I was just 16 years old in 1973 and the Secretariat Belmont Stakes was an amazing experience to be at. I grew up in Queens Village, so I lived pretty near Belmont Park and loved going there.
Interestingly enough the race before the 1973 Belmont Stakes was won by the horse, who ultimately would become my all-time favorite racehorse. The mighty Forego won the seventh race that day, setting a track record for 1 1/16 on the dirt, winning by ten lengths, at the bargain price of even money. It was the first of many times that I got to see the great gelding run live and after he retired I visited him numerous times at the Kentucky Horse Park.
Although Secretariat's race that day was a performance for the ages and one that I am sure will never be equaled, it was ultimately Forego and his subsequent brilliant career that cemented my love for the game.
