The sun over Belmont gleamed off a copper coat, turning Secretariat into a living flame. Perched above that fire was Ron Turcotte, the soft-spoken New Brunswick rider who knew the colt better than his own heartbeat. The two had shared countless dawns, Ron leaning over the stall door, Secretariat nosing for sugar, a silent pact passing between them: When it matters, we fly. June 9, 1973—it mattered. From the break Ron felt the engine ignite. Secretariat lunged, found his rhythm in three strides, and met the backstretch with ears pricked, breathing easy. Ron glanced under his arm—no one beside them, only Sham’s shadow trying to cling to destiny. Half-mile pole: the reins loosened. Secretariat’s stride lengthened, each bound devouring 25 feet of track, hooves drumming like distant artillery. Ron stopped urging, simply settled into the surge, alive inside a force that felt both wild and utterly under control. At the top of the stretch the grandstand erupted. Ron stole a look over his left shoulder—nothing but empty daylight. A thrill of disbelief flickered through him: they were alone in one of the greatest races on Earth. He lowered his hands, letting the reins float. Secretariat kept driving, Clydesdale hindquarters rolling, mane snapping in the wind. 31 lengths. 2:24 flat. When the wire flashed past, Ron eased Big Red to a canter, tears stinging his eyes. History hadn’t merely been broken; it had been blown apart. The roar that met them felt like thunder born inside a cathedral. Back at the winner’s circle Ron slid from the saddle and pressed his forehead to that white-blazed face. No words—just the shared hum of victory. In that moment horse and rider were more than athlete and pilot; they were a single, soaring legend. Secretariat jogged off, still fresh, tail flagging. Ron watched him go, knowing he’d never sit on such greatness again—yet grateful he had, on the day when man and marvel became one and left the rest of the world in awe-struck silence….?

August 10, 2025 Gistblogger 0

Belmont Park, June 9, 1973 — On a sun-drenched afternoon at Belmont Park, the air shimmered with anticipation as Secretariat, the chestnut colt with a […]