Hard to believe but I was at this race in 1973 and remember it well. There were no Jumbotrons in those days and no closed-circuit monitors and Belmont's course is so large that I used field glasses to view the race from the top of the grandstand across from the eighth pole. We had driven from Boston and were big fans of Secretariat. My eyes were sharp at that time and I put the glasses down as he came into the stretch. I remember seeing Turcotte turning and looking into the infield at the tote board and knew he was watching the teletimer. I took a quick look at the clock and saw that Secretariat had just run 1 1/4 in a scorching 1:59. Turcotte continued to let him run out the full mile and a half knowing that he would set a new track record for the Belmont. Time added to the luster and the renown of the event but we well knew that we had witnessed something that was historic. Today when I tell my friends about seeing Secretariat win the Belmont they don't seem to grasp the full meaning and realization of what I am telling them. Oh well!
Just an amazing story sir. Loved it, and thank you so much for sharing it. Youre so lucky to have seen that. Did you save your program? Or anything cool from that day?
I am so glad I came across this video! I Remember most of these races! Man, it was so good to re live them all over again. I remember when Secretariat was running his Belmont race I was cooking hot dogs and when he took off like a "tremendous Machine" I was so excited my arms went UP and I was jumping around and the hot dog I WAS flipping over went flying thru the air! Thank you for posting these races. wow
I am so glad that you have secretariat run at Belmont and his unbelievable win as your best race. I think he was flying. I think Pegasus was pulling him. It was just breathtaking.
I remember every one of these races and where I was and for whom I was rooting (not always the winner!). Old ESPN really had wonderful programming. Thanks for reviving these shows.
Fantastic performances by all these legendary athletes, but I would content that the '78 Belmont was a much greater race than Secretariat's '73 demolition of Sham and the rest of the field. The total drama of the '78 Triple Crown, where Alydar finished 2nd in all three races, but each race, he drew closer and closer, until the final mile and a half duel in the Belmont, where both horses turned it into a two-horse Ali-Fraizer type battle from wire to wire. That stretch drive between them was as dramatic as any you've posted here, but even more so since the build up from the Derby and Preakness left everyone anticipating the final confrontation in the Belmont. People where going berserk Alydar took a brief lead at the top of the stretch and it seemed like he would finally get his revenge against his long time rival. But Affirmed showed his championship heart and determination and battled back to take the lead. Alydar refused to give up, and they dashed, eye to eye, nose to nose to the wire with Affirmed holding on for the victory by a nose! Secretariat was perhaps the greatest thoroughbred I've ever seen, but in my opinion, he was too good and basically was unchallenged and unmatched genetically.
What an amazing classy stretch run by the filly Personal Ensign over Derby winner Winning Colors to finish up an undefeated 13-0, with a metal rod and bolts in her repaired broken hind leg. Some horses just refuse to be beaten.
@@StFidjnr True. I was at a simulcast track that day, with my buddy's mom placing illegal bets for us as thirteen year olds lol. NEVER thought Personal Ensign was getting up that day, even in late stretch. Too far back in a slow race, in the mud. Winning Colors had everything her way with slow fractions for her. Just amazing heart by Ensign. I also miss those Ogden Phipps Cherry Red and Black colors. They were the prettiest uniforms Ive ever seen in over 30 years of watching horse races, and when you saw them, usually they meant they were on a hell of a horse.
Affirmed and Alydar, in my opinion, is the greatest rivalry ever. They had raced each other a number of times before the Triple Crown races and as mentioned, had photo finishes in most of their races with each other. With the Triple Crown on the line, these two pulled away from the rest of the horses..and hammered away at each other down the stretch. Also... in spite of all those Kentucky Derbies, Preakness Stakes, and Belmont Stakes that had been run for over 140+ years or so - there have been 13 horses that have won it. But... Only 1 horse has ever finished 2nd in each of those races...whether or not there was a triple crown winner - and that was Alydar. If not for Affirmed that year... Alydar could have been that year's Triple Crown winner. Still, even now, in 2018, no horse has yet to finish 2nd in each of those 3 races.
I agree. Alydar is certainly one of the greatest horses in the history of the sport He was simply born the wrong year. He is a Triple Crown winner to me.
The greatest race of all time was Spectacular Bids, still standing world record for the classic champions distance of 1 1/4 miles. 1:57. 70. Where he was in shut down mode the final 1/8th. Just to set the record straight. And I don't know when this was made. But it seems weird that the 97 Preakness between Silver Charm and Free House didn't make the cut. Such a legendary rivalry they had.
I still get chills every time I watch Secretariat's Belmont. I read somewhere that he ran every quarter mile faster than the one before and was still accelerating at the end. We will not see his like again.
@@omardavila8587 He had to retire at the end of his 3 year old season because he was syndicated, and those were the terms of the syndicate. (Jan Griffiths).
Growing up in the industry my grandfather trained for almost 60 years and I was assured trainer for my uncle with Due Process Stables where we had amazing success with awesome horses but I have to say for a horse to break the records in the Derby which he still holds the Preakness which they went to court over the times and to run The Belmont 1.5 miles 23+ 46+ and an unheard of remarkable 3/4s in 109.4 going a mile and a half.....if I had a speed horse who could run 6furlongs in 109 I could retire with millions let alone continue running and running the race in 224......is absolutely insane....
So many great races, Tom Fool sweeping the 1953 season with his last 4 races deemed "no wagering" events, Swaps setting the pace then drawing away from Nashua in the 1955 Derby, Gun Bow setting the 1 1/4 mile track record winning the 1964 Brooklyn by 12 at 11:1 leaving Kelso far back, Damascus behind by 16 lengths goes on to win by 22 in the 1967 Travers, then crushing Dr. Fager and Buckpasser in the 1967 Woodward, Dr. Fager running a 20 4/5 split then setting the mile record winning by 10 in the 1968 Washington Park, Prove Out dominating over Secretariat then Riva Ridge in the big 1973 Fall races, TC winner Seattle Slew cruising to a win against TC winner Affirmed in the 1978 Marlboro, then Exceller holding off Slew 2 weeks later in the JCGC, All Along's sweep of the 4 big 1982 Fall turf races, Arrogate running like the wind in the 2016 Travers then defeating California Chrome in that year's BC Classic.
