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{{Short description|105th running of the Belmont Stakes}}
{{Short description|American thoroughbred horse race}}
{{Good article}}
{{Good article}}
{{Infobox horse race
{{Infobox horse race
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| next = [[1974 Belmont Stakes|1974]]
| next = [[1974 Belmont Stakes|1974]]
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The '''1973 Belmont Stakes''' was the 105th running of the [[Belmont Stakes]] at [[Belmont Park]] in [[Elmont, New York]], held on June 9, 1973. Facing a field of five horses, [[Secretariat (horse)|Secretariat]] won by 31 [[horse length|lengths]], the largest margin of victory in Belmont history, in front of a crowd of 69,138 spectators. His winning time of 2 minutes and 24 seconds still stands as the American record for a mile and a half on dirt. The event was televised and broadcast over the radio.
The '''1973 Belmont Stakes''' was the 105th running of the [[Belmont Stakes]] at [[Belmont Park]] in [[Elmont, New York]], held on June 9, 1973. Facing a field of five horses, [[Secretariat (horse)|Secretariat]] won by 31 [[horse length|lengths]] going away (had the race been longer he would have won by even more), the largest margin of victory in Belmont history, in front of a crowd of 69,138 spectators. His winning time of 2 minutes and 24 seconds still stands as the American record for a mile and a half on dirt. The event was televised and broadcast over the radio.


Secretariat was widely viewed as the favorite to win by most sportswriters and people; however, the added distance and the possibility of running too slow for a distance or running too fast too soon could potentially cause him to lose. Out of the [[starting gate]], Secretariat and [[Sham (horse)|Sham]] traded the lead. Around the three-quarters mile marker Sham began to fade and Secretariat began to extend an advantage. Twice a Prince and My Gallant overtook Sham to take second and third, respectively. Sham finished last, behind Pvt. Smiles, who was in last before Sham slowed severely.
Secretariat was widely viewed as the favorite to win by most sportswriters and people; however, the added distance and the possibility of running too slow for a distance or running too fast too soon could potentially cause him to lose. Out of the [[starting gate]], Secretariat and [[Sham (horse)|Sham]] traded the lead. Around the three-quarters mile marker Sham began to fade and Secretariat began to extend an advantage. Twice a Prince and My Gallant overtook Sham to take second and third, respectively. Sham finished last, behind Pvt. Smiles, who was in last before Sham slowed severely.
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[[Secretariat (horse)|Secretariat]], [[Sham (horse)|Sham]], Pvt. Smiles, and My Gallant were the first four horses to be entered into the Belmont Stakes. Secretariat, winner of both the [[1973 Kentucky Derby|Kentucky Derby]] and the [[1973 Preakness Stakes|Preakness Stakes]], was the odds on favorite to win the event.<ref name="NYT Sham">{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/54170735/sham-is-favored-for-runner-up-triple/ |title=Sham is favored for runner-up Triple |first=Steve |last=Cady |agency=The New York Times News Service |newspaper=[[Miami Herald]] |page=1C |date=June 7, 1973 |access-date=June 26, 2020 |via=newspapers.com}}</ref> The added distance of the Belmont when compared to the Derby and Preakness was found to be one potential reason for Secretariat to lose the race.<ref name="WP DB4a">{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/54170887/secretariat-is-favored-to-win-triple/ |title=Secretariat Is Favored To Win 'Triple' |first=Gerald |last=Strine |agency=Washington Post News Service |page=C5 |newspaper=[[The Sacramento Bee]] |date=June 9, 1973 |access-date=June 26, 2020 |via=newspapers.com}}</ref> Steve Cady of ''[[The New York Times]]'' wrote that Secretariat could be defeated if the pace of the race went too fast or was too slow for too long, in both of which scenarios he felt Sham would win.<ref name="NYT DB42">{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1973/06/09/archives/secretariats-strategy-well-play-it-by-ear.html |title=Secretariat's Strategy: 'We'll Play it By Ear' |first=Steve |last=Cady |newspaper=The New York Times |date=June 9, 1973 |page=25 |access-date=June 26, 2020 |via=nytimes.com |url-access=limited}}</ref> Sham received significant attention as well and was thought to be the second best horse, along with having the potential of becoming the first horse to be runner-up in all the Triple Crown races.<ref name="NYT Sham"/> My Gallant was considered the best of the rest, especially as he was the progeny of [[Gallant Man]], who set the Belmont Stakes course record of 2:{{frac|26|3|5}} in the [[1957 Belmont Stakes|1957 edition]].<ref name="LAT DB4">{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/54159496/secretariat-tries-for-triple-crown-at/ |title=Secretariat Tries for Triple Crown at Belmont Today |agency=Associated Press |newspaper=Los Angeles Times |date=June 9, 1973 |page=C1 |access-date=June 25, 2020 |via=newspapers.com}}</ref>
[[Secretariat (horse)|Secretariat]], [[Sham (horse)|Sham]], Pvt. Smiles, and My Gallant were the first four horses to be entered into the Belmont Stakes. Secretariat, winner of both the [[1973 Kentucky Derby|Kentucky Derby]] and the [[1973 Preakness Stakes|Preakness Stakes]], was the odds on favorite to win the event.<ref name="NYT Sham">{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/54170735/sham-is-favored-for-runner-up-triple/ |title=Sham is favored for runner-up Triple |first=Steve |last=Cady |agency=The New York Times News Service |newspaper=[[Miami Herald]] |page=1C |date=June 7, 1973 |access-date=June 26, 2020 |via=newspapers.com}}</ref> The added distance of the Belmont when compared to the Derby and Preakness was found to be one potential reason for Secretariat to lose the race.<ref name="WP DB4a">{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/54170887/secretariat-is-favored-to-win-triple/ |title=Secretariat Is Favored To Win 'Triple' |first=Gerald |last=Strine |agency=Washington Post News Service |page=C5 |newspaper=[[The Sacramento Bee]] |date=June 9, 1973 |access-date=June 26, 2020 |via=newspapers.com}}</ref> Steve Cady of ''[[The New York Times]]'' wrote that Secretariat could be defeated if the pace of the race went too fast or was too slow for too long, in both of which scenarios he felt Sham would win.<ref name="NYT DB42">{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1973/06/09/archives/secretariats-strategy-well-play-it-by-ear.html |title=Secretariat's Strategy: 'We'll Play it By Ear' |first=Steve |last=Cady |newspaper=The New York Times |date=June 9, 1973 |page=25 |access-date=June 26, 2020 |via=nytimes.com |url-access=limited}}</ref> Sham received significant attention as well and was thought to be the second best horse, along with having the potential of becoming the first horse to be runner-up in all the Triple Crown races.<ref name="NYT Sham"/> My Gallant was considered the best of the rest, especially as he was the progeny of [[Gallant Man]], who set the Belmont Stakes course record of 2:{{frac|26|3|5}} in the [[1957 Belmont Stakes|1957 edition]].<ref name="LAT DB4">{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/54159496/secretariat-tries-for-triple-crown-at/ |title=Secretariat Tries for Triple Crown at Belmont Today |agency=Associated Press |newspaper=Los Angeles Times |date=June 9, 1973 |page=C1 |access-date=June 25, 2020 |via=newspapers.com}}</ref>


