my riding instructor has Spectacular Bid's First Ever Baby ....named Spectacular Brat...message me if you want to see for real...spectacular bid is sooo awesome
I cried when flying paster, Cal Bred, and my favorite horse of all time chucked it in on the far turn. In April of that year, I was 19 and was diagnosed with bone cancer and told my right leg would be amputated and I had a 50/50 chance to live. I needed Paster to beat Bid to boost my spirits but he couldn't, never could, flopped in the Preakness, too.. I survived though, have a family with two great kids, but I think all the time about the kids I met in the hospital that didn't make it.
Very sorry to hear of your troubles. I'm glad to read of your triumph over cancer and nice family. I hope life is treating you kindly nowadays. Yes, those poor kids... I believe those that don't make it are in a much better place now.
The Paster was a fine horse, but, yes, The Bid just seemed to be his "waterloo", if you will. Nevertheless, I always admired his fighting spirit whenever they met. He gave it his all, everytime.
God bless you, and may you have a wondrous Christmas.
someone post the 1979 florida derby that was Bids best race-- other jockeys new how good Bid was and new they could screw with franklin-- jockeys cut bid off twice and franklin had to pull bid up almost to a trot I almost vapor locked at OTB-- Bid collected himself pinned his ears back and took ronnie along for ride--- blew them away-- just an amazing horse, very small horse- big big heart when they got Shoe on him oh man, when Bid died shoe was waitin in heaven for him- best horse he ever rode
I saw bid at arlinton park delp told shoe not to come near any horse I went to gate and Bid came in and started kicking the gate with back foot bang bang bang--shoe yelled start the f--kin race. gate opened bid blew out of gate and shoe stood up and held him back-- three other horses ran off and down the back stretch shoe went 8 wide and blew them away-- most amazing thing a ever saw-- set track record at mileand 1/8 146 and1/5 carrying 130 POUNDS record still stands and shoe never touched him
I always liked Bid and it was an excellent year for 3 year olds. Not sure if I buy the whole safety pin in hoof story but was glad they took Ronnie Franklin off the horse and gave the mount Shoemaker. General Assembly was a grind it out, give it all you got horse.
Bid's 'shadow' continues to grow over the test of time. What a fitting tribute to end his career with a walkover. Some in the racing ranks consider that racings highest honor is a walkover.
It's possible that General Assembly, Flying Paster and maybe even Golden Act and Lot O' Gold could have been Hall of Famers if not for the Bid. I think this 79' crop was one of the strongest ever, as it also included Coastal, Smarten, Czarvich, Valdez, Winter's Tale, Clever Trick, Private Account, Relaunch, as well as females Davona Dale, It's In the Air, Glorious Song, Candy Eclair, Relaxing, Just a Game and Track Robbery.
I was at this race and Bid was the reason. What a FREAK!
The loss in the Belmont was due to a bad ride more than anything.
Once they put the Shoe on him he was 12 wins and a 2nd to Affirmed in the Jockey Gold Cup. He did run a 1:57 4/5 in the 80 Strub where they went the mile in 1:32 4/5.
In his last 24 starts he was the betting favorite 23 times and that Gold Cup was the one exception. Saw him live 3 times and he never disappointed.
I've lost count of how many videos of Bid I've watched...I'm always amazed at how quickly and efficiently he changed leads at the head of the stretch.
Not into many conspiracy theories, but that would have been the 3rd year in a row for a triple.
Bid, from what I remember had a pin in his hoof. Isnt that true? 30 starts, 26 wins, 2 place. Is there another horse that had 30 starts with only 4 losses?
In that Belmont, running on an injured foot, still finished in the money.
what a great horse. too bad he didn't win the belmont also. altho he did not do well in the breeding shed, and ended up a 2500/stud fee hunter/jumper sire in ny state, Bid was well taken care of and died in his mid 20s about the same time as to other wonderful horses, Affirmed and Seattle Slew.