Pat Day Should have been barred from racing after the ride he gave the heavy 1-2 favorite Easy Goer in the Classic...Had the Horse so far back on that speed favoring Gulfstream surface with horse of the year on the line and closes to miss by a Neck...Horrible...Easy Goer should have won that race fairly comfortable
Totally disagree. Easy Goer was right there at the start of the turn, and just slowed for a few hundred yards. You can see Pat Day urging him as he lost some ground. Easy Goer in midstretch just got his bearings back, and it was too little too late. That was not a jockey error, but a horse error.
would've served her right since she avoided the Breeders Cup to protect the undefeated record. There's no sport in Sportsmen anymore - Owners avoid races/racing other horses - Players sit out to protect their batting average, etc., etc.
Outside of Secretariat (Everyone Claims he is the Best)....Easy Goer in my opinion was the Best Horse out of All these Horses in These Videos...You could Put him at 6 1/2 Furlongs all the way up to a 1 1/2 and any Distance inbetween and he was Brilliantly Fast...Bad Luck Horse with The Most Raw Natural Talent
@@sl-rt5kv Except Round Table never outfinished Gallant Man. Give Gallant Man the Derby that year and he has no need to run in the Trenton because he would have won the TC. How history can change on really dumb-a** stuff.
@sl7293 Round Table was sold by Travis Kerr to Claiborne for breeding with the condition that Kerr could race Round Table as long as he liked. This is the primary reason Round Table raced so long. In 1957 Round Table had a good run before and after the Kentucky Derby. Most recall his track record performance winning the Bluegrass smashing the track record by nearly 2 seconds. But in the Kentucky Derby he finished 3rd to Iron Liege and Gallant Man. Round Table returned west, where he won several stakes including the Hollywood Gold Cup in track record time beating sprinter specialist Porterhouse and the solid 7YO gelding Find. Round Table would win all 3 of his turf races, with a revenge defeat of Iron Liege in the American Derby, and Find again in the United Nations. His best dirt performance was the Hawthorne Gold Cup, where he got a 7 pound break in the weights to beat Chicago circuit specialist Swoon's Son in track record time. After rumors swirled that trainer Willie Molter would skip the "Race of Decision" Trenton Handicap in preference to the grassy DC International, Round Table would indeed run in the race to determine Horse of the Year honors. Round Table was assigned 124 pounds and replacement jockey Willie Harmatz against Gallant Man (Shoemaker, 124) and Bold Ruler (Arcaro, 122), with eventual 1957 Champion Older Horse Dedicate suffering a career ending injury a few days before the race. Bold Ruler would go on to set the pace alone and win, with Round Table a well beaten 3rd and last. Round Table's record on dirt was 11 wins in 17 races. In 1958 Round Table had the greatest season in Santa Anita's history, sweeping the 4YO series and then winning the San Antonio in track record time, and the Big 'Cap 2 weeks later, both at 130 pounds. He subsequently won 3 minor stakes prior to July 1, along with a loss in the Californian. For the remainder of the year he would lose 4 of 5 races on dirt, including a loss to Swoon's Son in the Equipoise Mile conceding 2 pounds, and a humbling defeat to Clem and Bill Shoemaker in the Woodward at equal weights. (Hurricane Helene left the track sloppy, which was not Round Table's favorite surface). Round Table also lost to Clem in the United Nations on turf while conceding 17 pounds, but defeated Clem earlier in the Arlington Handicap on turf while conceding 21 pounds. Clem also beat Round Table in the Washington Park on dirt, but got a 20 pound break in the weights. Round Table ended the year with another track record winning performance in the Hawthorne Gold Cup to sew up Horse of the Year honors. His turf record for the year was 5 wins in 6 races, including the Arch Ward at Washington Park, and the Arlington Handicap at Arlington Park. His dirt record was 10 wins in 15 races. In 1959 Round Table performed at his all-time best on turf, winning 6 of 7 races including his 2nd victory in the United Nations, and a track record performance in winning his 2nd Arlington Handicap. His only defeat on turf was 16th and last at 1:2 odds (coupled with lesser regarded Tall Chief) in the 1 1/2 mile Washington's Birthday at Santa Anita on a soft course. Although he had overcome a quarter crack 9 days prior, he suffered a left front leg injury through the soft going which would take him a few months to recover from. Molter decided to skip the traditional Big 'Cap prep San Antonio due to the 135 pound impost, which the filly Bug Brush won in world record time. Instead, Molter entered Round Table in the Washington's Birthday, which was only 5 days prior to the Big 'Cap, but only if the race stayed on turf. On dirt he won 3 of 7 races, with exceptional performances in the Washington Park under132 pounds breaking the track record by over a second, and the 1 5/8 mile Manhattan at Aqueduct, defeating future 1960 Champion Older Horse Bald Eagle. His losses were against Hillsdale in the 7F San Carlos at Santa Anita (conceding 17 pounds), Better Bee in the Equipoise Mile (conceding 17 pounds on an off track), Sword Dancer and Hillsdale in the Woodward, and Sword Dancer again in the 2 mile Jockey Club. Overall, there is no question Round Table performed brilliantly on turf, with a record of 14 wins in 16 races against the best turf competition available at the time. What really stands out is Round Table's ability to successfully carry weight, including 24 races with 130+ pounds, winning the 1959 Manhattan under 132 pounds conceding 10 pounds to Bald Eagle, and 7 wins in 9 races on turf including the 1959 United Nations under 136. For his turf performance alone Round Table deserves to be in the Hall of Fame. Also notable was Round Table's ability to perform at a high level both on turf and dirt. Only a few horses (e.g. Cougar, Exceller, Perrault, John Henry) come to mind as having similar ability. But the top horses were performing on dirt in that era, and the best horse Round Table ever defeated in a winning effort on dirt was probably Bald Eagle in the 1959 Manhattan. Round Table's win against Swoon's Son in the 1957 Hawthorne Gold Cup was also notable, but he would later lose to Swoon's Son in the 1958 Equipoise Mile while conceding only 2 pounds. His 1958 performance at Santa Anita was historic, but the best horse he beat that meeting was Terrang, who never won a stake outside California. Based on performance Round Table was a cut below the top Hall of Fame competition of the era (Bold Ruler, Gallant Man, and Sword Dancer). Based on dirt performance he was probably on par with the group including Iron Liege as a 3YO, and Hillsdale, Swoon's Son, and Clem as an older horse, although 2 of Clem's wins came with enormous weight breaks. Round Table was better than Bald Eagle in 1959, and he was certainly superior to horses such as Terrang, Porterhouse, and Find. Overall Round Table was thoroughly dominant on grass, competitive on the highest levels on dirt but unable to defeat the Hall of Fame horses of his era. September 1957 at 1 1/4 miles on dirt I would assign the following weights (3 pound break for 3YO): -Dedicate 127 -Gallant Man 125 -Bold Ruler 124 -Round Table 122 -Find 118 For 1958: -Round Table 125 -Clem 124 -Swoon's Son 124 For 1959: -Sword Dancer 126 -Round Table 125 -Hillsdale 123 -Bald Eagle 122
