Laurel Futurity – Oct. 28, 1972

Description

A Secretariat.com exclusive and absolute rarity in the racing collector’s world. The Oct. 28, 1972 Laurel Futurity arguably marks Secretariat’s finest juvenile race. Besides an impressive victory, many other “firsts” took place that day that are of historical merit including his largest margin of victory (eight lengths) and richest purse earned ($179,199) to date. The Laurel Futurity, run in Laurel, Maryland, marked Secretariat’s first venture outside the familiar confines of the New York Racing Association tracks. It also marked his first exposure to the conditions of an off-track officially listed as “sloppy” – an anxious moment for the connections of any untested 2 year-old. Finally, it marked the first stakes pairing of Secretariat with his trusted groom Eddie Sweat, who would become the constant companion to the chestnut champion throughout the duration of Secretariat’s racing career. But the Big Red flame handled each of these new experiences with aplomb to the win 1 1/16-mile race in grand style with a time of 1:42 4/5, just 1/5 off the track mark despite the miserable conditions.

The Laurel Race Course composite photo features a tied-tail Secretariat with jockey Ron Turcotte aboard approaching the finish line. The connections in the winner’s circle include trainer Lucien Laurin, Meadow farm manager Howard Gentry and groom Eddie Sweat (partially obscured), along with Penny Chenery’s sister, Margaret Carmichael (Penny was actually in New York that day attending Riva Ridge’s unsuccessful Jockey Club Gold Cup effort) and friends Wilma and George Gardner. Making the trophy presentation to Gentry and Carmichael were noted Virginia horsemen, Mr. and Mrs. Orme Wilson. The scarce photo may be available with the option of being hand-signed by Mr. Turcotte, please inquire upon purchase. Measures 8″ x 10″ with larger sizes available by special order.

It should be mentioned that any 1972 Laurel Futurity photography is incredibly rare and to our knowledge, this is the only known color photo of any kind from the race. A must-have for any Secretariat enthusiast!

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