Champagne Stakes – Oct. 14, 1972

Description

It was here in the 1972 Champagne Stakes at Belmont Park that Secretariat circled the field to win by two lengths only to be disqualified to second for interfering with Stop the Music, who would be awarded the victory.

The inquiry and subsequent disqualification were controversial as the majority of those who witnessed the race were convinced the alleged infraction of interference was only a slight brushing as Secretariat easily passed the runner-up Stop the Music, and had no bearing on the outcome of the race. However, the closely reviewed objection was ultimately upheld by the stewards and Secretariat was placed second behind Stop the Music.

The disqualification was costly for the Meadow Stable, losing not only the first place purse money (nearly $88,000) but also the prestige associated with New York’s richest juvenile race. Offsetting the technicality of the official race result was the fact that the son of Bold Ruler had stretched out to a distance of one mile and crossed the wire first in the excellent time of 1:35, providing much optimism that Secretariat had great things in store for his future.

The New York Racing Association composite photo shows Secretariat with jockey Ron Turcotte aboard wearing the 1A saddlecloth for the first time as part of an entry with Angle Light, who was also trained by Lucien Laurin (but owned by Ed Whittaker). Taken while the inquiry sign was still flashing, the paradoxical photo shows only a very somber Laurin and groom Mordecai Williams awaiting the bad news of the stewards’ decision that would go against them.

A historical oddity, the alternate image is often described as the “unofficial” 1972 Champagne Stakes winner’s circle photo, and although the stewards decision disappointed a legion of Big Red fans at the time, the photo delights current Secretariat memorabilia collectors by its mere existence. This very unusual and scarce photo may be available with the option of being signed by Ron Turcotte, please inquire upon purchase. Measures 8″ x 10″ with larger sizes available by special order.

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