@@sl-rt5kv Kelso is unmatched for duration of racing at the highest level. Kelso was HOY 5 consecutive years. Kelso was a gelding. Forego would be next in longevity at highest level, winning 3 HOY titles along with another Champion Older horse award. Forego was also a gelding. It is true Round Table had more races (66), but only raced until 5. Kelso won HOY at age 7, and was competitive at the highest level at age 8. Forego won HOY at age 6, and won Champion Older Horse at age 7. Round Table certainly would not have raced as long as he did if there were a typical arrangement where the horse is turned over to the breeding farm on a specific date, see: Secretariat, Riva Ridge. This arrangement with Kerr and Claiborne was quite unusual, which is why I noted it and explains Round Table's lengthy career. I am not knocking Round Table's ability, certainly there have been few horses who have won HOY once, much less top grass horse 3 successive years. (none if I recall correctly) I speculate that Round Table's injury in 1959 would have likely ended most other race horse careers if breeding were an option. Add to that Round Table's stud career was very successful, compared favorably to perhaps the greatest of them all, Bold Ruler. Regarding Bold Ruler and Gallant Man, Bold Ruler raced 33 times, including 16 times as a 3YO. He raced injured for most of his 4YO campaign, and the injury did not fully manifest until the 1958 Brooklyn, his last race. Bold Ruler's 3YO season was perhaps not as brilliant as other champions historically, but his duels with Gen. Duke and Gallant Man were noteworthy. As a 4YO Bold Ruler won the Carter under 135 pounds, the Stymie under 133, Suburban under 134, and the Monmouth Handicap under 134. He also ran 2nd to Gallant Man in the Metropolitan under 135 pounds. Gallant Man raced 26 times, including 14 times as a 3YO. His 2YO season was entirely forgettable, but his 3YO season was stellar, with the only material blemishes his loss to Dedicate in the Woodward, and loss to Bold Ruler in the Trenton (which as I stated above would likely not have materialized into a HOY determinant if Shoemaker does not misjudge the finish line in the Kentucky Derby). As a 4YO Gallant Man started strong, winning important stakes on both coasts. He defeated Bold Ruler under 130 pounds, won the Hollywood Gold Cup under 130 and won the Sunset under 132. Owner Ralph Lowe sold a 75% interest in Gallant Man on September 6, and 2 days later he ran a well beaten 5th in the Sysonby with new jockey Arcaro up at Belmont in what would be his last race. Would Bold Ruler and Gallant Man continue to race if they had overcome their respective injuries? John Nerud continued to train Gallant Man for the fall classics, but according to Nerud bad weather interrupted his training and the decision to retire was made. Both horses were far more valuable as stallions, and the respective decisions to retire made good business sense. In comparing their 4 YO through July, Round Table got the early start and was brilliant at Santa Anita while Gallant Man and Bold Ruler were not in training. At Hollywood, Round Table did not challenge the invading Gallant Man in the Gold Cup, in fact Molter went to lesser competition in Chicago and lost at 3:10 odds. Prior to the Sysonby reporters at the time had Gallant Man the favorite to win HOY over both Round Table and Bold Ruler. Round Table would never race against either Gallant Man nor Bold Ruler after the Trenton, a noteworthy fact in consideration of the competition he faced was for the most part devoid of Hall of Fame level competition. (notwithstanding his losses to Sword Dancer in 1959) Incidentally, the 1958 DRF Free Handicap had Gallant Man and Bold Ruler co-highweights at 132, with Round Table at 131. As I indicated above the best horse Round Table defeated as an older horse was Bald Eagle, who would not win Champion honors until 1960. Certainly Round Table had the volume of racing that Bold Ruler and Gallant Man did not possess. He raced 22 times at 3, with a virtual uninterrupted campaign of 56 races from February 1956 through February, 1959. Of those races against Hall of Fame or champion competition, below are the results: -1957 Kentucky Derby: 3rd (Gallant Man 2nd, Bold Ruler 4th) -1957 Trenton: 3rd (Bold Ruler 1st, Gallant Man 2nd) -1959 Woodward: 3rd (Sword Dancer 1st, Hillsdale 2nd) -1959 Manhattan: 1st (Bald Eagle 2nd) -1959 Jockey Club Gold Cup: 2nd (Sword Dancer) To reiterate Round Table never defeated Hall of Famers Bold Ruler, Gallant Man, or Sword Dancer. He did outfinish Bold Ruler in the Kentucky Derby, however. Bald Eagle, 1960 Older Horse Champion, was not a Hall of Fame horse. In 1957 major grass racing was conducted almost exclusively at Santa Anita, Arlington Park, Washington Park, Atlantic City, and Laurel. Belmont did not conduct major turf races until its remodel, Del Mar just opened their turf course, Aqueduct did not get its turf course until 1959, Gulfstream 1959, Saratoga 1961, Hollywood Park 1967, and Garden State Park 1969. There was no Grass Horse Champion awarded until 1953. Was Round Table a brilliant grass horse? Of course. Did he defeat the Hall of fame race horses in his era while running on grass? No. Was he an exceptional dirt horse? Yes, but not at the peak level of Gallant Man, Bold Ruler, or Sword Dancer. Racing against lesser competition in and of itself should not diminish a racehorse's standing. John Nerud raced Dr. Fager against lesser competition during his 3YO campaign, but he was certainly regarded as one of the best ever. Round Table's primary success was against lesser competition, and that must be weighted along with his failures against hall of fame competition. In the Top 100 U.S. Racehorses of the 20th Century, Round Table is rated #17, with Bold Ruler #19, Gallant Man #36, and Sword Dancer #53. Certainly Round Table's incredible record on grass constitutes such high ranking, as his achievements on dirt do not compare so favorably.
