Secretariat

by Raymond G. Woolfe Jr., Ronald Turcotte (Foreword)

Accompanied by stunning photographs, here is the behind-the-scenes story of Secretariat—Horse of the Century. A coin toss determined ownership of the yet unborn foal that was to become the first Triple Crown winner in twenty-five years, breaking and still holding all three track records. The author, who was on personal terms with Secretariat's owner, trainers, grooms, and jockey and who photographed "Big Red" throughout his career, gives us this enthralling intimate portrait - the triumphs and disasters - of Secretariat's gallop to immortality.

Secretariat was the best-known and most beloved race horse of the twentieth century. In 1973 his legacy as the greatest horse of all time was permanently etched into the consciousness of the world when he won the Triple Crown. Raymond G. Woolfe Jr. tells the story of Secretariat from the coin toss that sent him to Helen Chenery to his burial at Claiborne Farm. Complete with a glossary of horse-racing terms, a breakdown of Secretariat's bloodline, and a foreword by Ronald Turcotte, Secretariat's jockey during his amazing 1973 campaign, this is the definitive volume for fans of the horse and the sport of horseracing.

Genres: Nonfiction, Horses, Horse Racing, Biography, Audiobook, Sports

228 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1974

About the author

Raymond G. Woolfe Jr. is a photojournalist, licensed trainer, manager of horse farms, and designer of racecourses and thoroughbred training facilities. At the age of sixteen, he became the youngest professional steeplechase jockey. He lives in Charlottesville, Virginia.

Reviews

[Rick Shrader]

Of the various books I like just for casual reading, the “biographies” of special race horses are very appealing. Even God said of His special creature, “Hast thou given the horse strength? hast thou clothed his neck with thunder? Canst thou make him afraid as a grasshopper? the glory of his nostrils is terrible. He paweth in the valley, and rejoiceth in his strength: he goeth on to meet the armed men. He mocketh at fear, and is not affrighted; neither turneth he back from the sword” (Job 39:19-22). Secretariat was named after the executive secretary of the Meadows Ranch, Elizabeth Ham. He was the foal of Bold Ruler and Somethingroyal on March 30, 1970, “a big, handsome chestnut colt with three white feet and a star and a stripe on his forehead.” In 1972 Secretariat was named the horse of the year and then went on to be the 9th winner the coveted Triple Crown in 1973 (this year’s American Pharoah is the 12th), setting records in all three events that still stand today. Secretariat was known for being a big red horse that liked to come out of the gate last and then storm past everyone on the home stretch, to the excitement of the crowd. In 1999 ESPN named him the 35th best athlete of the 20th century! Fun reading.

[Melinda · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is the quintessential book on Secretariat. The basic facts are there, but the real treat in the book are the wonderful photographs of Secretariat and all the people in his life. My favorite photograph is of Secretariat onboard the plane taking him to his new career at the breeding facility at Claiborne, near Lexington, Kentucky. The picture is of Secretariat, gripping Eddie Sweat's jacket. The flight has made Secretariat nervous. So to comfort himself,he "holds on" to Eddie Sweat, the man who has nurtured him constantly for the past 2 years. It is a touching picture, like a child holding the hand of his mother to steady himself against a wave of fear.

[Kathleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another fix for my love of horses! :)

[Melody · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is more than just a wonderful trip down memory lane, though it certainly is that. It also gives all sorts of background on Secretariat's breeding, on the people who believed in him from the very beginning, and what happened after he retired, and what happened to his notable children and grandchildren. Anyone who saw that incredible Belmont Stakes and shouted with exultation and disbelief will enjoy this book. I certainly did.

[Heather Reid · Rating 1 out of 5]

I only got through a 100 pages of this book, but it is so boring. It is page after page of history on horse breeding and running statistics. There is minimal story plot.

