun comes out again for me….Thanks Again….
Beautifully said Ron. Thank you for sharing.
This brought back great memories, Steve. Thank you. I never knew about that 1999 postage stamp!
To ad to the stress of 1973…..I lived on 17th and Taravel, in San Francisco, I recall waiting for the L streetcar, looking west towards the beach, some 30 blocks—-and not seeing one single automobile, there being a gas shortage!….
….on a Sunday afternoon….
And my brother, in high school winning an award for his comic about Breshnev calling up Nixon to congratulate him on the Triple Crown winner “Proletariat “….
I like that one. He deserved his award.