@@chocolatetownforever7537 My post is quite clear. Secretariat had no rivals in 1973. Sham was not the good horse that some people thought. Affirmed and Alydar ran the last mile faster than Secretariat ran his. These are my observations.
@@fiddleronthecube7835 Secretariat beat Forego in 1973's Kentucky Derby, one of the greatest horses of all time. He beat Riva Ridge, a Kentucky Derby and Belmont Stakes winner. He beat Cougar II, who won THIRTEEN stakes races, was Turf Horse of the year in 72, and a HOFer. Secretariat also beat Key to the Mint, who won NINE stakes, including the Travers and the Woodward, and was the three year old champion in 72. All this and he smashed all three triple crown record times, that still stand today. So what are you talking about? But you dont know any of this. Why? Because you know nothing about horse racing lol. Know what youre talking about before you have opinions on things, otherwise you look foolish dude.
@@fiddleronthecube7835 I dont need your praise of Secretariat at all. Your statements are just not logical, and if youre going to say that he had no rivals in 73, youre also mistaken. Again though, that aside, lets analyze your statements deeper, and find more nonsense. You talk about Secretariats competition running 2:30 in the Belmont. That certainly doesnt impact how great he was that day. If Usain Bolt sets the world record in the 100 meters, who cares what time his competition ran lol? Its about HIM, not his competition. Lastly, you talk about Affirmed and Alydar running the last mile faster than Secretariat, as if that means anything. Secretariat wasnt even touched in the stretch by his jockey, while Affirmed and Alydar were both being hammered by their jockeys because it was a nip and tuck race. OF COURSE they are going to have a faster ending to the race. Turcotte had no competition, and hand rode Secretariat, and when the timer stopped, he was still TWO SECONDS faster than both Affirmed and Alydar. Your logic is faulty sir.
@Serial Killers Frankel destroyed the Prix D'larc De Triumph winner ovver 1m 2F having lost 7 lengths at the start, on heavy going, which didn't suit him. What are you not seeing? Just look at the ratings. The highest rated horse of all time.
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Top races... What a Farce??? You couldn't have added the record breaking '64 Kentucky Derby win of THE GREATEST THOROUGHBRED IN HISTORY!!! The 1964 K'Derby's race, the only one ever won by a (technically) 2 year old, 3 year Birth date after K'Derby. And in World Record Time, the underdog Canada's diminutive, "too small" they said Northern Dancer. BUT never finishing out of the monies, in ALL his races... Not only a Champion in Racing but "The World'S Sire Of ALL Sires" That changed horse racing forever ALL OVER THE WORLD... Stud fees in the $MILLION$ in the 1980's, No-where near that even today more then 30 years later!!!
Hard to believe but I was at this race in 1973 and remember it well. There were no Jumbotrons in those days and no closed-circuit monitors and Belmont's course is so large that I used field glasses to view the race from the top of the grandstand across from the eighth pole. We had driven from Boston and were big fans of Secretariat. My eyes were sharp at that time and I put the glasses down as he came into the stretch. I remember seeing Turcotte turning and looking into the infield at the tote board and knew he was watching the teletimer. I took a quick look at the clock and saw that Secretariat had just run 1 1/4 in a scorching 1:59. Turcotte continued to let him run out the full mile and a half knowing that he would set a new track record for the Belmont. Time added to the luster and the renown of the event but we well knew that we had witnessed something that was historic. Today when I tell my friends about seeing Secretariat win the Belmont they don't seem to grasp the full meaning and realization of what I am telling them. Oh well!
Just an amazing story sir. Loved it, and thank you so much for sharing it.
Youre so lucky to have seen that. Did you save your program? Or anything cool from that day?
I am so glad I came across this video! I Remember most of these races! Man, it was so good to re live them all over again. I remember when Secretariat was running his Belmont race I was cooking hot dogs and when he took off like a "tremendous Machine" I was so excited my arms went UP and I was jumping around and the hot dog I WAS flipping over went flying thru the air! Thank you for posting these races. wow
Were you watching when the announcer in the Derby, embarrassingly said Sex Secretariat lol?
Pretty funny faux pas.
I am so glad that you have secretariat run at Belmont and his unbelievable win as your best race. I think he was flying. I think Pegasus was pulling him. It was just breathtaking.
