1972 Hopeful Stakes Program

Description

On August 26, 1972, Secretariat made his fourth career start in the prestigious 6 ½ furlong Hopeful Stakes at Saratoga Race Course. It was the Meadow Stable colt’s third consecutive start at the historic upstate New York track during his juvenile season, and the race’s rich history and tradition (and purse of more than $86,000) made it the late summer target of the best 2-year-olds in America. Previous Hopeful winners included racing greats Man o’ War, Whirlaway, Native Dancer and Buckpasser, and Secretariat was expected to add his name to that illustrious list. He did not disappoint, announcing his greatness to the 23,094 in attendance who witnessed history in the making,  including journalist Bill Nack who eloquently described Secretariat’s performance:

“As Secretariat streaked down the stretch that afternoon at Saratoga, leading a field of eight at the end of a charge that saw him sweep from last to first in just 290 yards, the whole of the clubhouse crowd at the Spa seemed to rise to their feet at once, dazzled by the show they were witnessing in the Hopeful Stakes. No one had seen a two-year-old perform so brilliantly at the ancient course and veteran observers were electrified by this smashing performance in Saratoga’s premier juvenile event. Indeed, as things turned out, the Hopeful was the crystal ball that envisioned the colt’s incomparable future.”

The rarity and mint condition of this collectible treasure is what really sets it apart. More than a half century since its issue, the program retains its original coloring and crispness and pages. The program also contains a number of other familiar names and connections to racing history, including the ninth race’s swift multiple stakes winner Halo who would gain further fame as North American two-time national leading sire; the fourth race’s maiden filly Killaloe, who five years later as a broodmare would produce Fappiano, one of the most influential stallions in American racing; and in evidence of the cross-sport and cultural popularity of the times, the second race on the card would feature the 4-year-old claimer Pete Rose, named for the Major League Baseball star who was an integral part of the 1970s Cincinnati Reds “Big Red Machine.” Coincidentally, on this day the less heralded, equine namesake would be ridden by none other than jockey Ron Turcotte!

Secretariat artifacts from his juvenile season are among the hardest to find and thus most coveted and collectible items in racing memorabilia and we are delighted to offer this pristine example from our Archives collection.

Please contact us for availability of this program, and other Secretariat Saratoga-related programs.