May 2023 nONCONFORMIST of the Month – Secretariat

May 6, 1973, was a historical day in horse racing.  It was the 99th running of the Kentucky Derby and no one had any idea what they were about to witness.  A three-year-old Thoroughbred colt nick-named “Big Red” was about to pull off the first of three shocking victories that would make him the 9th winner of the coveted Triple Crown.  Only thirteen horses to date have accomplished this feat.  The Triple crown is a set of three horse races made up of The Kentucky Derby (1 ¼ miles), The Preakness Stakes (1 3/16 miles), and The Belmont Stakes (1 ½ miles).  Secretariat’s victories were so stunning that the horse-racing world is still talking about them 50 years later.

Born on March 30, 1970, he grew into a large handsome horse with impressive conformation.  He had a shiny red coat and a personality that was just as shiny.  When he was in the presence of the public or the press, it was as if he knew he was the center of attention, and his confidence was front and center.  In private he was kind and gentle.

Secretariat’s racing career had a lukewarm start, but his owner Penny Chenery saw something in his spirit and knew he was special.  He proved her right during May and June of 1973.  During the Kentucky Derby he came from behind to win by 2 ½ lengths, setting a record by finishing in 1:59 2/5.  Next in the Preakness, he started out dead last and again came from behind to win by 2 ½ lengths.  He again set a record by finishing in 1:53.  By this point he was a favorite to win the Belmont and had become America’s favorite athlete, as he graced the covers of many magazines.

The most historical day in the history of horse racing took place on June 9, 1973, at the Belmont Stakes, the longest of the three Triple Crown races.  He started out strong and almost immediately took the lead.  With more than half of the race still to go, he widened his lead and left the rest of the contenders in the dust.  His lead continued to widen during the last ¾ mile of the race until he crossed the finish line 31 lengths ahead of the second-place finisher.  His time was 2:24 which was 2 3/5 seconds faster than the previous record. 

Consider for a minute that the Belmont Stakes is the longest of the three races at 1 ½ miles.  For Secretariat to have been in the lead for almost the entire race took not only speed but endurance.  This is a long time for a horse to run, especially at the speed he was going.  As the race progressed, he didn’t tire and lose speed, but instead got faster as his lead over the other horses grew.  The world was stunned at this amazing performance and had never seen a horse with so much heart.  This would turn out to be more than just a phrase, but a literal reason for his tremendous speed and endurance.

After being retired to stud in Kentucky, Secretariat enjoyed many years of relaxation as well as visitors from all over the world.  In fall 1989 at age 19, Secretariat developed laminitis which is a painful and often debilitating swelling of the hoof.  When treatment did not improve his condition, his owners made the decision to have him euthanized.  When his body was examined after his death, it was discovered that not only was Secretariat’s heart in perfect health, but it was also 2 ½ times the size of that of an average horse.  His speed and endurance were literally due to him being born with a larger “engine”.  He truly did have more heart than other horses.

Secretariat still holds the record for all three of the Triple Crown races 50 years later.  I still cry every time I watch them.  He was truly amazing.  He was a nonconformist because of his accomplishments, his beauty, his personality, and his genetic gift of a big heart.