Knightly Dawn was entered into the race on June 6 and was thought to bring early speed to the race and alter the way it would be run.<ref name="TS KD">{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/54171366/knightly-dawn-joins-belmont-stakes-field/ |title=Knightly Dawn joins Belmont Stakes field |first=William |last=Boniface |newspaper=[[The Baltimore Sun]] |date=June 7, 1973 |page=D1 |access-date=June 26, 2020 |via=newspapers.com}}</ref> Before Knightly Dawn's entry, Secretariat was speculated to lead from the race's start.<ref name="TS KD"/> With the presence of Knightly Dawn, William Boniface of ''[[The Baltimore Sun]]'' believed that Secretariat would have to run faster earlier on, thus making the final half-mile more unpredictable.<ref name="TS KD"/> Pancho Martin, the trainer of Knightly Dawn, said he would only run the horse if it rained as Knightly Dawn's only previous success had been in the [[Jersey Derby]] on a sloppy track.<ref name="LAT DB4"/> However, Knightly Dawn was scratched prior to race day.<ref name="CT NM2">{{cite news|title=It's Secretariat in Belmont Romp |first=Neil |last=Milbert |newspaper=Chicago Tribune |date=June 10, 1973 |page=C12 |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/54109785/its-secretariat-in-belmont-romp/ |access-date=June 25, 2020 |via=newspapers.com}}</ref>
Knightly Dawn was entered into the race on June 6 and was thought to bring early speed to the race and alter the way it would be run.<ref name="TS KD">{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/54171366/knightly-dawn-joins-belmont-stakes-field/ |title=Knightly Dawn joins Belmont Stakes field |first=William |last=Boniface |newspaper=[[The Baltimore Sun]] |date=June 7, 1973 |page=D1 |access-date=June 26, 2020 |via=newspapers.com}}</ref> Before Knightly Dawn's entry, Secretariat was speculated to lead from the race's start.<ref name="TS KD"/> With the presence of Knightly Dawn, William Boniface of ''[[The Baltimore Sun]]'' believed that Secretariat would have to run faster earlier on, thus making the final half-mile more unpredictable.<ref name="TS KD"/> Pancho Martin, the trainer of Knightly Dawn, said he would only run the horse if it rained as Knightly Dawn's only previous success had been in the [[Jersey Derby]] on a sloppy track.<ref name="LAT DB4"/> However, Knightly Dawn was scratched prior to race day.<ref name="CT NM2">{{cite news|title=It's Secretariat in Belmont Romp |first=Neil |last=Milbert |newspaper=Chicago Tribune |date=June 10, 1973 |page=C12 |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/54109785/its-secretariat-in-belmont-romp/ |access-date=June 25, 2020 |via=newspapers.com}}</ref> The horse's scratch also reduced the winner's share from $150,200 to $90,120.<ref name="CT NM1"/>


There was much speculation going into the Stakes over Secretariat's bid for the Triple Crown. Since 1948, when [[Citation (horse)|Citation]] achieved the feat, there had been six horses that had won both the [[Kentucky Derby]] and the [[Preakness Stakes]] before failing in the Belmont Stakes.<ref name="WP DB4">{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/54170929/secretariat-rates-as-belmont-choice/ |title=Secretariat Rates As Belmont Choice |first=Gerald |last=Strine |agency=Washington Post News Service |page=C1 |newspaper=[[The Sacramento Bee]] |date=June 9, 1973 |access-date=June 26, 2020 |via=newspapers.com}}</ref><ref name="TS KDa"/> When comparing Secretariat to those six horses' health and fitness before the Belmont Stakes, writer Boniface felt Secretariat was in the best shape, almost as good as when he entered the Kentucky Derby weeks prior.<ref name="TS KDa"/> Just days before the Belmont, Secretariat ran five furlongs in just under a minute in a morning workout.<ref name="TS KDa"/> Following that, Secretariat's jockey [[Ron Turcotte]] told reporters that Secretariat was ready for a top charge on Saturday.<ref name="TS KDa">{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/54171226/knightly-dawn-enters-belmont/ |title=Knightly Dawn enters Belmont |first=William |last=Boniface |newspaper=[[The Baltimore Sun]] |page=D5 |date=June 7, 1973 |access-date=June 26, 2020 |via=newspapers.com}}</ref>
There was much speculation going into the Stakes over Secretariat's bid for the Triple Crown. Since 1948, when [[Citation (horse)|Citation]] achieved the feat, there had been six horses that had won both the [[Kentucky Derby]] and the [[Preakness Stakes]] before failing in the Belmont Stakes.<ref name="WP DB4">{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/54170929/secretariat-rates-as-belmont-choice/ |title=Secretariat Rates As Belmont Choice |first=Gerald |last=Strine |agency=Washington Post News Service |page=C1 |newspaper=[[The Sacramento Bee]] |date=June 9, 1973 |access-date=June 26, 2020 |via=newspapers.com}}</ref><ref name="TS KDa"/> When comparing Secretariat to those six horses' health and fitness before the Belmont Stakes, writer Boniface felt Secretariat was in the best shape, almost as good as when he entered the Kentucky Derby weeks prior.<ref name="TS KDa"/> Just days before the Belmont, Secretariat ran five furlongs in just under a minute in a morning workout.<ref name="TS KDa"/> Following that, Secretariat's jockey [[Ron Turcotte]] told reporters that Secretariat was ready for a top charge on Saturday.<ref name="TS KDa">{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/54171226/knightly-dawn-enters-belmont/ |title=Knightly Dawn enters Belmont |first=William |last=Boniface |newspaper=[[The Baltimore Sun]] |page=D5 |date=June 7, 1973 |access-date=June 26, 2020 |via=newspapers.com}}</ref>


==Event details==
==Event details==
Post time for the race was 5:38 PM [[Eastern Daylight Time|EDT]].<ref name="CE FF"/> It was televised by [[CBS]], and aired on CBS Radio.<ref name="CE FF">{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/54171639/belmont-facts-and-figures/ |title=Belmont – Facts And Figures |newspaper=[[The Cincinnati Enquirer]] |page=17 |date=June 9, 1973 |access-date=June 26, 2020 |via=newspapers.com}}</ref> All jockeys competing were {{convert|126|lb|kg}}.<ref name="CT Chart">{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/54159847/belmont-stakes-chart/ |title=Belmont Stakes Chart |newspaper=Chicago Tribune |date=June 10, 1973 |page=C12 |access-date=June 25, 2020 |via=newspapers.com}}</ref><ref name="LAT Chart">{{cite news|title=The Belmont Chart |newspaper=Los Angeles Times |date=June 10, 1973 |page=C15 |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/54110488/the-belmont-chart/ |via=newspapers.com |access-date=June 25, 2020}}</ref> The weather during the race was clear and the course conditions were fast.<ref name="CT Chart"/><ref name="LAT Chart"/> The scratch of Knightly Dawn before the race was held reduced the purse to $150,200,<ref name="CT NM2"/> which was awarded to the first through fourth-place finishers in the sums of $90,120, $33,044, $18,024, and $9,012, respectively.<ref name="CT Chart"/><ref name="LAT Chart"/><ref name=prevbel>{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=X6lVAAAAIBAJ&sjid=6eADAAAAIBAJ&pg=6452%2C1923532 |work=Eugene Register-Guard |location=(Oregon) |agency=Associated Press |title=Secretariat rated 2-5 to prevail in Belmont |date=June 8, 1973 |page=2D}}</ref>
Post time for the race was 5:38 PM [[Eastern Daylight Time|EDT]].<ref name="CE FF"/> It was televised by [[CBS]] and aired on CBS Radio.<ref name="CE FF">{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/54171639/belmont-facts-and-figures/ |title=Belmont – Facts And Figures |newspaper=[[The Cincinnati Enquirer]] |page=17 |date=June 9, 1973 |access-date=June 26, 2020 |via=newspapers.com}}</ref> All jockeys competing were {{convert|126|lb|kg}}.<ref name="CT Chart">{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/54159847/belmont-stakes-chart/ |title=Belmont Stakes Chart |newspaper=Chicago Tribune |date=June 10, 1973 |page=C12 |access-date=June 25, 2020 |via=newspapers.com}}</ref><ref name="LAT Chart">{{cite news|title=The Belmont Chart |newspaper=Los Angeles Times |date=June 10, 1973 |page=C15 |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/54110488/the-belmont-chart/ |via=newspapers.com |access-date=June 25, 2020}}</ref> The weather during the race was clear, and the course conditions were fast.<ref name="CT Chart"/><ref name="LAT Chart"/> The scratch of Knightly Dawn before the race reduced the purse to $150,200,<ref name="CT NM2"/> which was awarded to the first through fourth-place finishers in the sums of $90,120, $33,044, $18,024, and $9,012, respectively.<ref name="CT Chart"/><ref name="LAT Chart"/><ref name=prevbel>{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=X6lVAAAAIBAJ&sjid=6eADAAAAIBAJ&pg=6452%2C1923532 |work=Eugene Register-Guard |location=(Oregon) |agency=Associated Press |title=Secretariat rated 2-5 to prevail in Belmont |date=June 8, 1973 |page=2D}}</ref>


