Secretariat and Red Rum Ruled in 1973 But Who Were The Other Big Winners In Racing?

1973 was a remarkable one for horse racing, with several iconic races producing unforgettable moments and legendary winners.

From the muddy fields of Aintree to the sun-soaked tracks of Kentucky, horses, jockeys and trainers etched their names into sporting history.

This year saw the emergence of true champions, none more so than the incomparable Secretariat, whose Triple Crown victory would redefine excellence in the sport.

But while Secretariat dominated headlines in America, other remarkable stories were unfolding across the globe.

In England, Red Rum began his unprecedented Grand National journey, while Australia witnessed an upset in its most prestigious race.

Each of these contests not only crowned champions but also created narratives that would be retold for generations to come.

Let's take a closer look at the triumphs, challenges, and unforgettable moments that made 1973 truly special in the world of horse racing.

Secretariat in Kentucky

The 1973 Kentucky Derby, held on May 5th at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, was a race that would go down in history as the beginning of one of the greatest stories in horse racing.

The event drew a record-setting crowd of 134,476 spectators, all eager to witness what promised to be an exceptional contest.

As the horses were led to the starting gate, two stood out as joint favourites at 3-2 odds: Secretariat and Angle Light.

Secretariat, in particular, had captured the public's imagination with his impressive two-year-old season and was looking to start his Triple Crown campaign on a high note.

When the gates opened, Secretariat, true to his style, broke slowly and settled at the back of the pack.

As the field thundered past the stands for the first time, he was in last place. However, jockey Ron Turcotte remained calm, knowing his mount's incredible closing speed.

As the race progressed, Secretariat began to make his move. He steadily gained ground through the backstretch, weaving his way through the pack.

By the time they reached the far turn, Secretariat had moved up to challenge the leaders.

In the final furlong, it became a two-horse race between Secretariat and Sham. For a brief moment, they ran eye-to-eye, but then Secretariat found another gear.

He pulled away to win by an impressive two and a half lengths.

Secretariat's winning time of 1:59 2/5 set a new track record that still stands today, more than 50 years later.

This performance not only secured Secretariat's place in Derby history but also hinted at the extraordinary feats he would accomplish in the weeks to come.

Trained by Lucien Laurin and owned by Penny Chenery's Meadow Stable, Secretariat's Kentucky Derby victory was just the beginning.

His dominant performance set the stage for his successful Triple Crown bid, which would culminate in his breathtaking 31-length victory in the Belmont Stakes.

Finishing Order

Winner: Secretariat
2nd: Sham
3rd: Our Native

Red Rum at Aintree

The 1973 Grand National, held on March 31st at Aintree, was the 127th running of this prestigious steeplechase.

As the horses lined up at the starting gate, the betting public had their eyes on two joint favourites: Red Rum and Crisp, both at 9/1 odds.

From the outset, it was clear this would be no ordinary race. Crisp, the Australian chaser carrying the top weight of 12 stone, quickly established a significant lead.

By the time the runners reached The Chair, one of Aintree's most formidable fences, Crisp's closest challenger, Grey Sombrero, had fallen, leaving the Australian even further ahead.

As the race progressed, Crisp's lead grew to a staggering 20 lengths by the end of the first circuit.

It seemed the race was all but over. However, Red Rum, ridden by jockey Brian Fletcher, had other ideas.

As the horses approached the final fence, Crisp still held a 15-length advantage, but he was beginning to tire under his heavy weight.

What followed was one of the most dramatic finishes in Grand National history.

Red Rum, carrying 23 pounds less than Crisp, began to close the gap rapidly on the long run-in. In a heart-stopping finale, Red Rum caught Crisp just two strides from the finish line, winning by a mere three-quarters of a length.

The winning time of 9 minutes and 1.9 seconds set a new record for the Grand National, one that would stand until 1990.

This victory marked the first of Red Rum's unprecedented three Grand National wins, cementing his place as the greatest of all time.

Trained by Ginger McCain and owned by Noel Le Mare, Red Rum's triumph was not just a victory but the start of a legend.

The dramatic comeback against Crisp is often cited as one of the greatest moments in horse racing history, showcasing the stamina, heart, and sheer determination that would come to define Red Rum's career.

Finishing Order

Winner: Red Rum
2nd: Crisp
3rd: L'Escargot

Cheltenham Gold Cup

The Cheltenham Gold Cup, one of the most prestigious events in the National Hunt calendar, took place on March 15, 1973, at Cheltenham Racecourse.