He was quite the spectacular boy i work at a TB farm where one of his daughters is Quibid she was the Dam of Alybegood and Quebelle she was one hell of a broodmare but sadly she passed but we still have a mare by KingMambo and Storm Cat!!
I have two of his grandsons. I bred my mare twice to Summer Spectacle (one of his sons) and now have two of his grand kids. He was a great horse. You can tell my two Appendix QH's have a race horse in their lineage.
Bid as a 4 year old has a legitimate argument as the best horse ever to race. It's a bold statement but supportable by his performances. The Belmont debacle ruined his triple crown, but his legacy was stamped out in 1980 with a series of ridiculously dominating performances, including the world record at a mile and a quarter on dirt that still stands today. Amazing horse.
it is simple people, there is no horse like the Bid let the record speak and had the Bid had a better jocky earlier who knows what he would have done; Man O War(perfect horse), Citation (the greatest 3 yr old ever) Secretariat(great horse with media hype as well)with Bill Shoemaker on the Bid it is all over
All I'm going to say is that you are entitled to your opinion. I just wish you could learn to express it without denigrating Secretariat with backhanded remarks, or any other horse, for that matter.
2:02 2/5 - History is held with his still American record (dirt) for 1 1/4 mile at 1:57 4/5, which will never be matched." I love The Bid, he is my 2nd favourite. Bid's 1:57 4/5 was in fact set 7 years previous by Secretariat while EASING through an extra furlong in the '73 Marlboro. I can't think of another horse in history that SET records while cooling down, can you? cf1970
Regarding Smarty Jones, You cannot blame the jockey, even you're the one who rides Smarty Jones.The horse is very good and to much, but that day is not for Smarty Jones. Racing is always a luck and given if it's for you. Like Secretariat and others.
The Bid is what his name implies, Spectacular! There have been better looking horses than The Bid. There have been better moving horses, and better bred horses. But he had one quality that separated him from the others -- he could do everything! "The best horse to ever look through a bridle" a very blunt boast at the time it was said but not so fare from reality.
A charcoal colored colt who eventually grew in to a snowy white stallion, The Bid is a horse to remember.
I have an article fm internet written when he died w/description of his life at PA farm and visitors that came to see him. I want to find it and share a certain portion of it with you, I read it with tears rolling down my face.
"History is held with his still American record (dirt) for 1 1/4 mile at 1:57 4/5, which will never be matched." I love The Bid, he is my 2nd favourite. Bid's 1:57 4/5 was in fact set 7 years previous by Secretariat while EASING through an extra furlong in the '73 Marlboro. I can't think of another horse in history that SET records while cooling down, can you? cont.
Granted, it was only a one turn race, but the turn is longer at Belmont Park, and I've read that Santa Anita was "ramped up" for the Strub Series. Whether or not that is true is debatable, but it could explain the blazing time. To be honest, I hope it isn't. I've read about The Bid and truly think he was the second best ever. Take care all.
Secretariat did the same thing at the Belmont....cooled down and set a world record at 1 5/8. Makes you wonder who would have won in a match race. BTW, I had Bid at $14.60 to win as a first time starter back in '78. Ran the 5 1/2 furlongs in 1:04 2/5, won easily. Never saw those odds again....
Isn't it amazing how a loss by Citation w/Arcaro as new first time jockey, is excusable by Inversesun(son of The Hero, aka snibbornhj, aka BigCy1948) but Secretariat's 3 losses ar not: Wd Meml a puss-oozing quarter size blue abcess under rt upper lip at bit(kept fm Turcotte)fighting a virus/fever which weakens a horse,yet 2nd in Whitney (Turcotte protested running him);sub'd for Riva bec of sloppy track in Woodward w/only 2 light workouts for MOW in two wks thinking he cld win anyway.
Totally agree, bon. I've hesitated to say that very thing. I am tired of arguing with people who refuse to extend Secretariat the same courtesy that they afford their favorite(s). Why can't people say things without discrediting another horse's achievements? It boggles my mind.
Hope your new year is going well, my friend. Take care.
