As we await the 2011 Belmont Stakes, THE VAULT shares a personal story of a thoroughbred who will never be forgotten and a Belmont Stakes that held a magic that would last a lifetime…..
There will only ever be one Belmont Stakes for me, a performance by which all other Belmont Stakes’ winners will be measured. For although there have been and will continue to be great thoroughbred champions, Secretariat surpassed all of that on June 9, 1973. In some ways his Belmont run was surreal. Even if one were watching it live — as I was — the big red colt carried us into another dimension. A place where horses are the messengers of the gods and, like Pegasus, fly between the lands of the mortal and immortal.
On that Saturday in June, sitting in front of our television console, my mother and I came to our feet as Secretariat turned for home, our eyes brimming with tears. It may sound odd to say it, but I don’t remember thinking at all about the Triple Crown as Big Red II came down the stretch with a stride that made it seem as though he was skimming the ground. What I thought, instead, was that this was a moment so powerful and so extraordinarily beautiful that it would stay with me forever.
Thirty-eight years later, I can say that it did.
Now in 1973, for the young’uns out there, we all knew that what appeared on a screen was fleeting. There were no computers, no video or DVD or Blu-ray, no chance that we would ever see a televised event like Secretariat’s Belmont again. And this meant, in turn, that we watched the screen differently than we do today. In the years prior to the coming of new media, the human mind recorded these kinds of events and — as I was to discover — stored them in our memories with a remarkable degree of accuracy.
To keep the memory of Secretariat alive, I bought Raymond Woolfe’s magnificent book, “Secretariat,” in 1975. I was in a downtown Montreal bookstore called “Classics,” a place where I spent many hours browsing through the bookshelves. I can still remember spotting“Secretariat” on the display stand, leafing through it quickly and then rushing to the cashier to buy it and take it home. Filled with Woolfe’s extraordinary images of Secretariat from babyhood to retirement, I sat for many long, pleasurable hours with my treasure, reading the narrative and lingering over the photos. Of course, remarkable as Woolfe’s photos truly are of Secretariat and his connections, no single photograph, except the famous one by Bob Coglianese of Secretariat nearing the wire, really could capture the feelings that coursed through me on that day. And even the Coglianese fell short.
By the 1990’s the new media had transformed communication and the way we store screen events in our memory and in our lives. My son, for example, would watch his favourite movies over and over again, a habit I have still not really embraced, possibly because the lesson of the fleeting image which characterized fully half of my adult life remains too strong. In other words, I belong to a generation for whom the vast majority find re-watching something that you remember perfectly well a curious activity.
But there are a few films in my own collection that I do, in fact, re-watch. The first among them is “The Life & Times of Secretariat: An American Racing Legend.” I still remember the day my son introduced me to eBay. He said, “This place is AMAZING!” I was sceptical. He persevered. “Just tell me one thing — anything — that you really love and I’ll show you.” And what came out of my mouth? Secretariat! He typed in the name and up on the screen came PAGES of Secretariat ephemera. I was stunned. He scrolled down the lists and we came to a VHS about the champion, entitled, “The Life & Times of Secretariat: An American Racing Legend.” I joined eBay within 10 minutes, bid on it and won it, and sent off my payment to the seller.
The day my cassette arrived, I opened its cellophane wrap with trembling fingers and slid it into the VCR. In a matter of seconds, there he was: my SpiritHorse….the big red colt who had accompanied me for the last 20 + years and who had become a part of me, a place in my life that felt like home. Watching Secretariat’s Belmont was a lesson in the lore of the human heart — I had forgotten nothing. It was just as I had re-memoried it for two decades or more.
I watch this documentary repeatedly because Secretariat speaks to me so profoundly. Whenever my team and I found our backs to the wall, I would tell them about Secretariat and what it means in life to run your very own race. So it was natural for them to weave Secretariat into my retirement from education a year ago, by playing the short film I made myself that commemorates Secretariat in my life and that I am sharing with you today for the very first time.