Despite how important the race is in the UK, very little is actually written about, especially considering how intense the closing 150 yards were on the run-in.

For most of the race Pendle had been going toe-to-toe with Charlie Potheen and two out it really looked like it was going to go Pendle's way.

Lagging a little behind was The Dikler, ridden by Ron Barry, who found another gear going over the last, pressing Pendle until 25 yards out he finally caught him.

It was an almighty battle to the line with a photo finish needed to determine The Dikler the winner.

Trained by Fulke Walwyn and owned by Peggy August, this victory was particularly special for Walwyn, as it marked his fourth and final Gold Cup win as a trainer, solidifying his status as one of the great trainers in the history of the race.

The Dikler's victory came as something of a surprise, as he was not considered one of the top favourites going into the race.

Given that L'Escargot and Spanish Steps also ran in the 1973 Gold Cup, it was a packed field of high profile race horses but it was The Dikler who won it by a nose.

His win demonstrated the unpredictable nature of steeplechasing and the Gold Cup in particular, where stamina and jumping ability can sometimes trump raw speed or previous form.

Finishing Order

Winner: The Dikler – 9/1
2nd: Pendle
3rd: Charlie Potheen

The Upset in the Melbourne Cup

The 1973 Melbourne Cup, Australia's most famous horse race, took place on November 6th at Flemington Racecourse.

The race saw an upset victory that added another chapter to the Cup's rich history of unexpected triumphs. Gala Supreme, a brown gelding bred in Australia, emerged victorious in a thrilling finish.

Gala Supreme was not the favourite going into the race. In fact, he had only managed a second-place finish in the Caulfield Cup, which is often seen as a key lead-up race to the Melbourne Cup.

The favourite for the race was Glengowan, who went off at 5/2 odds.

Despite drawing a wide barrier (24), Gala Supreme, ridden by jockey Frank Reys and trained by Ray Hutchins defeated Glengowan by half a length in an incredibly tight finish.

This victory was particularly significant as Frank Reys became the first jockey of confirmed Aboriginal descent to win the Melbourne Cup.

Owned by J.P. Curtain, Gala Supreme's victory in the Melbourne Cup was the pinnacle of his career. Throughout his racing life, he accumulated 7 wins from 40 starts, with the Melbourne Cup being by far his most prestigious victory.

Finishing Order

Winner: Gala Supreme
2nd: Glengowan
3rd: Daneson

Other Major Races in 1973

While the Grand National, Gold Cup, Kentucky Derby, and Melbourne Cup are among the most prestigious races in the world, 1973 saw many other significant victories in the horse racing calendar.

Here are some of the other major races and their winners:

Preakness Stakes:
Secretariat continued his dominant run, winning the second leg of the Triple Crown on May 19, 1973.

He finished 2½ lengths ahead of Sham in a time that would later be officially recognized as a record-setting 1:53.

Belmont Stakes:
On June 9, 1973, Secretariat completed his Triple Crown in spectacular fashion.

He won by an unprecedented 31 lengths, setting a track record of 2:24 for 1½ miles that still stands today.

Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe:
The prestigious French race was won by Rheingold, ridden by Lester Piggott.

Epsom Derby:
The premier English Classic was won by Morston, ridden by Edward Hide.

2000 Guineas:
The 2000 Guineas was won by Mon Fils who was ridden by Frankie Durr and trained by Richard Hannon Sr.

Rounding Off 1973

The year 1973 stands as a landmark in horse racing history, particularly due to the extraordinary achievements of Secretariat.

His Triple Crown victory, capped by the record-shattering performance in the Belmont Stakes, set a new standard of excellence in the sport.

However, it's crucial to remember that while Secretariat dominated the American racing scene, other remarkable stories were unfolding around the globe.

Red Rum's first Grand National victory marked the beginning of a legendary career that would see him win the race two more times.

The Dikler's surprise win in the Cheltenham Gold Cup reminded us of the unpredictable nature of steeplechasing.

And in Australia, Gala Supreme's upset in the Melbourne Cup, along with jockey Frank Reys' historic ride, added another layer to racing lore.

Each of these races, with their unique challenges and unforgettable moments, contributed to making 1973 a truly exceptional year in the world of horse racing.

The performances we witnessed that year continue to inspire and captivate racing enthusiasts to this day, serving as a testament to the enduring allure of this magnificent sport.