Attendance figures were speculated to be around 70,000 leading up to the race,<ref name="LAT DB4a">{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/54159683/belmont-stakes/ |title=Belmont Stakes |agency=Associated Press |newspaper=Los Angeles Times |date=June 9, 1973 |page=C6 |access-date=June 25, 2020 |via=newspapers.com}}</ref> which was accurate as the official attendance for the event was reported to be 69,138.<ref name="CT NM1"/> This became the second-most attended Belmont Stakes at the time,<ref name="CT NM1"/> after the [[1971 Belmont Stakes|1971 race]] that had 82,694 in attendance.<ref name="Att MG">{{cite news|url=https://www.nyra.com/assets/4/7/2016_MG_Belmont_Stakes1.pdf|work=The New York Racing Association|title=2016 NYRA Media Guide – Belmont Stakes|access-date=May 17, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160619132342/https://www.nyra.com/assets/4/7/2016_MG_Belmont_Stakes1.pdf|archive-date=June 19, 2016|url-status=dead|page=B7}}</ref>
Attendance figures were speculated to be around 70,000 leading up to the race,<ref name="LAT DB4a">{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/54159683/belmont-stakes/ |title=Belmont Stakes |agency=Associated Press |newspaper=Los Angeles Times |date=June 9, 1973 |page=C6 |access-date=June 25, 2020 |via=newspapers.com}}</ref> which was accurate as the official attendance for the event was reported to be 69,138.<ref name="CT NM1"/> This became the second-most attended Belmont Stakes at the time,<ref name="CT NM1"/> after the [[1971 Belmont Stakes|1971 race]] that had 82,694 in attendance.<ref name="Att MG">{{cite news|url=https://www.nyra.com/assets/4/7/2016_MG_Belmont_Stakes1.pdf|work=The New York Racing Association|title=2016 NYRA Media Guide – Belmont Stakes|access-date=May 17, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160619132342/https://www.nyra.com/assets/4/7/2016_MG_Belmont_Stakes1.pdf|archive-date=June 19, 2016|url-status=dead|page=B7}}</ref>
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==Race summary==
==Race summary==
[[File:1973 Belmont Secretariat.jpg|thumb|Secretariat in the stretch run]]
[[File:1973 Belmont Secretariat.jpg|thumb|Secretariat in the stretch run]]
Out of the starting gate, Secretariat and Sham raced evenly through the first turn.<ref name="CT NM1"/><ref name="Sec MG">{{cite news|url=https://www.nyra.com/assets/4/7/2016_MG_Belmont_Stakes1.pdf|work=The New York Racing Association|title=2016 NYRA Media Guide – Belmont Stakes|access-date=May 17, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160619132342/https://www.nyra.com/assets/4/7/2016_MG_Belmont_Stakes1.pdf|archive-date=June 19, 2016|url-status=dead|page=B48}}</ref> Through a half-mile, the two were even.<ref name="Sec MG"/> Entering the backstretch and approaching three-quarters of a mile, Secretariat began to distance himself as Sham began to fade, ultimately finishing last.<ref name=Copper/> It was later discovered that Sham had suffered a hairline fracture of his right front [[cannon bone]] during the race, which ended his racing career.<ref name="Crying_Sham">{{cite web |author1=JDuggernaut |title=A Crying Sham: The Story of a Failed Triple Crown Bid |url=http://www.firstandmonday.com/a-crying-sham/ |website=First and Monday |date=9 June 2018 |access-date=14 June 2020 |archive-date=17 June 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180617222643/http://www.firstandmonday.com/a-crying-sham/ |url-status=dead }}</ref>
Out of the starting gate, Secretariat and Sham raced evenly through the first turn.<ref name="CT NM1"/><ref name="Sec MG">{{cite news|url=https://www.nyra.com/assets/4/7/2016_MG_Belmont_Stakes1.pdf|work=The New York Racing Association|title=2016 NYRA Media Guide – Belmont Stakes|access-date=May 17, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160619132342/https://www.nyra.com/assets/4/7/2016_MG_Belmont_Stakes1.pdf|archive-date=June 19, 2016|url-status=dead|page=B48}}</ref> Through a half-mile, the two were even.<ref name="Sec MG"/> Entering the backstretch and approaching three-quarters of a mile, Secretariat began to distance himself as Sham began to fade, ultimately finishing last.<ref name="Copper" /> Approximately 11 days after the Belmont Stakes, Sham suffered a hairline fracture in his right front [[cannon bone]] during training,<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/lexington-herald-leader-the-doctor-was-s/151716991/ |title=The Doctor Was Smiling: Sham Surgery Successful |first=Robin |last=Herman |agency=New York Times News Service |newspaper=[[Lexington Herald-Leader]] |location=[[Lexington, Kentucky]] |page=12 |date=July 9, 1973 |accessdate=July 20, 2024 |via=newspapers.com}}</ref> which ended his racing career.<ref name="Crying_Sham">{{cite web |author1=JDuggernaut |title=A Crying Sham: The Story of a Failed Triple Crown Bid |url=http://www.firstandmonday.com/a-crying-sham/ |website=First and Monday |date=9 June 2018 |access-date=14 June 2020 |archive-date=17 June 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180617222643/http://www.firstandmonday.com/a-crying-sham/ |url-status=dead }}</ref>


Secretariat continued to extend his advantage for the rest of the race, finishing 31 [[Horse length|length]]s over the second-place finisher, Twice a Prince.<ref name="Sec MG"/> Twice a Prince started slowly and moved along the rail until reaching second position, passing Sham and outpacing My Gallant.<ref name="CT Chart"/> Track announcer [[Chic Anderson]] described Secretariat's move from the backstretch with the famous call, "Secretariat is widening now. He is moving like a tremendous machine!"<ref name="Flatter">{{cite web|last1=Flatter|first1=Ron|title=Secretariat remains No. 1 name in racing|url=https://espn.go.com/sportscentury/features/00016464.html|publisher=ESPN|access-date=20 June 2016}}</ref>
Secretariat continued to extend his advantage for the rest of the race, finishing 31 [[Horse length|length]]s over the second-place finisher, Twice a Prince.<ref name="Sec MG"/> Twice a Prince started slowly and moved along the rail until reaching second position, passing Sham and outpacing My Gallant.<ref name="CT Chart"/> Track announcer [[Chic Anderson]] described Secretariat's move from the backstretch with the famous call, "Secretariat is widening now. He is moving like a tremendous machine!"<ref name="Flatter">{{cite web|last1=Flatter|first1=Ron|title=Secretariat remains No. 1 name in racing|url=https://www.espn.com/sportscentury/features/00016464.html|publisher=ESPN|access-date=20 June 2016}}</ref>


