I saw Secretariat in person a few times. It was in Saratoga each time and I remember The Sanford Secretariat ran there in 1972. It was the only start in his career when he was NOT the betting favorite. The unbeaten Linda’s Chief was the favorite in that race. It was the second time Ron Turcotte rode him and Secretariat did not seem to get hold of the track. I remember him falling way back on the backstretch but as they turned for home Secretariat came on like a horse “possessed” following his blockers as a football running back and caught Linda’s Chief in the last furlong and pulled away running to daylight. Sec. beat up a great horse in that race. That was when you knew Secretariat was something special! In that small winner’s circle I saw the majesty of Secretariat standing proud and victorious. As they rang the bell (17 minutes till next post time) Secretariat was walked back to his barn, the same barns where MOW lived when HE raced, I did ask the walker to stop for a moment and he obliged and I and my mom stroked and petted Secretariat. He did look a lot like MOW and my mom noticed it too. My thought was good luck Sec. I hope you do as well as the legends of the past especially MOW.
