Marlboro Cup Invtl. – Sept. 15, 1973

Description

The September 15, 1973 Marlboro Cup at Belmont Park was the historical racing event that ushered in a new era in sports.  The race was historically significant for a number of reasons. First, it was accompanied by an unprecedented marketing approach representing the birth of corporate sponsorship for American sporting events. Second, it provided a public venue for the match that racing fans were anxiously awaiting between Secretariat and his elder Meadow stablemate Riva Ridge. The anticipation of this invitational meeting between the dual Derby and Belmont Stakes winners was further heightened by the inclusion of Onion, Secretariat’s upset conquerer in his previous start in the Whitney Stakes, older champions Cougar II, Key to the Mint and Kennedy Road, as well as the 3-year-old 1973 Travers Stakes winner Annihilate ‘Em. Coming off the shocking Whitney loss, there were some who still questioned Secretariat’s ability to win outside of his generation. But Secretariat’s performance in this rich $250,000 dream race with an assemblage of superstar equine talent would forever put that issue to rest .

Breaking slowly, the mighty chestnut colt stayed near the back of the pack before making his move on the far turn to take aim at Riva Ridge who had taken the lead from the fading Onion. There was a brief moment at the top of the stretch that would become crystallized in time when both of the checkered blue and white color-bearers were poised for victory manifesting the excellence and dominance of the Meadow Racing Stable in the early 70’s. And then Secretariat asserted command and began to draw away, easing out to a 3 1/2 length victory in the astounding time of 1:45 2/5 for the 1 1/8 mile distance – a new track and world record.

The official New York Racing Association winner’s circle composite photo of images from the race features the entry of Riva Ridge with jockey Eddie Maple aboard wearing the number 2 and entrymate Secretariat led by groom Eddie Sweat wearing 2B just prior to the post parade; jockey Ron Turcotte guiding Big Red to victory near the finish line; followed by owner Penny Chenery proudly leading her superstar to the winner’s circle celebration. Joining Mr. Turcotte, and Ms. Chenery for the trophy presentation are trainer Lucien Laurin as well as Penny’s sister Margaret Carmichael, brother Hollis Chenery, and husband Jack Tweedy, and Marlboro senior executive Jack Landry.

This rarely-seen photo has become even more collectible by the fact that the Marlboro Cup no longer exists. Gone but not forgotten, its memory is carried on to this day by the multitude of corporate sponsors spanning the entire world of sports. The photo may be available with the option of being hand-signed by jockey Ron Turcotte, please inquire upon purchase. Measures 8″ x 10″ with larger sizes available by special order.

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