Alternate Arlington Invitational Winner’s Photo – New Discovery

Description

Side by side comparison of winner’s circle images, click to enlarge

More than 50 years have passed since Secretariat captivated the nation with his presence and persona on the racetrack. That is why the discovery and subsequent offering of a previously unpublished photo of the chestnut champ is such a rare and special event, and especially so if the photo represents a historic moment in the Meadow Stable colt’s illustrious career.

The existence of an alternate winner’s circle image of the June 30, 1973 Arlington Invitational winner’s circle photo had long been rumored. Supposedly, the famed Chicago racetrack had produced an initial prototype using a different image of Secretariat before selecting what became the official photo that is familiar to Big Red enthusiasts. Now we can unequivocally state that the alternate version is no longer a collectible myth and Secretariat.com is delighted to provide the public debut of this wonderful image on the anniversary of his impressive victory in the race.

While the upper half of this newly discovered photo is nearly identical to the official version, it is the lower portion of the composite image that varies from the official version, capturing Secretariat in a much more candid moment hamming it up for the cameras as he was fond of doing. Whereas the official version of the winner’s circle photo only shows jockey Ron Turcotte aboard Secretariat who is being held by groom Eddie Sweat, the alternate image differs in that the celebration additionally includes Secretariat’s luminary owner Penny Chenery, her beaming sister Margaret Carmichael, and trainer Lucien Laurin as well as an Arlington Park executive. It is perfectly understandable why Arlington would select the more traditional image, but we have to say this alternate image will undoubtedly bring a smile to the face of any Secretariat fan.

In keeping with the inherent rarity of the newly discovered image, we are offering a very limited quantity with each photo produced on the finest museum quality stock and individually numbered.  Available in 8” x 10” sizing in two formats, each in an edition of 73 total pieces: a) the composite format showing both parts of the entire photo, or b) the winner’s format, utilizing only the lower portion of the image featuring Secretariat in the winner’s circle. We also offer the the option of the new alternate composite along with the official version as part of a two-piece folio set. The most discerning collectors can enjoy a special premium 11” x 14” winner’s circle format version limited to 50 total pieces with the photo set within its own ready-to-frame archival matting with only a very select few that may be available hand-signed by Mr. Turcotte himself, please inquire upon purchase!