Description
Own a slice of Kentucky Derby and horse racing history!
Secretariat (March 30, 1970 – October 4, 1989) was an American Thoroughbred racehorse who, in 1973, became the first Triple Crown winner in 25 years. His record-breaking victory in the Belmont Stakes, which he won by 31 lengths, is widely regarded as one of the greatest races of all time. During his racing career, he won five Eclipse Awards, including Horse of the Year honors at ages two and three. He was elected to the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame in 1974. In the List of the Top 100 U.S. Racehorses of the 20th Century, Secretariat is second only to Man o’ War (racing career 1919–1920), who also was a large chestnut colt given the nickname “Big Red”.
Option 1: Secretariat Flying
This iconic image of Secretariat “flying” down the homestretch at Churchill Downs in the 1973 Kentucky Derby is now available for purchase in photograph form for the first time. Secretariat’s quest for the 1973 Triple Crown began in the 99th Run for the Roses in spectacular fashion.
Breaking last from the gate, jockey Ron Turcotte allowed the muscular chestnut colt to settle well off the pace before making a sweeping move on the far turn to challenge for the lead. In a stretch run like no other, Secretariat ran the fastest last quarter mile in the history of the Derby finishing the race in an astounding 1:59 2/5, establishing a new track record for the 1 1/4 mile distance… which still stands today!
Tony Leonard captured Secretariat with all four feet off the ground in this moment of near-perfection as Turcotte guides the champion to the wire. Both wear the famous blue and white silks of the Meadow Stable and are a vision of athletic unison and harmony. A record crowd (including the several onlookers atop the tote board) bear witness to this amazing performance in racing history.
Produced from the original negative, each clear and vibrant photo is printed on the finest archival stock and available with the collectible option of being hand-signed by Mr. Turcotte. The perfect gift for Big Red fans or any racing enthusiast, order yours now.
Option 2: Kentucky Derby
Celebrating the May 5, 1973 Kentucky Derby from Churchill Downs. After a dozen races, Secretariat had reached a pivotal moment in the hopes and dreams of Meadow Stable and the syndicate of investors who had acquired his breeding rights. After coming off a shocking loss in the Wood Memorial that could be attributed to an undetected abscess in his mouth, the chestnut colt had something to prove to those who began to doubt him. And prove it he did… in a performance that is still the benchmark of excellence in Derby history. After breaking last in the 13 horse field, Secretariat improved his position throughout, collaring Sham at the top of the stretch and drawing away for a 2 1/2 length victory. The time for the 1 1/4 mile race – 1:59 2/5 – a new track record breaking the long standing two minute barrier and existing track record held by Northern Dancer.
The composite photo features Secretariat as he crosses the finish line ahead of Sham and jockey Laffit Pincay, Jr. Below is a rose adorned Secretariat, wearing the historic 1A with beaming jockey Ron Turcotte aboard, being held by trusted groom Eddie Sweat modeling the fashionable plaid couture of the time. In the background to the left the infield tote board is visible, revealing the Lucien Laurin Derby entry of Secretariat and Angle Light at 3-2 odds. To the right, announcer Jack Whitaker and Governor Julian Carroll overlook the trophy presentation.
A wonderful photo capturing a quintessential moment in the history of horse racing.
