Marking the 50th birthday of the Super Horse Cancel The title field is required!

1. Michael Duszynski

   

   6 posts
   
   3/29/2020 7:03 PM

   On June 9th,  1973,  50 million plus Americans along with a worldwide audience tuned in to CBS to witness the coronation of a new king a decade past that terrible day when our great king was killed by his own.  For that fleeting moment, Secretariat,  who won the Belmont Stakes on that 90 degree day in an astonishing 2:24,  became the leader of the free world.  And when he returned to the front of the Belmont Racetrack Grandstand to receive his crown this was his message:
   
   "See folks,  I'm just a racehorse playing in a game I can win,  but you folks,  the "Silent Majority",  as your ill fated leader calls you,  are playing in a game you can't win,  and you need to wise up" . 
   
   In this time of isolation take time from your confinement to pay homage to the 50th birthday of Secretariat.  Log on to youtube and look up ESPN Secretariat,  as well as the 1973 Kentucky Derby, Preakness,  and Belmont for a wonderful trip back in time.
   
   Best,   Michael Duszynski,  Camarillo, CA
   
   

   
   
   
   
2. Clay Putnam

   

   33 posts
   
   3/30/2020 10:03 AM in reply to Michael Duszynski

   The story and legend of Secretariat still sends a chill up my spine. 

   
   
   
   
3. Michael Duszynski

   

   6 posts
   
   3/31/2020 5:03 PM in reply to Clay Putnam

   Same for me Clay.   The best example of the magnitude and profoundness of the Secretariat Phenomenon were the words of Jack Whitaker who was the MC for the 1973 Belmont:
   
   "There may be some people who do not know who or what Secretariat is at this time,  people who have been marooned on South Pacific islands or lost in Amazonian Jungles..."
   
   Thanks Clay,  I enjoy your posts here.

   
   
   
   
4. Clay Putnam

   

   33 posts
   
   3/31/2020 5:03 PM in reply to Michael Duszynski

   I attend the Belmont every year there is a Triple Crown contender. I was fortunate to have been at the Belmont in 2015 for American Pharoah and 2018 for Justify. The historic thrill of those events was, far and away, the greatest sporting event I have ever witnessed, particularly American Pharoah - not a dry eye among 90,000 fans. I have to imagine 1973 was even more spectacular. 

   
   
   
   
5. Michael Duszynski

   

   6 posts
   
   4/1/2020 10:04 PM in reply to Clay Putnam

   Wow...I envy you !   I saw these races on TV of course.  I was just 12 yrs. old in 1973,  I knew the Super Horse had won,  I may have seen the race, can't recall,  I do remember the adults in my neighborhood all talking about it.   Looking at it now after all these years finally reveals the true meaning of the Secretariat Phenomenon. Make sure you watch ESPN Secretariat on youtube.

   
   
   
   
6. Kenneth Ingram

   

   18 posts
   
   4/2/2020 9:04 AM in reply to Michael Duszynski

   If you guys ever get the chance, tough for you Michael out in CA, but we have some cool race history in MD. In Ocean City, MD Glen Riddle GC restored the farm where Sea Biscuit, War Admiral, and Man O'War were raised. Barn is now the clubhouse, parts of an old track and starting gate are incorporated into the design. Makes for a fun day. https://glenriddlegolf.com/history/
   Kenneth Ingram, UMD

   
   
   
   
7. Clay Putnam

   

   33 posts
   
   4/2/2020 10:04 AM in reply to Kenneth Ingram

   GlenRiddle looks spectacular. Love the historic preservation and would love to visit. 

   
   
   
   
8. Corey Eastwood

   

   80 posts
   
   4/2/2020 11:04 AM

   Amazing story and film.

   
   Corey Eastwood CGCS, Stockton Golf & CC, Retired
   
   
9. Michael Duszynski

   

   6 posts
   
   4/2/2020 11:04 AM in reply to Kenneth Ingram

   Hello Kenneth,  the spectacular grave site of Man O'War is on my bucket list as well as Sham,  Forego, and of course, Secretariat.  In retirement, Secretariat was visited by thousands all the way up to his untimely passing,  sadly I was not one of them.  This place you speak of is a must visit as well.

   
   
   
   
10. Kenneth Ingram

    

    18 posts
    
    4/2/2020 3:04 PM in reply to Michael Duszynski

    And the very next weekend Johnny Miller shot that 63 at Oakmont to win the US Open. Hell of a sports year. I was 15 years old and still remember both. Not details but just how excited people were.
    Kenneth Ingram, UMD

    
    
    
    
11. Michael Duszynski

    

    6 posts
    
    4/2/2020 8:04 PM in reply to Kenneth Ingram

    The rain was to blame for his effort by critics and that is when he snapped and raged,  "how come nobody else shot 63".  I have that copy of SI in my collection.  Also,  1973 started off good with Super Bowl VII on January 14,  the Dolphins completed their undefeated season with that 14-7 win over the Redskins,  featuring that oddball play with Garo Y.