Secretariat set the Belmont Stakes track record at 2:24 and the record for largest margin of victory.{{refn|name=Old Recs|group=N|The previous course record was 2:{{frac|26|3|5}}, set by [[Gallant Man]] in [[1957 Belmont Stakes|1957]].<ref name="CT NM1"/> The largest margin of victory at the Belmont Stakes before the 1973 race was set in [[1943 Belmont Stakes|1943]], when [[Count Fleet]] won by 25 lengths.<ref name="CT NM1"/> Secretariat's 2:24 to cover 1.5 miles equates to an average speed of {{convert|37.5|mph|kph}}.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://horsenetwork.com/2014/06/tremendous-machine-secretariat-belmont/ |title=A Tremendous Machine: Secretariat at Belmont |first=John |last=Wilkinson |website=horsenetwork.com |date=June 4, 2014 |access-date=June 25, 2020}}</ref>}}<ref name="Sec MG"/><ref name=Copper>{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1988&dat=19730611&id=NT4iAAAAIBAJ&sjid=lKwFAAAAIBAJ&pg=3090,5013660 |title=Secretariat Defies Description After Record-Setting Belmont Run |newspaper=The Argus-Press |location=Owosso, Michigan |agency=Associated Press|author=Bob Cooper |date=June 11, 1973 |page=14}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal|author=Joe Hirsch|title=Secretariat Achieves 'Triple' Grand Prix Nominations Number 22 – Astonishing 31 Lengths Best In 2:24 Belmont Stakes Romp|date=June 11, 1973|page=1|journal=[[Daily Racing Form]]|volume=LXXIX|number=139}}</ref> Secretariat also broke the American record for a mile-and-a-half on a dirt track, breaking the previous record of 2:{{frac|26|1|5}}, set by [[Going Abroad]] in 1964.<ref name="CT NM2"/>
Secretariat set the Belmont Stakes track record at 2:24 and the record for largest margin of victory.{{refn|name=Old Recs|group=N|The previous course record was 2:{{frac|26|3|5}}, set by [[Gallant Man]] in [[1957 Belmont Stakes|1957]].<ref name="CT NM1"/> The largest margin of victory at the Belmont Stakes before the 1973 race was set in [[1943 Belmont Stakes|1943]], when [[Count Fleet]] won by 25 lengths.<ref name="CT NM1"/> Secretariat's 2:24 to cover 1.5 miles equates to an average speed of {{convert|37.5|mph|kph}}.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://horsenetwork.com/2014/06/tremendous-machine-secretariat-belmont/ |title=A Tremendous Machine: Secretariat at Belmont |first=John |last=Wilkinson |website=horsenetwork.com |date=June 4, 2014 |access-date=June 25, 2020}}</ref>}}<ref name="Sec MG"/><ref name=Copper>{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1988&dat=19730611&id=NT4iAAAAIBAJ&sjid=lKwFAAAAIBAJ&pg=3090,5013660 |title=Secretariat Defies Description After Record-Setting Belmont Run |newspaper=The Argus-Press |location=Owosso, Michigan |agency=Associated Press|author=Bob Cooper |date=June 11, 1973 |page=14}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal|author=Joe Hirsch|title=Secretariat Achieves 'Triple' Grand Prix Nominations Number 22 – Astonishing 31 Lengths Best In 2:24 Belmont Stakes Romp|date=June 11, 1973|page=1|journal=[[Daily Racing Form]]|volume=LXXIX|number=139}}</ref> Secretariat also broke the American record for a mile-and-a-half on a dirt track, breaking the previous record of 2:{{frac|26|1|5}}, set by [[Going Abroad]] in 1964.<ref name="CT NM2"/>
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{| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders"
{| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders"
|+ Final placings (1–5)<ref name="CT Chart"/><ref name="LAT Chart"/><ref name="NYT Chart">{{cite news|url=https://www.proquest.com/docview/119723014 |title=Belmont Stakes Chart |newspaper=The New York Times |date=June 10, 1973|page=5-1|id={{ProQuest|119723014}} }}{{Subscription required |via=[[ProQuest]]}}</ref>
|+ Final placings<ref name="CT Chart"/><ref name="LAT Chart"/>
|-
|-
! scope="col" | Finish
! scope="col" | Finish
! scope="col" | Program<!--this is NOT the post position-->
! scope="col" | Post Position
! scope="col" | Horse
! scope="col" | Horse
! scope="col" | Jockey
! scope="col" | Jockey
⚫
! scope="col" | Final Odds{{refn|name=Odds|group=N|The odds are all to $1; for example, Secretariat's odds of winning were $0.10 on a $1.00 wager.<ref name="NYT Chart"/>}}
! scope="col" | Trainer
⚫
! scope="col" class="unsortable" | Stake{{refn|name=Stake|group=N|The total purse for the race was $150,200.<ref name="NYT Chart"/>}}
! scope="col" | Owner
⚫
! scope="col" | Final Odds{{refn|name=Odds|group=N|The odds are all to $1;<ref name="CT Chart"/> Secretariat returned a profit of $0.10 on each dollar wagered "to win".}}
⚫
! scope="col" class="unsortable" | Stake{{refn|name=Stake|group=N|The total purse for the race was $150,200.<ref name="CT NM2"/><ref name="LAT DB4a"/>}}
|-
|-
| style="text-align:center;"| 1
| style="text-align:center;"| 1
| style="text-align:center;"| 2
| style="text-align:center;"| 2
| [[Secretariat (horse)|Secretariat]]
| style="text-align:center;"| [[Secretariat (horse)|Secretariat]]
| [[Ron Turcotte]]
| style="text-align:center;"| [[Ron Turcotte]]
| [[Lucien Laurin]]
| [[Penny Chenery|Meadow Stable]]
| style="text-align:center;"| $0.10
| style="text-align:center;"| $0.10
| style="text-align:center;"| $90,120
| style="text-align:center;"| $90,120
Line 72: Line 68:
| style="text-align:center;"| 2
| style="text-align:center;"| 2
| style="text-align:center;"| 5
| style="text-align:center;"| 5
| Twice a Prince
| style="text-align:center;"| Twice a Prince
| [[Braulio Baeza]]
| style="text-align:center;"| [[Braulio Baeza]]
| [[John P. Campo]]
| [[Elmendorf Farm#Maxwell Gluck|Elmendorf]]
| style="text-align:center;"| $17.30
| style="text-align:center;"| $17.30
| style="text-align:center;"| $33,044
| style="text-align:center;"| $33,044
Line 81: Line 75:
| style="text-align:center;"| 3
| style="text-align:center;"| 3
| style="text-align:center;"| 4
| style="text-align:center;"| 4
| My Gallant
| style="text-align:center;"| My Gallant
| [[Ángel Cordero Jr.]]
| style="text-align:center;"| [[Angel Cordero Jr]]
| [[Louis M. Goldfine]]
| [[Arthur I. Appleton]]
| style="text-align:center;"| $12.40
| style="text-align:center;"| $12.40
| style="text-align:center;"| $18,024
| style="text-align:center;"| $18,024
Line 90: Line 82:
| style="text-align:center;"| 4
| style="text-align:center;"| 4
| style="text-align:center;"| 3
| style="text-align:center;"| 3
| Pvt. Smiles
| style="text-align:center;"| Pvt. Smiles
| [[Danny Gargan]]
| style="text-align:center;"| Dan Gargan
| [[George T. Poole]]
| Edgar Zantker
| style="text-align:center;"| $14.30
| style="text-align:center;"| $14.30
| style="text-align:center;"| $9,012
| style="text-align:center;"| $9,012
|-
|-
| style="text-align:center;"| 5
| style="text-align:center;"| 5
| style="text-align:center;"| 1A
| style="text-align:right;"| 1A{{refn|name=Entry|group=N|Sham was scheduled to be part of an entry with Knightly Dawn, who was scratched before the race.<ref name="CT NM2"/> Knightly Dawn would have worn "1".}}
| [[Sham (horse)|Sham]]
| style="text-align:center;"| [[Sham (horse)|Sham]]
| [[Laffit Pincay Jr.]]
| style="text-align:center;"| [[Laffit Pincay, Jr.]]
| [[Pancho Martin|Frank "Pancho" Martin]]
| [[Sigmund Sommer]]
| style="text-align:center;"| $5.10
| style="text-align:center;"| $5.10
| style="text-align:center;"| –
| style="text-align:center;"| –
|-
|-
|}
|}

[[Post position]]s:<ref name="NYT Sham"/><ref name="CT Chart"/><ref name="LAT Chart"/> 1. Secretariat, 2. Pvt. Smiles, 3. My Gallant, {{strikethrough|Knightly Dawn}}, 4. Twice a Prince, 5. Sham


{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center; font-size: 95%;"
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center; font-size: 95%;"
|+Times<ref name="CT Chart"/><ref name="LAT Chart"/>
|+Times<ref name="CT Chart"/><ref name="LAT Chart"/>
!Distance !! Fractional !! Split
!Distance
! Fractional
! Split
|-
|-
|{{frac|1|4}} mile || :{{frac|23|3|5}} || —
|{{frac|1|4}} mile || 0:{{frac|23|3|5}} || —
|-
|-
|{{frac|1|2}} mile || :{{frac|46|1|5}} || :{{frac|22|3|5}}
|{{frac|1|2}} mile || 0:{{frac|46|1|5}} || :{{frac|22|3|5}}
|-
|-
|{{frac|3|4}} mile || 1:{{frac|09|4|5}} || :{{frac|23|3|5}}
|{{frac|3|4}} mile || 1:{{frac|09|4|5}} || :{{frac|23|3|5}}
Line 127: Line 115:
|}
|}