Yall were spot on with list. This is first time i've seen a list picked that good!!!
I remember every one of these races and where I was and for whom I was rooting (not always the winner!). Old ESPN really had wonderful programming. Thanks for reviving these shows.
And who did u root ? 🤣🤣
You should check out TVG HORSE RACING CHANNEL. ITS 602 ON DIRECTV.
7:11,
I knew those two thoroughbred statues 🐎🐎were in The Arlington race course!
My favorite Race track.😍😍😃😃
Fantastic performances by all these legendary athletes, but I would content that the '78 Belmont was a much greater race than Secretariat's '73 demolition of Sham and the rest of the field. The total drama of the '78 Triple Crown, where Alydar finished 2nd in all three races, but each race, he drew closer and closer, until the final mile and a half duel in the Belmont, where both horses turned it into a two-horse Ali-Fraizer type battle from wire to wire. That stretch drive between them was as dramatic as any you've posted here, but even more so since the build up from the Derby and Preakness left everyone anticipating the final confrontation in the Belmont. People where going berserk Alydar took a brief lead at the top of the stretch and it seemed like he would finally get his revenge against his long time rival. But Affirmed showed his championship heart and determination and battled back to take the lead. Alydar refused to give up, and they dashed, eye to eye, nose to nose to the wire with Affirmed holding on for the victory by a nose! Secretariat was perhaps the greatest thoroughbred I've ever seen, but in my opinion, he was too good and basically was unchallenged and unmatched genetically.
What an amazing classy stretch run by the filly Personal Ensign over Derby winner Winning Colors to finish up an undefeated 13-0, with a metal rod and bolts in her repaired broken hind leg. Some horses just refuse to be beaten.
not to forget that Personal Ensign run on muddy surface which she didn't like
@@StFidjnr True. I was at a simulcast track that day, with my buddy's mom placing illegal bets for us as thirteen year olds lol.
NEVER thought Personal Ensign was getting up that day, even in late stretch. Too far back in a slow race, in the mud. Winning Colors had everything her way with slow fractions for her.
Just amazing heart by Ensign. I also miss those Ogden Phipps Cherry Red and Black colors. They were the prettiest uniforms Ive ever seen in over 30 years of watching horse races, and when you saw them, usually they meant they were on a hell of a horse.
Affirmed and Alydar, in my opinion, is the greatest rivalry ever. They had raced each other a number of times before the Triple Crown races and as mentioned, had photo finishes in most of their races with each other. With the Triple Crown on the line, these two pulled away from the rest of the horses..and hammered away at each other down the stretch.
Also... in spite of all those Kentucky Derbies, Preakness Stakes, and Belmont Stakes that had been run for over 140+ years or so - there have been 13 horses that have won it. But... Only 1 horse has ever finished 2nd in each of those races...whether or not there was a triple crown winner - and that was Alydar. If not for Affirmed that year... Alydar could have been that year's Triple Crown winner. Still, even now, in 2018, no horse has yet to finish 2nd in each of those 3 races.
Layne Meek Sham finished 5th in the Belmont
There are good rivalries every decade I could argue
I agree. Alydar is certainly one of the greatest horses in the history of the sport He was simply born the wrong year. He is a Triple Crown winner to me.
@@frndofbear Just like Sham. (Jan Griffiths).
@@douglasgriffiths3534sham was no alydar
The greatest race of all time was Spectacular Bids, still standing world record for the classic champions distance of 1 1/4 miles. 1:57. 70. Where he was in shut down mode the final 1/8th. Just to set the record straight. And I don't know when this was made. But it seems weird that the 97 Preakness between Silver Charm and Free House didn't make the cut. Such a legendary rivalry they had.
Good comments!
I still get chills every time I watch Secretariat's Belmont. I read somewhere that he ran every quarter mile faster than the one before and was still accelerating at the end. We will not see his like again.
He ran every quarter mile faster in the Kentucky Derby, not the Belmont.
@@OfficialMuffiin Zenyatta better career..where was Secretariat at 4-5-6 years old
@Omar Davila Retired. Eating. Sleeping. And making baby horses. He retired after the 1973 season when he was 3 and was put out to stud.
@@omardavila8587 He had to retire at the end of his 3 year old season because he was syndicated, and those were the terms of the syndicate. (Jan Griffiths).
@@douglasgriffiths3534 That's exactly right for over 6 million dollars .
17:53 tom durkin go nuts
You missed the 97 Preakness. Silver Charm, Free House and Captain Bodget. Hell should be #1
Growing up in the industry my grandfather trained for almost 60 years and I was assured trainer for my uncle with Due Process Stables where we had amazing success with awesome horses but I have to say for a horse to break the records in the Derby which he still holds the Preakness which they went to court over the times and to run The Belmont 1.5 miles 23+ 46+ and an unheard of remarkable 3/4s in 109.4 going a mile and a half.....if I had a speed horse who could run 6furlongs in 109 I could retire with millions let alone continue running and running the race in 224......is absolutely insane....
Any idea where I could find a video of the 1993 super derby, I remember that race having a great dramatic finish.
So many great races, Tom Fool sweeping the 1953 season with his last 4 races deemed "no wagering" events, Swaps setting the pace then drawing away from Nashua in the 1955 Derby, Gun Bow setting the 1 1/4 mile track record winning the 1964 Brooklyn by 12 at 11:1 leaving Kelso far back, Damascus behind by 16 lengths goes on to win by 22 in the 1967 Travers, then crushing Dr. Fager and Buckpasser in the 1967 Woodward, Dr. Fager running a 20 4/5 split then setting the mile record winning by 10 in the 1968 Washington Park, Prove Out dominating over Secretariat then Riva Ridge in the big 1973 Fall races, TC winner Seattle Slew cruising to a win against TC winner Affirmed in the 1978 Marlboro, then Exceller holding off Slew 2 weeks later in the JCGC, All Along's sweep of the 4 big 1982 Fall turf races, Arrogate running like the wind in the 2016 Travers then defeating California Chrome in that year's BC Classic.