I composed the film using footage from the many compositions on YouTube and it took me a number of weeks to do. The hardest was the written script because for the first time, I needed to articulate why Secretariat means so much to me. The audience for the film was my retirement guests, most of whom knew nothing about horses or horse racing or thoroughbred champions. And the early footage of Secretariat on the track, wearing number 1A, was mostly taken from his Kentucky Derby post parade.
Of course, there are other thoroughbreds I loved before and after Secretariat and, in a very real sense, I love them all. But Secretariat’s Belmont punctuates my life by connecting me back to the little girl and the young woman who loved thoroughbreds with an unrivalled passion, making him a sacred artefact in my personal landscape.
I offer it to THE VAULT readers in the spirit of all those who have let at least one great horse flow into their lives. Because, as you know, our lives are so much richer when we walk our individual paths with an equine spirit to guide and protect us.
Abigail- I think you and I might be about the same age. I had just turned 18 a few days before the Belmont in 1973. I was out at the barn where I boarded my horse (a Thoroughbred hunter). My trainer told me I could watch the race at his house-he and his wife were away for the day. So I stood there, by myself, and watched one of the most amazing things I have ever seen. I will never forget that moment. It was dead quiet in the house except for the television. I was in my riding clothes. I stood there silently and broke out in cold chills as the race progressed. I think I kept repeating softly,”Oh my gosh, oh my gosh,” but I’m not sure- it could have just been in my head. I left their house numb, looking for someone to tell, but the stable was empty that day. People were either at a show or at home, watching the race. In hindsight, I’m kind of glad I witnessed that race by myself- it became this little private miracle I had inside, to pull out when I wanted. Your film gave me the same cold chills and the tears started. I felt like here was someone who understood. Thank you.
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Susan: Thank you for the beautiful response and for sharing your own memories. Yes, we are definitely the same generation. Even though I watched Secretariat’s race with my mum, it was so surreal that I might just as well been alone. It always interested me that even people who were actually there talk about it as surreal too…..unreal……another dimension, etc. It must have been overpowering for those present if we, watching on television, were so moved, don’t you think?
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Abigail
What a wonderful movie that you put together. It is sooo emotional to watch him head down the track alone and in command. I heard Penny Chenery say the Belmont was the day he felt invincible and that said it all. I was in college at the time of the race all but given up horses for boys and parties. Did not come from a wealthy family so no opportunity to buy a horse. When I reached 40 finished my PhD began with horses again and only to really learn about the TB. How wonderful to hold this race for all these years and thanks for sharing. Looking forward to the Belmont (on HRTV) and maybe a trip to the Breeders Cup.
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Dear “Signof thetimes”: Thanks for your wonderful message. I suspect that we are soul-mates in a way because I, too, gave up thoroughbreds as a young woman, only to come home to them when I saw Secretariat’s Belmont again on video when I was also in my 40’s! Quite the coincidence, don’t you think? I’m also looking forward to the Belmont — and thank goodness for HRTV here in Montreal, Quebec because our cable company carries absolutely no horse racing at all! (I especially love watching the British racing on HRTV.)
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You’ve captured a spirit and it comes out for all to see from your heart and soul. Thank you for sharing your story and the wonderful, wonderful film. This is one of you best works – I think because it does come from deep inside.
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Dani: I really appreciated this comment because I was uncertain whether the more personal tone would be something that readers might like. But there was no other way to show the film because it clearly comes from out of my life, so I decided to go with it. Your words were just beautiful — and they too came from the heart. I will treasure this!
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Very moving, Abigail. Thanks so much for sharing this.
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Ann Maree: Thanks, as always, for taking the time to write.
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Wow. You have shared a wonderful experience with us and I appreciate it very much. I’m ashamed to admit that although I had loved horses all of my life, I wasn’t paying any attention to horse racing back in Secretariat’s time. I was too busy trying to learn how to be a young mom and wife, so I had put my passion for horses behind me. Now the kids are grown and on their own, horses fill much of my focus once more even if it is only through the internet or infrequent trips to the track. Through reading your wonderful words and watching your video I feel like I can share in the love of Secretariat even though I didn’t get to experience him at the time. Thank you for sharing.