===Payout===
===Payout schedule===
{| class="wikitable plainrowheaders"
{| class="wikitable plainrowheaders"
|+ Payout Schedule<ref name="LAT Chart"/><ref>{{cite web | url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1356&dat=19730610&id=SAYkAAAAIBAJ&sjid=_AUEAAAAIBAJ&pg=6608,2219029 | title=Secretariat: A Triple Terror | work=Ocala Star-Banner | date=June 10, 1973 | access-date=June 20, 2012 | pages=D1}}</ref>
|+ Belmont Stakes Payout Schedule<ref name="LAT Chart"/><ref name="NYT Chart"/><ref>{{cite web | url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1356&dat=19730610&id=SAYkAAAAIBAJ&sjid=_AUEAAAAIBAJ&pg=6608,2219029 | title=Secretariat: A Triple Terror | work=Ocala Star-Banner | date=June 10, 1973 | accessdate=June 20, 2012 | pages=D1}}</ref>
|-
|-
! scope="col" | Program
! scope="col" | Post Position
! scope="col" | Horse
! scope="col" | Horse
! scope="col" | Win
! scope="col" | Win
! scope="col" | Place
! scope="col" | Place
! scope="col" | Show{{refn|name=Show|group=N|As there were only five competing horses, there was no Show wagering. This was the fifth instance where no bets for Show were taken for the Belmont Stakes.<ref name="Betting">{{cite news |url=https://www.nyra.com/assets/4/7/2016_MG_Belmont_Stakes1.pdf |work=The New York Racing Association |title=2016 NYRA Media Guide – Belmont Stakes |access-date=May 17, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160619132342/https://www.nyra.com/assets/4/7/2016_MG_Belmont_Stakes1.pdf |archive-date=June 19, 2016 |url-status=dead |page=B4 }}</ref>}}
! scope="col" | Show{{refn|name=Show|group=N|As there were only five competing horses, there was no show awarded for the Stakes. This was the fifth instance where no bets for Show were taken for the Belmont Stakes.<ref name="Betting">{{cite news |url=https://www.nyra.com/assets/4/7/2016_MG_Belmont_Stakes1.pdf |work=The New York Racing Association |title=2016 NYRA Media Guide – Belmont Stakes |accessdate=May 17, 2016 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160619132342/https://www.nyra.com/assets/4/7/2016_MG_Belmont_Stakes1.pdf |archivedate=June 19, 2016 |page=B4 }}</ref>}}
|-
|-
| style="text-align:center;"| 2
| style="text-align:center;"| 2
| style="text-align:center;"| [[Secretariat (horse)|Secretariat]]
| style="text-align:center;"| [[Secretariat (horse)|Secretariat]]
| style="text-align:center;"| $2.60
| style="text-align:center;"| $2.20
| style="text-align:center;"| $2.20
| style="text-align:center;"| $2.40<!--yes, the Place bet paid more than the Win bet-->
| style="text-align:center;"| –
| style="text-align:center;"| –
|-
|-
Line 146: Line 134:
| style="text-align:center;"| Twice a Prince
| style="text-align:center;"| Twice a Prince
| style="text-align:center;"| –
| style="text-align:center;"| –
| style="text-align:center;"| $4.60
| style="text-align:center;"| $2.20
| style="text-align:center;"| –
| style="text-align:center;"| –
|-
|-
|}
|}

* [[Exacta]]: (2–5) $35.20<ref name="LAT Chart"/>
* $3 [[Parimutuel betting|Exacta]]: (2–5) $35.20<ref name="NYT Chart"/>


==Analysis==
==Analysis==
Neil Milbert of the ''[[Chicago Tribune]]'' wrote that Secretariat "ran what may have been the greatest horse race in history."<ref name="CT NM1">{{cite news|title=Secretariat Gallops to Triple Crown! |first=Neil |last=Milbert |newspaper=Chicago Tribune |date=June 10, 1973 |page=C1 |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/54158513/secretariat-gallops-to-triple-crown/ |access-date=June 26, 2020 |via=newspapers.com}}</ref> When asked about Secretariat's margin of victory, trainer [[Lucien Laurin]] stated: "Naturally, not that big!"<ref name="CT NM1"/> He further commented on Sham's performance saying "The horse we had to kill, we did."<ref name="CT NM1"/> My Gallant's jockey [[Ángel Cordero Jr.]] said Secretariat was "just like a car."<ref name="CT NM2"/> Secretariat's jockey Ron Turcotte told the press that he saw the timer on the track hit 2:20 and he told himself "Oh I can make it" and continued to press Secretariat forward to break the course record.<ref name="UPI After">{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=110&dat=19730611&id=86xOAAAAIBAJ&sjid=-ksDAAAAIBAJ&pg=4084,5716424 |title=Secretariat Super in Clinching Crown |newspaper=Ludington Daily News |agency=UPI |date=June 10, 1973 |page=5}}</ref><ref name="AP After">{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1988&dat=19730611&id=NT4iAAAAIBAJ&sjid=lKwFAAAAIBAJ&pg=3090,5013660|author=Bob Cooper |title=Secretariat Defies Description After Record-Setting Belmont Run |newspaper=The Argus-Press |agency=Associated Press |date=June 10, 1973 |page=14}}</ref> The [[United Press International|UPI]] wrote that Secretariat's performance in the race put him in the ranks of the greatest race horses of all-time.<ref name="UPI After"/>
Neil Milbert of the ''[[Chicago Tribune]]'' wrote that Secretariat "ran what may have been the greatest horse race in history."<ref name="CT NM1">{{cite news|title=Secretariat Gallops to Triple Crown! |first=Neil |last=Milbert |newspaper=Chicago Tribune |date=June 10, 1973 |page=C1 |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/54158513/secretariat-gallops-to-triple-crown/ |access-date=June 26, 2020 |via=newspapers.com}}</ref> When asked about Secretariat's margin of victory, trainer [[Lucien Laurin]] stated: "Naturally, not that big!"<ref name="CT NM1"/> He further commented on Sham's performance saying, "The horse we had to kill, we did."<ref name="CT NM1"/> My Gallant's jockey [[Ángel Cordero Jr.]] said Secretariat was "just like a car."<ref name="CT NM2"/> Secretariat's jockey Ron Turcotte told the press that he saw the timer on the track hit 2:20 and he told himself "Oh I can make it" and continued to press Secretariat forward to break the course record.<ref name="UPI After">{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=110&dat=19730611&id=86xOAAAAIBAJ&sjid=-ksDAAAAIBAJ&pg=4084,5716424 |title=Secretariat Super in Clinching Crown |newspaper=Ludington Daily News |agency=UPI |date=June 10, 1973 |page=5}}</ref><ref name="AP After">{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1988&dat=19730611&id=NT4iAAAAIBAJ&sjid=lKwFAAAAIBAJ&pg=3090,5013660|author=Bob Cooper |title=Secretariat Defies Description After Record-Setting Belmont Run |newspaper=The Argus-Press |agency=Associated Press |date=June 10, 1973 |page=14}}</ref> The [[United Press International|UPI]] wrote that Secretariat's performance in the race put him in the ranks of the greatest race horses of all time.<ref name="UPI After"/>


