On DVD or VHS: A near-extinct lost classic treasure-trove of New York Racing Association (NYRA) film footage from a beta production - EXXXXXTREMELY Rare!! (picture above is of FOREGO)
*** DO NOT CONFUSE THIS FEATURE with another NYRA documentary called, "LEGENDS OF THE TURF" ***
Footage of SECRETARIAT includes his first start in July of 1972, his first win when he breaks his maiden by an astonishing nine lengths, his second win-stretch run, Hopeful Stakes win (his first stakes win). 1973 starts with a workout at Hialeah, an interview with Seth Hancock about his syndication, the Bay Shore stretch run, the complete Triple Crown races w/split screens showing interviews with RON TURCOTTE, PENNY TWEEDY, and LUCIEN LAURIN with their reactions from their box during the running of the Belmont, complete running of the 1973 Marlboro Cup, 1973 Man O'War from the far side through the stretch and very lengthy footage of his retirement day ceremony at Aqueduct (no other feature covers his retirement in such extreme detail as this one).
AS AN ADDED BONUS... lengthy film footage of SECRETARIAT and RIVA RIDGE boarding and unboarding the plane on their destination to Claiborne Farm in which PENNY TWEEDY, LUCIEN LAURIN and EDDIE SWEAT came along to bid their final farewells - a real tearjerker.
Next, you will watch 20 plus minutes of the great filly, RUFFIAN, including the complete runnings of the Acorn, the Mother Goose, the Coaching Club American Oaks and the horrendous Match Race. Also included are interviews with her closest connections: trainer Frank Whitely and his assistant Mike Bell, her groom Dan Williams, and rider, Jacinto Vasquez - plus interviews with the fans on the day of, "The Great Match Race", paddock scenes, etc.
FOREGO is showcased next - his 1976 Marlboro Cup, 1977 Met Mile and 1977 Woodward victories and continues with SEATTLE SLEW's stretch runs in the Wood Memorial, the Kentucky Derby and then shows SLEW's last workout prior to the Belmont with paddock saddling scenes and the complete running of his 1977 Belmont.
Finally, the stretch runs of AFFIRMED and ALYDAR's Kentucky Derby and Preakness plus an interview with LAZ BARRERA at AFFIRMED's last workout before the 1978 Belmont are shown. Last, the complete runnings of the 1978 Belmont, 1978 Marlboro Cup (with SEATTLE SLEW and AFFIRMED) and the 1978 Jockey Club Gold Cup (with EXCELLER and SEATTLE SLEW) and the stretch run of SLEW's last race in the 1978 Stuyvesant Hp. and FOREGO's Retirement Day at Belmont Park.
This documentary was originally produced in beta some 30+ years ago and was transferred to DVD format. Naturally the quality is not up to today's sophisticated digital standards as it reflects the technology of its era but taking into consideration the rare, archival footage it contains, especially of the eternally-loved, RUFFIAN, the true horse racing fan will treasure this priceless gem - a rare find!
90 Minutes.
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