7:46 here they come spinning out of the turn
No John Henry? Arlington Million?
This race is on here. Starts at about 7:15 The '81 win over The Bart. John Henry was relentless.
As many times as I seen the bart n john Henry race I still would swear up n down the bart won ....
Pat Day Should have been barred from racing after the ride he gave the heavy 1-2 favorite Easy Goer in the Classic...Had the Horse so far back on that speed favoring Gulfstream surface with horse of the year on the line and closes to miss by a Neck...Horrible...Easy Goer should have won that race fairly comfortable
Totally disagree. Easy Goer was right there at the start of the turn, and just slowed for a few hundred yards. You can see Pat Day urging him as he lost some ground. Easy Goer in midstretch just got his bearings back, and it was too little too late.
That was not a jockey error, but a horse error.
4:32 dave Johnson time
The greast race horse of all time red rum three grand natiols
Yep. He was amazing, wasn't he? A great gelding. I have his Breyer model, which was difficult to get here in the States. (Jan Griffiths).
Even the best of jockeys can make mistakes. It almost cost Black Caviar the Diamond Jubilee Stakes which would have ruined her perfect record.
would've served her right since she avoided the Breeders Cup to protect the undefeated record. There's no sport in Sportsmen anymore - Owners avoid races/racing other horses - Players sit out to protect their batting average, etc., etc.
Where are these statistics coming from?
this horses are very slow to compare on secretariat
Outside of Secretariat (Everyone Claims he is the Best)....Easy Goer in my opinion was the Best Horse out of All these Horses in These Videos...You could Put him at 6 1/2 Furlongs all the way up to a 1 1/2 and any Distance inbetween and he was Brilliantly Fast...Bad Luck Horse with The Most Raw Natural Talent
@@sl-rt5kv Round table was a Special Great horse who turned into a machine...My thoughts are more along the lines of Modern day Horses....
Died way too young, only eight years old.
@@sl-rt5kv Except Round Table never outfinished Gallant Man. Give Gallant Man the Derby that year and he has no need to run in the Trenton because he would have won the TC. How history can change on really dumb-a** stuff.
@sl7293 Round Table was sold by Travis Kerr to Claiborne for breeding with the condition that Kerr could race Round Table as long as he liked. This is the primary reason Round Table raced so long.
In 1957 Round Table had a good run before and after the Kentucky Derby. Most recall his track record performance winning the Bluegrass smashing the track record by nearly 2 seconds. But in the Kentucky Derby he finished 3rd to Iron Liege and Gallant Man. Round Table returned west, where he won several stakes including the Hollywood Gold Cup in track record time beating sprinter specialist Porterhouse and the solid 7YO gelding Find. Round Table would win all 3 of his turf races, with a revenge defeat of Iron Liege in the American Derby, and Find again in the United Nations. His best dirt performance was the Hawthorne Gold Cup, where he got a 7 pound break in the weights to beat Chicago circuit specialist Swoon's Son in track record time. After rumors swirled that trainer Willie Molter would skip the "Race of Decision" Trenton Handicap in preference to the grassy DC International, Round Table would indeed run in the race to determine Horse of the Year honors. Round Table was assigned 124 pounds and replacement jockey Willie Harmatz against Gallant Man (Shoemaker, 124) and Bold Ruler (Arcaro, 122), with eventual 1957 Champion Older Horse Dedicate suffering a career ending injury a few days before the race. Bold Ruler would go on to set the pace alone and win, with Round Table a well beaten 3rd and last. Round Table's record on dirt was 11 wins in 17 races.
In 1958 Round Table had the greatest season in Santa Anita's history, sweeping the 4YO series and then winning the San Antonio in track record time, and the Big 'Cap 2 weeks later, both at 130 pounds. He subsequently won 3 minor stakes prior to July 1, along with a loss in the Californian. For the remainder of the year he would lose 4 of 5 races on dirt, including a loss to Swoon's Son in the Equipoise Mile conceding 2 pounds, and a humbling defeat to Clem and Bill Shoemaker in the Woodward at equal weights. (Hurricane Helene left the track sloppy, which was not Round Table's favorite surface). Round Table also lost to Clem in the United Nations on turf while conceding 17 pounds, but defeated Clem earlier in the Arlington Handicap on turf while conceding 21 pounds. Clem also beat Round Table in the Washington Park on dirt, but got a 20 pound break in the weights. Round Table ended the year with another track record winning performance in the Hawthorne Gold Cup to sew up Horse of the Year honors. His turf record for the year was 5 wins in 6 races, including the Arch Ward at Washington Park, and the Arlington Handicap at Arlington Park. His dirt record was 10 wins in 15 races.
In 1959 Round Table performed at his all-time best on turf, winning 6 of 7 races including his 2nd victory in the United Nations, and a track record performance in winning his 2nd Arlington Handicap. His only defeat on turf was 16th and last at 1:2 odds (coupled with lesser regarded Tall Chief) in the 1 1/2 mile Washington's Birthday at Santa Anita on a soft course. Although he had overcome a quarter crack 9 days prior, he suffered a left front leg injury through the soft going which would take him a few months to recover from. Molter decided to skip the traditional Big 'Cap prep San Antonio due to the 135 pound impost, which the filly Bug Brush won in world record time. Instead, Molter entered Round Table in the Washington's Birthday, which was only 5 days prior to the Big 'Cap, but only if the race stayed on turf. On dirt he won 3 of 7 races, with exceptional performances in the Washington Park under132 pounds breaking the track record by over a second, and the 1 5/8 mile Manhattan at Aqueduct, defeating future 1960 Champion Older Horse Bald Eagle. His losses were against Hillsdale in the 7F San Carlos at Santa Anita (conceding 17 pounds), Better Bee in the Equipoise Mile (conceding 17 pounds on an off track), Sword Dancer and Hillsdale in the Woodward, and Sword Dancer again in the 2 mile Jockey Club.