[Joseph J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

'Just pulled out my copy this Belmont Eve. It's a beautiful collection of Secretariat imagery from birth to his stallion days at Claiborne. And yes there are pictures and text of his Derby/Belmont winning stablemate Riva Ridge. In black and white, Secretariat's legendary story is told in a text which compliments the photographic artistry. A great compliment to William Nack's classic Big Red bio. Woolfe just passed away, so this seasonal perusal was double appropriate. Here's to Secretariat's-and Seattle Slew's-descendant Justify in tomorrow's triple crown race.

[Yash Gadodia · Rating 2 out of 5]

wait, secretariat is not that celebrity horse from bojack horseman?

[Awjtf · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wonderful book about a great horse!

[Amanda up North · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fantastic. Published in 1974, this book feels timeless. Just fantastic.
I can only shake my head at the ignorance of reviews saying it's about too much horse stuff. Or too much horse breeding and racing statistics. It's a biography of Secretariat.. one of the greatest race horses of all time. He was a genetic wonder, the result of fine breeding and wonderful luck, and remains to this day a racing statistical legend. Race horses are all about breeding and statistics. And there is so much more here. What a horse! What a great story with Meadow Farm's Riva Ridge and Secretariat, with Ron Turcotte riding them, Lucien Laurin training them, Eddie Sweat loving and caring for them, and Penny Chenery being a class act strong lady.
I appreciate the amount of enthusiasm and emotion incorporated into this nonfiction account.
The description of his birth and his mother's love gave me all the feels, as well as his retirement and the love of his handlers and trainers. Wonderfully written, inspiring great awe in me. The photos are excellent, too.

[Wendy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was probably the most enjoyable book about Secretariat that I've ever read, simply because you're accompanied by pictures almost all the way. Not all of them are color, but they're all beautiful. Some of them I'd never seen before, but even the ones I'd seen, it was nice to see a more 'cleaned-up', big version of them.

The text itself is friendly and doesn't bother hiding the Secretariat-love, and why should it? The cover tells you all you need to know before you pick it up.

[Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book. The quotes from the people that worked with secretariat were amazing- I loved how they described his personality & what a great and amazing horse he is. I saw the movie & was glad to read the book & know that they didn't exaggerate how great he actually was. The pictures in the book helped me create an image in my head that I loved. It was an all around awesome book.

[Kaitlin Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

this book is called secretariat it is by Raymond G. The book genre is non fiction. This book is about a amazing racehorse that is really well known. He has won many many races. And there family made lots of money. I rated this book 4 out of 5 stars because i thought it was a good book. And I know lots about this extraordinary horse and I hope you read it because you will love it.

[Ann K · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best horse in the world. <3 Secretariat

[Karen · Rating 2 out of 5]

Why did they retire him at three years old?

[Lisa]

Loved the recent Disney movie and also loved Seabiscuit. Would like to check this book out as well.

[Christy Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love a story with a strong woman character. And I've loved horse stories since I was a little girl.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was a bit slow and confusing in the beginning but ended up being a great book that I enjoyed a lot.

[Angie · Rating 3 out of 5]

One of the VERY few times I will ever say this- I enjoyed the movie much more than the book.

[Carolyn Sanders · Rating 3 out of 5]

Just can't get through it....too much horse stuff!

[Teri Burget · Rating 3 out of 5]

too much breeding history

[Megan Tedeschi · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not nearly as good as "Seabiscuit"

[Aiden B · Rating 5 out of 5]

April
Secretariat
Raymond G.
Secretariat was an amazing horse. He was born from the roots of some of the best horses ever.
He was one of the most famous horses in history. He had one the triple crown. Secretariat wins many races in this story.
In my opinion secretariat was a very good book. The theme it shows is believing in one another. It shows this when they keep pushing secretariat to do better. Or maybe when Lucien was riding him and everyone believed in him. Another theme was friendship. This is because they were kind and believed in each other.

[Emma]

This book was really good for the most part. The first few chapters were kind of boring, seeing as how they were about how the family acquired the farm, and then about Secretariat's bloodline and how much money his family has earned.