Secretariat "Big Red"

One of the treats of being a horse racing fan through the 1970s. That we were entertained with 3 triple crown winners. Secretariat who was affectionately know as "Big Red" was a very strong and handsome son of Bold Ruler out of the mare Somethingroyal by Princequillo. Was considered one of the most talented Thoroughbreds in Racing history. Yes and we got to enjoy his exciting career.

It was just fate that Big Reds' owner Penny Tweedy came up with Secretariat. As she won him in the flip of a coin deal with Owner Breeder Ogden Phipps. Secretariat who was honored with the same nickname as racing legend "Man o' War. Went to live up to that honor as Secretariat became the first U.S. Triple Crown Winner in 25 years, in 1973.

In winning the; Kentucky Derby, The Preakness, and the Belmont. Big Red completed the great accomplishment in amazing style as he set record times for winning the 3 races. The Kentucky Derby (1:59.4), The Preakness (1:53), and the Belmont (2:24). Which Secretariat won the Belmont by an unbelievable 31 lengths.

Secretariat was trained by Canadian Trainer Lucien Laurin. Big Reds' race record; 21 starts:16 wins-3 seconds- one third. Secretariat regular pilot was famous Canadian jockey Ron Turcotte.

Secretariat won 15 stake races;
Sanford Stakes (1972)
Hopeful Stakes (1972)
Futurity Stakes (1972)
Laurel Futurity (1972)
Garden State Futurity (1972)
Bay Shore Stakes (1973)
Gotham Stakes (1973)
Arlington Invitational (1973)
Marlboro Cup (1973)
Man o' War Stakes (1973)
Canadian International (1973)
American Classic Race wins:
Kentucky Derby (1973)
Preakness Stakes (1973)
Belmont Stakes (1973)

We Canadian Racing fans were given the chance of a lifetime. As Secretariat would make the final start of his illustrious career, at Woodbine. As Big Red would race and win the Canadian International Championship. I was at Woodbine for Secretariat final race. It was one of my special memories of being a horse racing fan!

Videos of Big Red
1973 Kentucky Derby http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QyqllleV6WA
1973 Preakness http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eV89InWOENc&feature=related
1973 Belmont http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1u16T05o7JA&feature=related
1973 Canadian International Championship http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EqliNZvnFoE