Overall, there is no question Round Table performed brilliantly on turf, with a record of 14 wins in 16 races against the best turf competition available at the time. What really stands out is Round Table's ability to successfully carry weight, including 24 races with 130+ pounds, winning the 1959 Manhattan under 132 pounds conceding 10 pounds to Bald Eagle, and 7 wins in 9 races on turf including the 1959 United Nations under 136. For his turf performance alone Round Table deserves to be in the Hall of Fame. Also notable was Round Table's ability to perform at a high level both on turf and dirt. Only a few horses (e.g. Cougar, Exceller, Perrault, John Henry) come to mind as having similar ability.
But the top horses were performing on dirt in that era, and the best horse Round Table ever defeated in a winning effort on dirt was probably Bald Eagle in the 1959 Manhattan. Round Table's win against Swoon's Son in the 1957 Hawthorne Gold Cup was also notable, but he would later lose to Swoon's Son in the 1958 Equipoise Mile while conceding only 2 pounds. His 1958 performance at Santa Anita was historic, but the best horse he beat that meeting was Terrang, who never won a stake outside California. Based on performance Round Table was a cut below the top Hall of Fame competition of the era (Bold Ruler, Gallant Man, and Sword Dancer). Based on dirt performance he was probably on par with the group including Iron Liege as a 3YO, and Hillsdale, Swoon's Son, and Clem as an older horse, although 2 of Clem's wins came with enormous weight breaks. Round Table was better than Bald Eagle in 1959, and he was certainly superior to horses such as Terrang, Porterhouse, and Find.
Overall Round Table was thoroughly dominant on grass, competitive on the highest levels on dirt but unable to defeat the Hall of Fame horses of his era.
September 1957 at 1 1/4 miles on dirt I would assign the following weights (3 pound break for 3YO):
-Dedicate 127
-Gallant Man 125
-Bold Ruler 124
-Round Table 122
-Find 118
For 1958:
-Round Table 125
-Clem 124
-Swoon's Son 124
For 1959:
-Sword Dancer 126
-Round Table 125
-Hillsdale 123
-Bald Eagle 122
@@sl-rt5kv Kelso is unmatched for duration of racing at the highest level. Kelso was HOY 5 consecutive years. Kelso was a gelding. Forego would be next in longevity at highest level, winning 3 HOY titles along with another Champion Older horse award. Forego was also a gelding. It is true Round Table had more races (66), but only raced until 5. Kelso won HOY at age 7, and was competitive at the highest level at age 8. Forego won HOY at age 6, and won Champion Older Horse at age 7. Round Table certainly would not have raced as long as he did if there were a typical arrangement where the horse is turned over to the breeding farm on a specific date, see: Secretariat, Riva Ridge. This arrangement with Kerr and Claiborne was quite unusual, which is why I noted it and explains Round Table's lengthy career. I am not knocking Round Table's ability, certainly there have been few horses who have won HOY once, much less top grass horse 3 successive years. (none if I recall correctly) I speculate that Round Table's injury in 1959 would have likely ended most other race horse careers if breeding were an option. Add to that Round Table's stud career was very successful, compared favorably to perhaps the greatest of them all, Bold Ruler.
Regarding Bold Ruler and Gallant Man, Bold Ruler raced 33 times, including 16 times as a 3YO. He raced injured for most of his 4YO campaign, and the injury did not fully manifest until the 1958 Brooklyn, his last race. Bold Ruler's 3YO season was perhaps not as brilliant as other champions historically, but his duels with Gen. Duke and Gallant Man were noteworthy. As a 4YO Bold Ruler won the Carter under 135 pounds, the Stymie under 133, Suburban under 134, and the Monmouth Handicap under 134. He also ran 2nd to Gallant Man in the Metropolitan under 135 pounds.
Gallant Man raced 26 times, including 14 times as a 3YO. His 2YO season was entirely forgettable, but his 3YO season was stellar, with the only material blemishes his loss to Dedicate in the Woodward, and loss to Bold Ruler in the Trenton (which as I stated above would likely not have materialized into a HOY determinant if Shoemaker does not misjudge the finish line in the Kentucky Derby). As a 4YO Gallant Man started strong, winning important stakes on both coasts. He defeated Bold Ruler under 130 pounds, won the Hollywood Gold Cup under 130 and won the Sunset under 132. Owner Ralph Lowe sold a 75% interest in Gallant Man on September 6, and 2 days later he ran a well beaten 5th in the Sysonby with new jockey Arcaro up at Belmont in what would be his last race.
Would Bold Ruler and Gallant Man continue to race if they had overcome their respective injuries? John Nerud continued to train Gallant Man for the fall classics, but according to Nerud bad weather interrupted his training and the decision to retire was made. Both horses were far more valuable as stallions, and the respective decisions to retire made good business sense.
In comparing their 4 YO through July, Round Table got the early start and was brilliant at Santa Anita while Gallant Man and Bold Ruler were not in training. At Hollywood, Round Table did not challenge the invading Gallant Man in the Gold Cup, in fact Molter went to lesser competition in Chicago and lost at 3:10 odds. Prior to the Sysonby reporters at the time had Gallant Man the favorite to win HOY over both Round Table and Bold Ruler.
Round Table would never race against either Gallant Man nor Bold Ruler after the Trenton, a noteworthy fact in consideration of the competition he faced was for the most part devoid of Hall of Fame level competition. (notwithstanding his losses to Sword Dancer in 1959) Incidentally, the 1958 DRF Free Handicap had Gallant Man and Bold Ruler co-highweights at 132, with Round Table at 131. As I indicated above the best horse Round Table defeated as an older horse was Bald Eagle, who would not win Champion honors until 1960.