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Celeste: Thank you so much for your beautiful and moving comments! You & I must be sister souls because I too lost touch with horses when I was a young teacher, wife and mother. And even though I didn’t miss Secretariat, I did miss the boat completely with Ruffian. I regret that enormously. It’s great to know as well that a story can bring us experiences that are as real as actually living them. That’s precious, precious, precious. And magical.
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Abigail, Wonderful and Thank you for sharing. I was 17 and remember my Dad calling me in from the barn when it was about time for the race.
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Stephanie: Thanks so much for taking the time to write! It would seem that I have many soul sisters out there who shared pretty much what I was feeling and will hold Secretariat close forever.
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Fantastic job, Abigail. I think Penny Chenery would love this. Hope she sees it.
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Trina: Thanks so much for taking the time to write. I really appreciate it! Wouldn’t it be fun if Penny did see it? I hope she gets the chance too!
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This really ‘spoke’ to me; thank you! I ALSO was watching Secretariat at Belmont with my Mother, a wise and joyful person. I watched my mother’s reaction to Secretariat’s race and thought ” This is something RARE, wonderful and amazing!” To this day, I STILL cry when I see his races, especially Belmont – I think of my Mother, I realize how much I learned from her. Secretariat touched SO MANY PEOPLE! He is still in our hearts, memories. An amazing Creature; I wish I could have met him. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and memories, they are very moving.
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Thank you, scgloe, for your beautiful comments. It appears that I have many soul sisters out there….AND that Secretariat has many soul mates who will love him for always. I too wish that I could have met him. He was obviously not only beautiful & smart but quite the character. Steve Haskin posted some of his photos of Secretariat on Facebook. The one I love shows Big Red II with a stick in his mouth. Haskin said he brought it over to the fence to play catch!!!!! Can you imagine?
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Yes, I can imagine this! And, yes you DO have many soul sisters! I have enjoyed each of the various messages posted here – And am so glad to know I’m not the only person who cries when watching BigRed run! 🙂 Recently, I’ve read so much about Secretariat, and what comes through (besides his PHENOMENAL ATHLETIC PROWESS) is his amazing personality, Spirit, & intelligence! I’d like to believe that the people closest to him, e.g., Eddie Sweat, must really have loved Secretariat & Sec felt it. He obviously loved people! It’s uncanny how Secretariat affected all of us – different people, different lives – but the emotions he evoked are so similar! Thank you, Susan; I look forward to hearing more from you (and your soul sisters)!
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SC: Thanks for taking the time to write. Your comments are so appreciated! Still another soul sister — I still weep every time I watch this race. He really, truly was a gift from on-high. A magical and amazing horse.
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Abigail, Thank You for sharing your beautiful connection between you & Secretariat. I was 17 watching Secretariat’s unbelievable race, it was hard to wrap my mind around what I had just seen. You described perfectly what perfection was to watch. I have experienced that spiritual, mystical equine /human bond and there is nothing to compare it to. This special bond was such a life changing experience for me. Secretariat that day did transcend between mortal & immortal. I really enjoyed your video. Thanks again!
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Amanda: Thanks so much for taking the time to write! It’s amazing to me how many of “us” were out there, feeling the same thing, when it comes to Secretariat. I have not experienced that mystical bond directly, even though I did ride as a kid. But I just sense it’s there, inside me, in a kind of virtual way thanks to horses like Secretariat, Zenyatta and several others. I just feel as though I “know” the equine spirit…..Maybe, one day, I’ll connect on a different level.
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Abigail, have you ever heard the expression “separated at birth?” 🙂 Wow… I am beyond amazed. You have summed up so many of the exact same feelings I have about Red that it’s eerie. And what do you suppose the very first thing was that *I* searched on EBay??? Yes, and that’s why His portraits and presence are all over my house. Our girl Zenny has become very important to me, too, but no horse – until I finally have my own – will EVER take Secretariat’s place in my heart. I haven’t even watched your movie yet, because I know I will cry. I’m thinking it will be useful to show my friends and family who simply do not understand my obsession with a great red colt, who lit up the world almost 40 years ago. Thank you.
