THE FULL STORY: If there can be one horse and one race that defines the sport of Thoroughbred racing, the horse would be the world-famous Secretariat and the race would be the 1973 Belmont Stakes. Listed on two "Athletes of the Century" lists (#35 on ESPN's list and Top Ten of Time Magazine's list), Triple Crown winner Secretariat was a true athlete and champion. The world has yet to see another 31-length Belmont victory like Secretariat’s in 1973, and no Thoroughbred has yet broken his 1973 Kentucky Derby record (1:59 2/5). Secretariat was the son of Bold Ruler, out of Somethingroyal, the dam of a few other impressive stakes winners. The large, beautifully conformed chestnut ran in the blue and white checkered hood of Meadow Stables and had an enormously successful racing career, along with a few curious failures. But "Big Red's" dazzling displays of power and speed would rebound and track records would again crumble. His fame brought fame to those around him, including his accomplished trainer, Lucien Lauren, jockey Ron Turcotte, and the Chenery family, who in a stroke of luck in the breeding arrangement, came home with the little colt Secretariat. The big, red chestnut colt that made the world take notice will forever remain a part of Thoroughbred lore; he enriched the lives of everyone who was lucky enough to experience the great horse and his extraordinary career.
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