That day at [[Belmont Park]], $7.9 million was wagered on the nine races that were held during the day, which includes $2.2 million from off-track betting.<ref name="LAT Bet">{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/54159989/79-million-bet-on-belmont-races/ |title=$7.9 Million Bet on Belmont Races |newspaper=Los Angeles Times |agency=Associated Press |date=June 10, 1973 |page=C15 |access-date=June 25, 2020 |via=newspapers.com}}</ref> A total of $5.6 million was bet through the mutuels that day.<ref name="LAT Bet"/> The Stakes itself had $519,689 bet on it.<ref name="LAT Bet"/> Bettors holding 5,617 winning parimutuel tickets on Secretariat never redeemed them, presumably keeping them as souvenirs.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://observer.guardian.co.uk/osm/story/0,,782470,00.html |title=The 10 greatest horse races of all time |author=Sean Magee |work=Observer Sport Monthly |publisher=Guardian News and Media Limited |date=September 1, 2002 |archive-date=June 19, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160619134844/http://www.theguardian.com/observer/osm/story/0%2C%2C782470%2C00.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
That day at [[Belmont Park]], $7.9 million was wagered on the nine races that were held during the day, which includes $2.2 million from off-track betting.<ref name="LAT Bet">{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/54159989/79-million-bet-on-belmont-races/ |title=$7.9 Million Bet on Belmont Races |newspaper=Los Angeles Times |agency=Associated Press |date=June 10, 1973 |page=C15 |access-date=June 25, 2020 |via=newspapers.com}}</ref> A total of $5.6 million was bet through the mutuels that day.<ref name="LAT Bet"/> The Stakes itself had $519,689 bet on it.<ref name="LAT Bet"/> Bettors holding 5,617 winning parimutuel tickets on Secretariat never redeemed them, presumably keeping them as souvenirs.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://observer.guardian.co.uk/osm/story/0,,782470,00.html |title=The 10 greatest horse races of all time |author=Sean Magee |work=Observer Sport Monthly |publisher=Guardian News and Media Limited |date=September 1, 2002 |archive-date=June 19, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160619134844/http://www.theguardian.com/observer/osm/story/0%2C%2C782470%2C00.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
Line 159: Line 148:
==Aftermath==
==Aftermath==
[[File:Owner Meadow Stable.svg|thumb|upright=0.5|Racing colors of [[Meadow Stable]]]]
[[File:Owner Meadow Stable.svg|thumb|upright=0.5|Racing colors of [[Meadow Stable]]]]
Through his combined victories at the Belmont Stakes, Preakness Stakes, and Kentucky Derby, Secretariat became the ninth horse to complete the [[Triple Crown of Thoroughbred Racing (United States)|Triple Crown of Thoroughbred Racing]],<ref name="TBT Bel Rv">{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=799&dat=19730611&id=GaRPAAAAIBAJ&sjid=wlEDAAAAIBAJ&pg=5155,5340482&hl=en |title=Secretariat shatters mark |newspaper=The Bryant Times |agency=UPI|author=Ray Ayers |date=June 11, 1973 |page=11}}</ref> and the first horse since [[Citation (horse)|Citation]] in 1948, ending a 25-year period without a Triple Crown winner.<ref name="TBT Bel Rv"/> Secretariat's times in all three Triple Crown races were course records and still stand.<ref name="TC Rec">{{cite web|url=https://www.americasbestracing.net/the-sport/2016-secretariat-%E2%80%98-tremendous-machine%E2%80%99|title=Secretariat: 'A Tremendous Machine' |work=America's Best Racing|publisher=TJC Media Ventures|date=May 18, 2016|author=Tom Pedulla|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160524033700/https://www.americasbestracing.net/the-sport/2016-secretariat-%E2%80%98-tremendous-machine%E2%80%99|archive-date=May 24, 2016 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="CNN TC Rec">{{cite web |url=http://www.cnn.com/2012/06/19/sport/secretariat-preakness-record/index.html?hpt=hp_c1 |title=Secretariat's '73 Preakness time is a record, racing commission rules |work=[[CNN]]|author=CNN Wire Staff|publisher=Turner Broadcasting System, Inc |date=June 19, 2012 |access-date=June 19, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304121044/http://www.cnn.com/2012/06/19/sport/secretariat-preakness-record/index.html?hpt=hp_c1|archive-date=March 4, 2016|url-status=live}}</ref>
Through his combined victories at the Belmont Stakes, Preakness Stakes, and Kentucky Derby, Secretariat became the ninth horse to complete the [[Triple Crown of Thoroughbred Racing (United States)|Triple Crown of Thoroughbred Racing]],<ref name="TBT Bel Rv">{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=799&dat=19730611&id=GaRPAAAAIBAJ&sjid=wlEDAAAAIBAJ&pg=5155,5340482&hl=en |title=Secretariat shatters mark |newspaper=The Bryant Times |agency=UPI|author=Ray Ayers |date=June 11, 1973 |page=11}}</ref> and the first horse since [[Citation (horse)|Citation]] in 1948, ending a 25-year period without a Triple Crown winner.<ref name="TBT Bel Rv"/> Secretariat's times in all three Triple Crown races were course records and still stand.<ref name="TC Rec">{{cite web|url=https://www.americasbestracing.net/the-sport/2016-secretariat-%E2%80%98-tremendous-machine%E2%80%99|title=Secretariat: 'A Tremendous Machine' |work=America's Best Racing|publisher=TJC Media Ventures|date=May 18, 2016|author=Tom Pedulla|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160524033700/https://www.americasbestracing.net/the-sport/2016-secretariat-%E2%80%98-tremendous-machine%E2%80%99|archive-date=May 24, 2016 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="CNN TC Rec">{{cite web |url=http://www.cnn.com/2012/06/19/sport/secretariat-preakness-record/index.html?hpt=hp_c1 |title=Secretariat's '73 Preakness time is a record, racing commission rules |work=[[CNN]]|publisher=Turner Broadcasting System, Inc |date=June 19, 2012 |access-date=June 19, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304121044/http://www.cnn.com/2012/06/19/sport/secretariat-preakness-record/index.html?hpt=hp_c1|archive-date=March 4, 2016|url-status=live}}</ref>


Following the Belmont, Secretariat was allowed several weeks rest before entering a few more competitions and then starting his a career as a [[Stud (animal)|stud]], where he had been syndicated for close to $6.08 million.<ref name="UPI After"/><ref name="AP After"/>
Following the Belmont, Secretariat was allowed several weeks rest before entering a few more competitions and then starting his a career as a [[Stud (animal)|stud]], where he had been syndicated for close to $6.08 million.<ref name="UPI After"/><ref name="AP After"/>


In part due to accomplishing the Triple Crown and winning other races during the 1973 calendar season, Secretariat won [[American Horse of the Year|Horse of the Year]] for the second consecutive year.<ref name="Montreal">{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=hhMyAAAAIBAJ&sjid=6aEFAAAAIBAJ&pg=2262,698356&dq=secretariat+horse-of-the-year&hl=en |agency=Associated Press|title=Triple Crown winner Secretariat sweeps Horse of the Year ballotting | work=Montreal Gazette |date=December 19, 1973 |access-date=June 20, 2012}}</ref> In addition, he also won Eclipse Awards as the [[American Champion Three-Year-Old Male Horse]] and the [[American Champion Male Turf Horse]].<ref name="Montreal"/> He was inducted to the [[National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame|Thoroughbred Horse Racing Hall of Fame]] in 1974.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/54164309/secretariat-riva-said-ok/ |title=Secretariat, Riva Said OK |newspaper=[[Miami Herald]] |page=8-E |date=August 7, 1974 |access-date=June 25, 2020 |via=newspapers.com}}</ref>
In part due to accomplishing the Triple Crown and winning other races during the 1973 calendar season, Secretariat won [[American Horse of the Year|Horse of the Year]] for the second consecutive year.<ref name="Montreal">{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=hhMyAAAAIBAJ&sjid=6aEFAAAAIBAJ&pg=2262,698356&dq=secretariat+horse-of-the-year&hl=en |agency=Associated Press|title=Triple Crown winner Secretariat sweeps Horse of the Year ballotting | work=Montreal Gazette |date=December 19, 1973 |access-date=June 20, 2012}}</ref> In addition, he also won Eclipse Awards as the [[American Champion Three-Year-Old Male Horse]] and the [[American Champion Male Turf Horse]].<ref name="Montreal"/> He was inducted to the [[National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame|Thoroughbred Horse Racing Hall of Fame]] in 1974.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/54164309/secretariat-riva-said-ok/ |title=Secretariat, Riva Said OK |newspaper=[[Miami Herald]] |page=8-E |date=August 7, 1974 |access-date=June 25, 2020 |via=newspapers.com}}</ref>

Although Secretariat sired several successful racehorses, he ultimately was most influential through his daughters' offspring. His daughters produced several notable [[Glossary of equestrian terms#S|sires]], and through them Secretariat appears in the pedigree of many modern champions. Secretariat died in 1989 due to [[laminitis]], at age 19. He is recognized as the greatest horse in racing history.