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Tracie: OMG. That’s amazing! I also have my big red horse hanging from walls in 3 different rooms of my apartment. In fact, at one point I think I considered designing my living room in a stable-like manner….but (thankfully!) opted out of that one. LOL.
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Beautiful. Between Raymond Woolfe (by the way, of course I have it, too, and the photo and description of Eddie with his suitcase crying at the end just about kill me), and Bill Nack, thank goodness we have such a wonderful record from those who were actually there. Where did you find the footage of him in his paddock in the beginning??? I love that!
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Hi Tracie. Yes — I sensed we were soul mates all along and here you are, with the Woolfe & Nack books! There is also a book called “The Horse That God Built” by Lawrence Scanlon that I just love. Have you read it? It focuses on Eddie’s relationship with Secretariat and it’s beautifully written. It also makes you think since, at that time, Eddie would have made very little $$$ related to Riva & Big Red II — it appears that that was the case. Scanlon goes on to show you where Eddie is buried: in a basically unmarked grave with 2 plastic horses on the top…..
The footage in the paddock: I got it off YouTube and will search my favourites to get you the exact e-coordinates. There may have been two separate videos I used — don’t remember. But I’ll look later today!
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I’d been casually rooting for Sham in the Derby. I’d liked Riva Ridge the year before so I liked Secretariat, too. But watching the Belmont, also alone, I remember silence, as if no crowd was at the track, but it was just the silence of total awe as he ran on into history. How far would he have run that day if his rider hadn’t pulled him up?
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Hi Debra: Thanks for sharing your own experience with me. I guess even all those years ago we were soul mates! I rooted for Riva too — what a great horse he was, in his own right. I intend to do something on him for THE VAULT soon, since he deserves to be honoured as we honour Secretariat. Yes — who knows how far Big Red II would have run that day, because according to Ron Turcotte he was “running easy.” I do know (from the Secretariat documentary) that he was pulled up a full two lengths (apprx) after the finish & that was also a track record, had it been counted!
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With being torn between wanting to leave a note, Abigail, and not yet having watched the rare video you`ve composed for us, just thought as I read you about concerns that the world, seemingly going faster and shallower, leaves young people not always able to sink into time for the rooting and grounding of their childhoods and adolescence. A family I love has sort of adopted me, and as we recently shared some of our special things, I lent them my video copy of ‘So Dear To My Heart,’ which my family loved and which we passed on to our children and grandchildren, who all also love this vintage 1948 Disney classic film from a novel by Sterling North. The theme — how loving and caring for even an unwanted little black ram can bring glory that carries a child`s dreams to reality — is very dear to my heart, and something I always wish for the world`s children, and the young in heart. You write just beautifully, sharing your love and enriching your readers without measure.
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Kathryn: What an exquisite response — thank you so very much! I certainly agree wholeheartedly with your perceptions. During my career in education, I spent a great deal of time studying the difference between image and word and finally came to the conclusion that so many young people are substituting very shallow stuff on the internet — that they read uncritically — for sources of real knowledge, information and inspiration. Too, the films of the 1940’s & earlier were really very book-like and usually intelligent as well as life-affirming, unlike much of what has been produced over the last 20 or so years. So that, yes, I do agree that youth today cannot “sink into time for the rooting and grounding of their childhoods and adolescence.” I think that what is at risk for children and youth today is imagination and the capacity to dig below the surface of something that gets their attention…..
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By the way, as a former story lady at our small but fine town & county library, I loved your voice over the video, its volume and its pace. Children would climb on our laps as we read, and always settled into our story hours if we lowered and softened our voices, even for the scary or exciting parts; the noise and din of current offerings, plus the pace, misses a child`s sense of wonder at the numinous and the chance to fill in the quiet with that imagination you very wisely note as vital. Thanks again for this anthology.