Certainly Round Table had the volume of racing that Bold Ruler and Gallant Man did not possess. He raced 22 times at 3, with a virtual uninterrupted campaign of 56 races from February 1956 through February, 1959. Of those races against Hall of Fame or champion competition, below are the results:
-1957 Kentucky Derby: 3rd (Gallant Man 2nd, Bold Ruler 4th)
-1957 Trenton: 3rd (Bold Ruler 1st, Gallant Man 2nd)
-1959 Woodward: 3rd (Sword Dancer 1st, Hillsdale 2nd)
-1959 Manhattan: 1st (Bald Eagle 2nd)
-1959 Jockey Club Gold Cup: 2nd (Sword Dancer)
To reiterate Round Table never defeated Hall of Famers Bold Ruler, Gallant Man, or Sword Dancer. He did outfinish Bold Ruler in the Kentucky Derby, however. Bald Eagle, 1960 Older Horse Champion, was not a Hall of Fame horse.
In 1957 major grass racing was conducted almost exclusively at Santa Anita, Arlington Park, Washington Park, Atlantic City, and Laurel. Belmont did not conduct major turf races until its remodel, Del Mar just opened their turf course, Aqueduct did not get its turf course until 1959, Gulfstream 1959, Saratoga 1961, Hollywood Park 1967, and Garden State Park 1969. There was no Grass Horse Champion awarded until 1953. Was Round Table a brilliant grass horse? Of course. Did he defeat the Hall of fame race horses in his era while running on grass? No. Was he an exceptional dirt horse? Yes, but not at the peak level of Gallant Man, Bold Ruler, or Sword Dancer.
Racing against lesser competition in and of itself should not diminish a racehorse's standing. John Nerud raced Dr. Fager against lesser competition during his 3YO campaign, but he was certainly regarded as one of the best ever. Round Table's primary success was against lesser competition, and that must be weighted along with his failures against hall of fame competition.
In the Top 100 U.S. Racehorses of the 20th Century, Round Table is rated #17, with Bold Ruler #19, Gallant Man #36, and Sword Dancer #53. Certainly Round Table's incredible record on grass constitutes such high ranking, as his achievements on dirt do not compare so favorably.
"At the head of the stretch Secretariat had already destroyed this field." - Chic Anderson
8:13 those who bet madam gay for show go to the pay window
Belmont 1973: The rest of the field finishes in 2:30 or slower. That was one pathetic field.
Whats your point? To denegrate Secretariat?
The winner ran the fastest Belmont ever, and nobody has really challenged it almost 50 years later.
@@chocolatetownforever7537 My post is quite clear. Secretariat had no rivals in 1973. Sham was not the good horse that some people thought. Affirmed and Alydar ran the last mile faster than Secretariat ran his. These are my observations.
@@fiddleronthecube7835 Secretariat beat Forego in 1973's Kentucky Derby, one of the greatest horses of all time. He beat Riva Ridge, a Kentucky Derby and Belmont Stakes winner. He beat Cougar II, who won THIRTEEN stakes races, was Turf Horse of the year in 72, and a HOFer. Secretariat also beat Key to the Mint, who won NINE stakes, including the Travers and the Woodward, and was the three year old champion in 72. All this and he smashed all three triple crown record times, that still stand today. So what are you talking about?
But you dont know any of this. Why? Because you know nothing about horse racing lol.
Know what youre talking about before you have opinions on things, otherwise you look foolish dude.
@@chocolatetownforever7537 Read my post carefully. You want me to praise Secretariat. He needs no praise. You do that just fine.
@@fiddleronthecube7835 I dont need your praise of Secretariat at all. Your statements are just not logical, and if youre going to say that he had no rivals in 73, youre also mistaken.
Again though, that aside, lets analyze your statements deeper, and find more nonsense. You talk about Secretariats competition running 2:30 in the Belmont. That certainly doesnt impact how great he was that day. If Usain Bolt sets the world record in the 100 meters, who cares what time his competition ran lol? Its about HIM, not his competition.
Lastly, you talk about Affirmed and Alydar running the last mile faster than Secretariat, as if that means anything. Secretariat wasnt even touched in the stretch by his jockey, while Affirmed and Alydar were both being hammered by their jockeys because it was a nip and tuck race. OF COURSE they are going to have a faster ending to the race. Turcotte had no competition, and hand rode Secretariat, and when the timer stopped, he was still TWO SECONDS faster than both Affirmed and Alydar.
Your logic is faulty sir.
only secreteriat is the greatest
Maybe the greatest win of a single race, but he was beaten. Frankel is the greatest of all time. Unbeaten.
@Mauro Perdomo You fools arguing over the greatest. Amazes me. So who would win a battle to the death? A shark or a lion?
@@TheChrishoughton Thats just stupidity.
@Serial Killers Frankel destroyed the Prix D'larc De Triumph winner ovver 1m 2F having lost 7 lengths at the start, on heavy going, which didn't suit him. What are you not seeing? Just look at the ratings. The highest rated horse of all time.
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Top races... What a Farce???
You couldn't have added the record breaking '64 Kentucky Derby win of THE GREATEST THOROUGHBRED IN HISTORY!!!
The 1964 K'Derby's race, the only one ever won by a (technically) 2 year old, 3 year Birth date after K'Derby. And in World Record Time, the underdog Canada's diminutive, "too small" they said Northern Dancer. BUT never finishing out of the monies, in ALL his races... Not only a Champion in Racing but "The World'S Sire Of ALL Sires" That changed horse racing forever ALL OVER THE WORLD...
Stud fees in the $MILLION$ in the 1980's, No-where near that even today more then 30 years later!!!