Two Words, One Answer.
Secretariat
 Secretariat: The Making of a Champion $16.95 I read this work some years back and considered it as I do now the most comprehensive work on the horse. Bill covers not only Secretariat's pedigree in great depth but also Penny's family ancestry, several generations. In so doing, he covers much of 'whos who' in the ancestry of American racing. Bill covers in depth many of Secretariats races, before and after, all the way through the triple crown events afterwhich he seems to soften up, as if the remaining were just mop-up. I wish he would have added additional material covering his days at Claiborne. If one wishes to become a Secretariat aficionado, this is a must read. There are a number of other works out there but this one I believe is the base from which to start. It is a long read so have fun.  Secretariat $44.99 Ask anyone to name the world's most famous horse and the answer will most likely be Secretariat. His true story is still the stuff of legend. His astonishing 31 length victory in the Belmont Stakes, accomplished after winning the first two jewels in the triple crown, has yet to be repeated. In the Kentucky Derby, Secretariat set a speed record of 1:59 2/5, and he captured the Preakness Stake with ease. Secretariat was the son of Bold Ruler out of Somethingroyal known as "Big Red", the large, beautifully conformed chestnut ran in the blue and white checkered colors of Meadow Stables. He made it on two "Athletes of the Century" lists for his accomplishments and brought fame to those who surrounded him including trainer, Lucien Lauren; jocky Ron Turcotte and the Chenery family who owned him. Even today, "Big Red's" star power still shines bright.-  TY Beanie BabiesSecretariat $9.99 While looking for horse related items for a friend's birthday, I was surprised to find a Beanie Baby Secretariat! My friend is a horsewoman whose favorite horse was Secretariat. It was a big hit with her. They got his colors and the white bands of color on his legs just right. It really is cute. I was pleased with the very quick delivery, too!  Secretariat: Racing's Greatest Triple Crown Winner (Thoroughbred Legends (Unnumbered)) $14.95 I am a huge fan of Secretariat and bought this little book as much to add to my shelf as anything. It is a quick read whose strength is in clearly describing the races in clear, casual prose. The author admits his prejudice in favor of Big Red and anyone who touches him, and as I too love the horse, I am sympathetic. The Making of a Champion (William Nack) is the 'definitive' Secretariat biography. The You Tube videos of Secretariat's races plus the picture book "Secretariat" by Raymond Wollfe together with the books demonstrate the power, athleticism, astonishing beauty and the race intelligence of this horse that this little book is not up to conveying. I sometimes think that Secretariat would have won his races without a jockey, which is unfair and unkind to Ron Turcotte, but the animal wanted to win and had the package to do it--by 31 lengths at the legendary Belmont. If you are a fan, pick up the book. If you are colelcting the Triple Crown winnders, pick up the book. If you want to get to know Secretariat try the other sources first.Secretariat: The Making of a Champion; Secretariat, Updated Edition |
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