In 2013, the 40th anniversary of his Belmont win was commemorated by the [[New York Racing Association]] by placing a blue-and-white checkered pole (the colors of [[Meadow Stable]]) at the Belmont track, located {{convert|253|ft|2|in|m}} from the finish line to mark the 31-length margin of victory.<ref name="BH2013">{{cite web|author1=Staff|title=NYRA Places Secretariat Belmont Margin Pole|url=http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/120569/nyra-places-secretariat-belmont-margin-pole|website=The Blood Horse|access-date=20 June 2016|date=June 7, 2013}}</ref>
In 2013, the 40th anniversary of his Belmont win was commemorated by the [[New York Racing Association]] by placing a blue-and-white checkered pole (the colors of [[Meadow Stable]]) at the Belmont track, located {{convert|253|ft|2|in|m}} from the finish line to mark the 31-length margin of victory.<ref name="BH2013">{{cite web|author1=Staff|title=NYRA Places Secretariat Belmont Margin Pole|url=http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/120569/nyra-places-secretariat-belmont-margin-pole|website=The Blood Horse|access-date=20 June 2016|date=June 7, 2013}}</ref>
Line 176: Line 163:
===Citations===
===Citations===
{{Reflist|30em}}
{{Reflist|30em}}

==Further reading==
* {{cite web |url=https://www.belmontstakes.com/history/triple-crown-winners/secretariat |title=Secretariat |website=belmontstakes.com |access-date=June 26, 2020 |quote=Nobody swept through the Kentucky Derby, Preakness, and Belmont Stakes with the same drama, style and flair as Secretariat.}}


==External links==
==External links==

Latest revision as of 16:28, 21 July 2024

105th Belmont Stakes
Belmont Stakes
Grade I stakes race
Secretariat on the final stretch
LocationBelmont Park
Elmont, New York, U.S.
DateJune 9, 1973
Distance1+1⁄2 mi (12 furlongs; 2,414 m)
Winning horseSecretariat
Winning time2:24
JockeyRon Turcotte
TrainerLucien Laurin
OwnerPenny Chenery
ConditionsFast
SurfaceDirt
Attendance69,138
← 1972
1974 →

The 1973 Belmont Stakes was the 105th running of the Belmont Stakes at Belmont Park in Elmont, New York, held on June 9, 1973. Facing a field of five horses, Secretariat won by 31 lengths going away (had the race been longer he would have won by even more), the largest margin of victory in Belmont history, in front of a crowd of 69,138 spectators. His winning time of 2 minutes and 24 seconds still stands as the American record for a mile and a half on dirt. The event was televised and broadcast over the radio.

Secretariat was widely viewed as the favorite to win by most sportswriters and people; however, the added distance and the possibility of running too slow for a distance or running too fast too soon could potentially cause him to lose. Out of the starting gate, Secretariat and Sham traded the lead. Around the three-quarters mile marker Sham began to fade and Secretariat began to extend an advantage. Twice a Prince and My Gallant overtook Sham to take second and third, respectively. Sham finished last, behind Pvt. Smiles, who was in last before Sham slowed severely.

The victory in the Belmont, when combined with Secretariat's previous victories in the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness Stakes, meant he completed the Triple Crown of Thoroughbred Racing. This was significant, as Secretariat became the ninth horse to complete the feat and broke a 25-year drought where no horse had completed the achievement.

Pre-race coverage

[edit]

Secretariat, Sham, Pvt. Smiles, and My Gallant were the first four horses to be entered into the Belmont Stakes. Secretariat, winner of both the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness Stakes, was the odds on favorite to win the event.[1] The added distance of the Belmont when compared to the Derby and Preakness was found to be one potential reason for Secretariat to lose the race.[2] Steve Cady of The New York Times wrote that Secretariat could be defeated if the pace of the race went too fast or was too slow for too long, in both of which scenarios he felt Sham would win.[3] Sham received significant attention as well and was thought to be the second best horse, along with having the potential of becoming the first horse to be runner-up in all the Triple Crown races.[1] My Gallant was considered the best of the rest, especially as he was the progeny of Gallant Man, who set the Belmont Stakes course record of 2:26+3⁄5 in the 1957 edition.[4]

Knightly Dawn was entered into the race on June 6 and was thought to bring early speed to the race and alter the way it would be run.[5] Before Knightly Dawn's entry, Secretariat was speculated to lead from the race's start.[5] With the presence of Knightly Dawn, William Boniface of The Baltimore Sun believed that Secretariat would have to run faster earlier on, thus making the final half-mile more unpredictable.[5] Pancho Martin, the trainer of Knightly Dawn, said he would only run the horse if it rained as Knightly Dawn's only previous success had been in the Jersey Derby on a sloppy track.[4] However, Knightly Dawn was scratched prior to race day.[6] The horse's scratch also reduced the winner's share from $150,200 to $90,120.[7]

There was much speculation going into the Stakes over Secretariat's bid for the Triple Crown. Since 1948, when Citation achieved the feat, there had been six horses that had won both the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness Stakes before failing in the Belmont Stakes.[8][9] When comparing Secretariat to those six horses' health and fitness before the Belmont Stakes, writer Boniface felt Secretariat was in the best shape, almost as good as when he entered the Kentucky Derby weeks prior.[9] Just days before the Belmont, Secretariat ran five furlongs in just under a minute in a morning workout.[9] Following that, Secretariat's jockey Ron Turcotte told reporters that Secretariat was ready for a top charge on Saturday.[9]

Event details

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Post time for the race was 5:38 PM EDT.[10] It was televised by CBS and aired on CBS Radio.[10] All jockeys competing were 126 pounds (57 kg).[11][12] The weather during the race was clear, and the course conditions were fast.[11][12] The scratch of Knightly Dawn before the race reduced the purse to $150,200,[6] which was awarded to the first through fourth-place finishers in the sums of $90,120, $33,044, $18,024, and $9,012, respectively.[11][12][13]

Attendance figures were speculated to be around 70,000 leading up to the race,[14] which was accurate as the official attendance for the event was reported to be 69,138.[7] This became the second-most attended Belmont Stakes at the time,[7] after the 1971 race that had 82,694 in attendance.[15]

Race summary

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Secretariat in the stretch run

Out of the starting gate, Secretariat and Sham raced evenly through the first turn.[7][16] Through a half-mile, the two were even.[16] Entering the backstretch and approaching three-quarters of a mile, Secretariat began to distance himself as Sham began to fade, ultimately finishing last.[17] Approximately 11 days after the Belmont Stakes, Sham suffered a hairline fracture in his right front cannon bone during training,[18] which ended his racing career.[19]

Secretariat continued to extend his advantage for the rest of the race, finishing 31 lengths over the second-place finisher, Twice a Prince.[16] Twice a Prince started slowly and moved along the rail until reaching second position, passing Sham and outpacing My Gallant.[11] Track announcer Chic Anderson described Secretariat's move from the backstretch with the famous call, "Secretariat is widening now. He is moving like a tremendous machine!"[20]

Secretariat set the Belmont Stakes track record at 2:24 and the record for largest margin of victory.[N 1][16][17][22] Secretariat also broke the American record for a mile-and-a-half on a dirt track, breaking the previous record of 2:26+1⁄5, set by Going Abroad in 1964.[6]

Results

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Final placings (1–5)[11][12][23]
Finish Post Position Horse Jockey Final Odds[N 2] Stake[N 3]
1 2 Secretariat Ron Turcotte $0.10 $90,120
2 5 Twice a Prince Braulio Baeza $17.30 $33,044
3 4 My Gallant Angel Cordero Jr $12.40 $18,024
4 3 Pvt. Smiles Dan Gargan $14.30 $9,012
5 1A Sham Laffit Pincay, Jr. $5.10 –
Times[11][12]
Distance Fractional Split
1⁄4 mile 0:23+3⁄5 —
1⁄2 mile 0:46+1⁄5 :22+3⁄5
3⁄4 mile 1:09+4⁄5 :23+3⁄5
1 mile 1:34+1⁄5 :24+2⁄5
1+1⁄4 mile 1:59 :24+4⁄5
Finish 2:24 :25

Payout schedule

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Belmont Stakes Payout Schedule[12][23][24]
Post Position Horse Win Place Show[N 4]
2 Secretariat $2.60 $2.20 –
5 Twice a Prince – $2.20 –

Analysis

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Neil Milbert of the Chicago Tribune wrote that Secretariat "ran what may have been the greatest horse race in history."[7] When asked about Secretariat's margin of victory, trainer Lucien Laurin stated: "Naturally, not that big!"[7] He further commented on Sham's performance saying, "The horse we had to kill, we did."[7] My Gallant's jockey Ángel Cordero Jr. said Secretariat was "just like a car."[6] Secretariat's jockey Ron Turcotte told the press that he saw the timer on the track hit 2:20 and he told himself "Oh I can make it" and continued to press Secretariat forward to break the course record.[26][27] The UPI wrote that Secretariat's performance in the race put him in the ranks of the greatest race horses of all time.[26]

That day at Belmont Park, $7.9 million was wagered on the nine races that were held during the day, which includes $2.2 million from off-track betting.[28] A total of $5.6 million was bet through the mutuels that day.[28] The Stakes itself had $519,689 bet on it.[28] Bettors holding 5,617 winning parimutuel tickets on Secretariat never redeemed them, presumably keeping them as souvenirs.[29]

Aftermath

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Racing colors of Meadow Stable

