Secretariat will always be known as one of the best racehorses of all time. While he did not make a “Grand Slam” like American Pharoah, Secretariat has track records that no horse has beaten, including his amazing 31 length victory in the Belmont Stakes.
For those who were fortunate enough to be around when he raced, they witnessed something no one else may ever see. If you are like me, you wish you had gotten the chance.
Secretariat passed away on October 4, 1989, at the age of 19, on the Clairborne Farm in Paris, Kentucky. The video below is Big Red when he was 12, in his pasture in Clariborne. It’s clear to see that he was very well taken care of – he runs and kicks like a colt!
To see that this great racing legend was still kicking up his heels and flooring it, just for fun, definitely makes this horse girl tear up. Did you ever get to watch him race? Share your memories in the comments!
Statue photo via Jean from flickr
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Sheri Humble
That's best horse I've seen in my life working with them is the greatest love u can have
Rebakaha McKinley
Yes I watched all of his races. He was the super horse. He was a delight and simply amazing to watch run. There will never be another like him.
Judi
I didn't see him in person, but I saw all three races on the TV. An incredible horse with an incredible heart! I picked him because I was working as a secretary, and his name sounded similar -- my dad thought that was funny. But he bragged to everyone when Secretariat won the Triple Crown, that his daughter had picked him from the beginning. Funny thing is, I am not a big chestnut fan -- have always loved bays. But he was so big and so commanding that I was awe-struck!!! One of God's most beautiful creations!!!
Sheryl
His bloodline still lives on....I volunteered at a rescue that took in a horse slated for slaughter. She had a tattoo and when we researched it, it turned out she was distantly related to Secretariat. It was an honor to save her.
Vicki Williams
Saw and got to pet Secretariat at his farm in Lexington in 1983. Swale had just died and the farm was closed, but I managed to talk my way in coming all the way from NC and knowing horses like I did. His trainer gave me a handful of his tail hairs that he pulled out as I stood there. I still have them to this very day. I would post a picture but don’t see any way to do that.
Linda Larson
Secretariat was as active at old age as he was when he was younger. I worked in the Vet Dept at Claiborne Farm and was there we he arrived. He would run at a full gallop in his paddock back and forth. If he saw people coming to see him he would run like that and come to the gate full speed , sliding stop at the gate and pose for pictures. He truly loved people. I worked at 2 Thoroughbred farms in my career and never saw another aralluon like him. Miss you Big Red
Laura austin
II always loved horses. I never owned one. My extended family always let me ride theirs
I read and watched the movie on Secretariet.
Linda Larson
Secretariat was as active at old age as he was when he was younger. I worked in the Vet Dept at Claiborne Farm and was there we he arrived. He would run at a full gallop in his paddock back and forth. If he saw people coming to see him he would run like that and come to the gate full speed , sliding stop at the gate and pose for pictures. He truly loved people. I worked at 2 Thoroughbred farms in my career and never saw another stallion like him. Miss you Big Red
Darlene G
Yes. I watched almost all his races. He was magnificent. He loved attention and knew he was special. Even all these years later I cry when I watch that race. It was so mindbogglingly to see him get farther and farther ahead. Everyone went out of their minds. I'm so happy I saw him. There will never be another like him. Never.
Linda Knutsen
I so admired him! I wrote my one and only fan mail letter to Penny Tweedy and she replied on Clairborne stationary, hand written note! She also sent me a picture of him and Ron Turcott as they headed into the Kentucky Derby. My greatest treasure! Of course, it is framed! Loved him……❤️❤️❤️