PREAKNESS STAKES – May 19, 1973

Description

Celebrating the May 19, 1973 Preakness Stakes at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore. As the second jewel in the Triple Crown, the Preakness Stakes can sometimes be overlooked. But Secretariat’s performance that day is considered the rarest of gems. After winning the Derby in his usual come-from-behind manner, Secretariat once again showed his multi-dimensional talent in the Preakness by taking the lead on the first turn and never letting it go. His unexpected explosive move completely overwhelmed the field, including arch-rival Sham who unsuccessfully tried to catch the Meadow Stable comet throughout the remainder of the race.

Secretariat’s 2 1/2 length victory added another $129,900 to his career earnings but arguments raged regarding the final time in the 1 3/16 mile race. An admitted malfunctioning electronic timer erroneously showed 1:55, although several official clockers hand-timed the race in 1:53 2/5, which would have established a new track record. Soon after the race, Pimlico would settle on a compromise of sorts with an official time noting 1:54 2/5. This remained the time of record for 39 years until it was ultimately corrected to 1:53 flat by the Maryland Racing Commission in June 2012. Despite the controversy, or maybe partially due to it, Secretariat’s Preakness performance has continued to captivate the interest of generations of racing fans.

The Preakness winner’s circle composite features Secretariat wearing a garland of black-eyed susans with jockey Ron Turcotte aboard. Joining trainer Lucien Laurin is ebullient owner Penny Chenery, her sister Margaret Carmichael, Meadow secretary Elizabeth Ham and several Pimlico officials as well as Maryland Governor Marvin Mandel presenting the traditional and heralded Woodlawn Vase trophy.

This significant Pimlico photo capturing a historical moment in thoroughbred racing is now available with the option of being hand-signed by Mr. Turcotte. Sizing measures your choice of 8″ x 10,” 11″ x 14″ or an impressive 16″ x 20″ with larger sizes available by special order.

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