Through his combined victories at the Belmont Stakes, Preakness Stakes, and Kentucky Derby, Secretariat became the ninth horse to complete the Triple Crown of Thoroughbred Racing,[30] and the first horse since Citation in 1948, ending a 25-year period without a Triple Crown winner.[30] Secretariat's times in all three Triple Crown races were course records and still stand.[31][32]

Following the Belmont, Secretariat was allowed several weeks rest before entering a few more competitions and then starting his a career as a stud, where he had been syndicated for close to $6.08 million.[26][27]

In part due to accomplishing the Triple Crown and winning other races during the 1973 calendar season, Secretariat won Horse of the Year for the second consecutive year.[33] In addition, he also won Eclipse Awards as the American Champion Three-Year-Old Male Horse and the American Champion Male Turf Horse.[33] He was inducted to the Thoroughbred Horse Racing Hall of Fame in 1974.[34]

In 2013, the 40th anniversary of his Belmont win was commemorated by the New York Racing Association by placing a blue-and-white checkered pole (the colors of Meadow Stable) at the Belmont track, located 253 feet 2 inches (77.17 m) from the finish line to mark the 31-length margin of victory.[35]

References

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Notes

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  1. ^ The previous course record was 2:26+3⁄5, set by Gallant Man in 1957.[7] The largest margin of victory at the Belmont Stakes before the 1973 race was set in 1943, when Count Fleet won by 25 lengths.[7] Secretariat's 2:24 to cover 1.5 miles equates to an average speed of 37.5 miles per hour (60.4 km/h).[21]
  2. ^ The odds are all to $1; for example, Secretariat's odds of winning were $0.10 on a $1.00 wager.[23]
  3. ^ The total purse for the race was $150,200.[23]
  4. ^ As there were only five competing horses, there was no show awarded for the Stakes. This was the fifth instance where no bets for Show were taken for the Belmont Stakes.[25]

Citations

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  1. ^ a b Cady, Steve (June 7, 1973). "Sham is favored for runner-up Triple". Miami Herald. The New York Times News Service. p. 1C. Retrieved June 26, 2020 – via newspapers.com.
  2. ^ Strine, Gerald (June 9, 1973). "Secretariat Is Favored To Win 'Triple'". The Sacramento Bee. Washington Post News Service. p. C5. Retrieved June 26, 2020 – via newspapers.com.
  3. ^ Cady, Steve (June 9, 1973). "Secretariat's Strategy: 'We'll Play it By Ear'". The New York Times. p. 25. Retrieved June 26, 2020 – via nytimes.com.
  4. ^ a b "Secretariat Tries for Triple Crown at Belmont Today". Los Angeles Times. Associated Press. June 9, 1973. p. C1. Retrieved June 25, 2020 – via newspapers.com.
  5. ^ a b c Boniface, William (June 7, 1973). "Knightly Dawn joins Belmont Stakes field". The Baltimore Sun. p. D1. Retrieved June 26, 2020 – via newspapers.com.
  6. ^ a b c d Milbert, Neil (June 10, 1973). "It's Secretariat in Belmont Romp". Chicago Tribune. p. C12. Retrieved June 25, 2020 – via newspapers.com.
  7. ^ a b c d e f g h i Milbert, Neil (June 10, 1973). "Secretariat Gallops to Triple Crown!". Chicago Tribune. p. C1. Retrieved June 26, 2020 – via newspapers.com.
  8. ^ Strine, Gerald (June 9, 1973). "Secretariat Rates As Belmont Choice". The Sacramento Bee. Washington Post News Service. p. C1. Retrieved June 26, 2020 – via newspapers.com.
  9. ^ a b c d Boniface, William (June 7, 1973). "Knightly Dawn enters Belmont". The Baltimore Sun. p. D5. Retrieved June 26, 2020 – via newspapers.com.
  10. ^ a b "Belmont – Facts And Figures". The Cincinnati Enquirer. June 9, 1973. p. 17. Retrieved June 26, 2020 – via newspapers.com.
  11. ^ a b c d e f "Belmont Stakes Chart". Chicago Tribune. June 10, 1973. p. C12. Retrieved June 25, 2020 – via newspapers.com.
  12. ^ a b c d e f "The Belmont Chart". Los Angeles Times. June 10, 1973. p. C15. Retrieved June 25, 2020 – via newspapers.com.
  13. ^ "Secretariat rated 2-5 to prevail in Belmont". Eugene Register-Guard. (Oregon). Associated Press. June 8, 1973. p. 2D.
  14. ^ "Belmont Stakes". Los Angeles Times. Associated Press. June 9, 1973. p. C6. Retrieved June 25, 2020 – via newspapers.com.
  15. ^ "2016 NYRA Media Guide – Belmont Stakes" (PDF). The New York Racing Association. p. B7. Archived from the original (PDF) on June 19, 2016. Retrieved May 17, 2016.
  16. ^ a b c d "2016 NYRA Media Guide – Belmont Stakes" (PDF). The New York Racing Association. p. B48. Archived from the original (PDF) on June 19, 2016. Retrieved May 17, 2016.
  17. ^ a b Bob Cooper (June 11, 1973). "Secretariat Defies Description After Record-Setting Belmont Run". The Argus-Press. Owosso, Michigan. Associated Press. p. 14.
  18. ^ Herman, Robin (July 9, 1973). "The Doctor Was Smiling: Sham Surgery Successful". Lexington Herald-Leader. Lexington, Kentucky. New York Times News Service. p. 12. Retrieved July 20, 2024 – via newspapers.com.
  19. ^ JDuggernaut (9 June 2018). "A Crying Sham: The Story of a Failed Triple Crown Bid". First and Monday. Archived from the original on 17 June 2018. Retrieved 14 June 2020.
  20. ^ Flatter, Ron. "Secretariat remains No. 1 name in racing". ESPN. Retrieved 20 June 2016.
  21. ^ Wilkinson, John (June 4, 2014). "A Tremendous Machine: Secretariat at Belmont". horsenetwork.com. Retrieved June 25, 2020.
  22. ^ Joe Hirsch (June 11, 1973). "Secretariat Achieves 'Triple' Grand Prix Nominations Number 22 – Astonishing 31 Lengths Best In 2:24 Belmont Stakes Romp". Daily Racing Form. LXXIX (139): 1.
  23. ^ a b c d e "Belmont Stakes Chart". The New York Times. June 10, 1973. p. 5-1. ProQuest 119723014. – via ProQuest (subscription required)
  24. ^ "Secretariat: A Triple Terror". Ocala Star-Banner. June 10, 1973. pp. D1. Retrieved June 20, 2012.
  25. ^ "2016 NYRA Media Guide – Belmont Stakes" (PDF). The New York Racing Association. p. B4. Archived from the original (PDF) on June 19, 2016. Retrieved May 17, 2016.
  26. ^ a b c "Secretariat Super in Clinching Crown". Ludington Daily News. UPI. June 10, 1973. p. 5.
  27. ^ a b Bob Cooper (June 10, 1973). "Secretariat Defies Description After Record-Setting Belmont Run". The Argus-Press. Associated Press. p. 14.
  28. ^ a b c "$7.9 Million Bet on Belmont Races". Los Angeles Times. Associated Press. June 10, 1973. p. C15. Retrieved June 25, 2020 – via newspapers.com.
  29. ^ Sean Magee (September 1, 2002). "The 10 greatest horse races of all time". Observer Sport Monthly. Guardian News and Media Limited. Archived from the original on June 19, 2016.
  30. ^ a b Ray Ayers (June 11, 1973). "Secretariat shatters mark". The Bryant Times. UPI. p. 11.
  31. ^ Tom Pedulla (May 18, 2016). "Secretariat: 'A Tremendous Machine'". America's Best Racing. TJC Media Ventures. Archived from the original on May 24, 2016.
  32. ^ "Secretariat's '73 Preakness time is a record, racing commission rules". CNN. Turner Broadcasting System, Inc. June 19, 2012. Archived from the original on March 4, 2016. Retrieved June 19, 2012.
  33. ^ a b "Triple Crown winner Secretariat sweeps Horse of the Year ballotting". Montreal Gazette. Associated Press. December 19, 1973. Retrieved June 20, 2012.
  34. ^ "Secretariat, Riva Said OK". Miami Herald. August 7, 1974. p. 8-E. Retrieved June 25, 2020 – via newspapers.com.
  35. ^ Staff (June 7, 2013). "NYRA Places Secretariat Belmont Margin Pole". The Blood Horse. Retrieved 20 June 2016.
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