Original Sports Illustrated Secretariat “Triple Threat” Issue, June 11, 1973

Description

This magazine represents the scarce offering of one of the original “Big Three” publications to feature Secretariat on the cover during the height of the frenzied attention focused on the equine superstar and his bid to become the first horse in a quarter century to win Thoroughbred racing’s coveted Triple Crown.

Along with TIME and Newsweek, which were other best-selling publications of the era, Sports Illustrated featured Secretariat on the cover of its June 11, 1973 issue spotlighting the famed colt’s bid for racing immortality as a Triple Crown champion. What many racing fans don’t know is that such was Secretariat’s celebrated acclaim following his riveting victories in the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes that the the printed issue dates for all three magazines belied the fact that the trio were released a week BEFORE the actual running of the June 9 Belmont Stakes — the third jewel in the Triple Crown.

This collectible Sports Illustrated issue with its distinctive green cover and famed title copy “Triple Threat” showcases the images of Secretariat’s luminary owner Penny Chenery (then Tweedy) along with jockey Ron Turcotte aboard the Meadow Stable colt, amidst a red rose and black-eyed Susan illustration representing the associated flowers comprising the winner’s garland for the Kentucky Derby and Preakness, respectively. The magazine features a 4-page article featuring Ms. Tweedy and the Secretariat team, written by the noted racing writer Whitney Tower. Other articles in the issue contemporary to the time include features on legendary golfer Arnold Palmer prior to the 1973 U.S Open at Oakmont, Gordon Johncock’s victory in a crash-filled Indy 500, and a (fascinating to read now) column about the controversies surrounding the limited opportunities of women’s participation in sports at the time.

Our extremely limited inventory of magazines is offered in varying levels of condition to suit the preferences of novice and serious collectors alike. Own this collectible gem documenting that magical time of racing history in the making! Available on a first-come basis, while quantities last.

 

Edition/Condition Options Available:

• Subscriber Edition: mailing label or remnant mailing label, small creases and typical wear
• Subscriber Edition: mailing label or remnant mailing label, very good condition
• Subscriber Edition: little or no remnant mailing label, fine condition
• Rare Newsstand Edition: no label, excellent condition