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Abigail:
Last week my son wrote a text message after watching the Secretariat movie which I will translate (it was in spanish), he works at a nursing home in the Boston area. “Today in the nursing home we put a projector with a big screen and watched the Secretariat movie. It was the first time I saw the picture. Haven’t stopped crying and it was half hour ago, had to go into my office and cry. WOW an incredible story. It reminded me of you. I love you. Please remember never to stop fighting for what’s important to you!”
Have no words to describe except what I got from reading your story. I feel blessed! Glorimar
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Thank you for sharing, Glorimar — this is an AMAZING story that seems to weave beautifully into the story I told.
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Like so many of your commentors, I was of a certain age in 1973! I was seventeen that June day, and my horse racing friend had moved away a couple of years earlier (we’d watched our first Derby together in 1968!), so I was by myself in front of the TV. What I saw that afternoon impressed itself so deeply into my soul! This magnificent animal, displaying grace and power and the sheer joy of running. Wow.
Secretariat has been my favorite ever since. I own Bill Nack’s book (a first edition, though it’s pretty ratty now with rereading) and Ray Woolf’s. I used to own a 33 rpm record album about Big Red, which I bought mostly so I could re-hear Chic Anderson’s call of the Belmont, but to my extreme disappointment, it wasn’t part of the recording. I have the DVD sold by secretariat.com that has all his races on it. I used to have a poster of him racing to victory. Somewhere I’ve got a scrapbook with magazine covers and newspaper clippings. I went to California (from Colorado) to see Zenyatta last fall in large part because I have always regretted that I did not get to Kentucky to see Secretariat in person and I didn’t want to let the opportunity to stand in the presence of greatness pass me by again.
I still get shivers when I watch his Belmont. Incredible. Your film captures all of that, and more. I enjoy all of your columns so much, but this one spoke to me more than usual. So I just wanted to say thank you. I love the memories. Thank you!
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Cleone: Thank you so much for taking the time to write this beautiful commentary. As have the others, your experience & feelings paralleled my own. Like you, I never got to see Secretariat and, like you, I intend to visit Zenyatta just as soon as I can manage it once Lane’s End gets organized to meet & greet her thousands of fans! Every time i watch his Belmont Stakes run, I get shivers and start to cry. The emotion has never lessened over the years…. Again, many thanks — your comment meant a great deal to me. Abigail
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Abigail,
Your written word and video is not only very special, but inspirational as well.
I was there. It was a feeling I remember vividly and will never, ever forget. I measure every horse to him. Even owning and breeding my own, he is still and always will be the best horse I have ever seen.
You should know that the fans at Belmont that day started to roar as the horses entered the gate, and as the horses broke, the roar got louder and louder. You could not hear the announcer call the race. I read the race call the next day in the newspaper, never heard a word of it. The grandstand and clubhouse SHOOK the whole time. Everyone was standing on their rickety seats, it was quite the scene.
Thanks for sharing. It was like re-living the day all over again!
I love your blog and I will be back!
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Susan: A HUGE thanks for this great comment. I have never known anyone who was actually there on that day, so this is really special to connect with you. Wow — amazing to hear that you needed to read the track call the next day! I don’t know if you’re aware of it, but there is a posting of the whole race coverage in “live” time on YouTube, as it happened. Here’s the address for PART 1 (there are 4 or 5 parts, start to finish & the others will come up on the side of the page when you put in this address) — http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iOGIkBfklLg
ENJOY!!!!
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Hi Abigail, I am sitting in the airport in Charlottetown and re-watching your video. It is just what I need to get me on that plane. I am so glad you shared it with everyone. See you soon. Missy J
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WOW! Got up this morning to read your comment — can hardly wait to see you & talk!!!!
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At what time did Secretariat cross the finish line ?…. in GMT or give time zone.. doing a horoscope to see how planets were aligned… must have been a few good angels working hard that day….
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Blavatsky3: I have no idea although it might be in Raymond Woolfe’s book on Secretariat. You might check that out. Sounds like a fascinating project! Abigail
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