Amber Morn Allowance Program

Description

The July 31, 1972 Amber Morn Allowance Race was significant for a number of reasons. The race marked Secretariat’s third career start in his 2-year-old season, and was also notable for a trio of “firsts.” a) The race marked the first time Secretariat competed at the historic venue of Saratoga Race Course; b) he finished first in the 6-furlong contest over a new group of accomplished rivals; and c), perhaps most important, the race was the first in which the charismatic chestnut colt was paired with jockey Ron Turcotte.

Of course the legacy of both Secretariat and Turcotte are forever intertwined and this program represents the first step of their spectacular journey together that would lead to the record-breaking 1973 Triple Crown sweep for the Meadow Stable.

The condition of the extremely rare program is excellent — still bright and crisp, and within its pages resides a treasure trove of bonus racing history, including some very interesting connections pertaining to the Meadow. The 5th race on the card shows the Lucien Laurin-trained entry of Spanish Riddle (who would later make headlines as a veterinary pioneer as one of the first horses to wear a prosthetic leg) and Upper Case (the Meadow’s own 1972 Florida Derby and Wood Memorial winner). The feature race on the racecard that day, the Test Stakes, was won by the champion filly Numbered Account who was trained by none other than Roger Laurin, Lucien’s son and former trainer for the Meadow.

Secretariat artifacts from his juvenile season are among the rarest and most coveted items in the sports memorabilia market and the Amber Morn allowance program especially so. Run on a Monday, the day represented the second smallest attendance to witness Secretariat race. We are delighted to offer this one from our Archives collection, and we do mean “one,” as that is the total number we currently have available… first-come, first served.

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