I just bought on Ebay a beautiful copy of an out of print elegant magazine on thoroughbreds called SPUR, maybe you know it. AND FINALLY, FINALLY, Penny is quoted as saying "no, it was Lucien and me who let Secretariat down," and she went on to admit that they raced him w/the abscess (which she didn't know about either), then the fever/virus in Whitney and the undertaining for Woodward which he wasn't supposed to run in.
Thanks for the very important information. Penny knew that the Secretariat wasn't to blame for his losses, and I just hope that his detractors don't come running to slam that notion. If they do, they had better be polite and informed about it! Hopefully, peace will prevail.
You state Secretariat did the 1:57 4/5 EASING up and another poster pointed out the record he set EASING up in Belmont, 2:37+ ? Yet they persist. Charles Hatton said it, "this sucker sets records pulling up." Also puzzling P's comments in SPUR is May 1990, tribute after we lost him. Yet in 1999 ESPN videos, she still states puzzlement about Wd Meml.
Amazing, isn't it? I truly believe that with a more level-headed, humble trainer, Secretariat would have gone 20-for-21 at the very least. And with more aggressive riding by PF, a very good chance of 21 straight wins. It's certainly not "beyond the pale" to think that way. Penny always seemed a bit pessimistic to me, just as Laurin was. They just needed to believe and trust the horse as Turcotte did.
See, you should NEVER hold back. I think you've brought out just what was in Nack's bio, the times when he wld comment on how Lucien didn't seem to know what he had in Sec. Remember the scene w/Eddie Maple(?) in office, Lucien said, I still think Riva cld beat Secretariat. Turcotte and Maple(?) just looked at each other and took the bet.
I sure do remember that crazy bet, Laurin was insane to think of it. I hold back because I'm much too busy to continue arguing with rude people who only want to hear how great THEIR favorite(s) are. My hope is that they will afford us the same luxury when we choose to proclaim SEC'S. I wouldn't THINK of denigrating another horse to build up SEC. I love 'em all! Tact is all I seek when discussing things, agreed or not.
Remember in bio, before Wd Meml, Jimmy Jones, Citation's trainer, or the son, and Johnny Nerud I think, saw Secretariat and Jones said, .."he's as big as a 4 yr old" and Nerud said, "he's bigger than Citation ever was." I'm convinced that snibborhnhj etc. etc. went to Nack's book when it came out not to read about Sec, but ready to find any way to reject Sec bec he already resented all the "media hype". I think he wld have torn down any horse that took "Big Cy's crown away fm him.
I sure do, and they knew how impressive he was, too. SEC'S detractors would do well do emulate their class.
And so what if Secretariat was deemed to be better than Cy? It's only opinion, and InverseSun or whoever else certainly don't have to accept it as gospel. I myself have NEVER tried to force that on them or anyone, that I recall anyway. If I have anywhere in the past, I will retract my statements gladly. Citation was an awesome horse! I can't and won't take anything away from him!
I agree. Trying to get people to recognize facts and data, isn't trying to force opinions on people. Trying to get snibbornhj, aka The Hero, aka BigCy1948 to acknowledge REASONS not EXCUSES for S's losses is legitimate. Go to Amazon and read Bruce J. Robbins tirade on Nack's bio and the 11 comments. He like his son Inversesun, has reason why Citation lost w/Arcaro up first time, but says, OH PLEASE, excuses, when you present GREATER reasons why S lost.
snibbornhj is Bruce J. Robbins spelled backward. I caught it immediately when looking at Amazon last yr and stumbled on comments on Nack's bio. My first encounter w/him was on carly's 9:42 Sec video. His name then was TheHero, little did I know who he was.
Yes indeed. I remember that discussion very well. He took the condescending liberty of assuming I was young without even looking into my screen name and race posts. I let it go, because I was fairly new at the YouTube game and didn't need the trouble. Don't you worry, I've always had my eye on him. He won't get away with that crap here, I can assure you that.
Well, we're out of luck bec if you notice he hasn't been back on S's videos, or he doesn't comment. After he seemed to grow up and open up, he went back to his old ascerbic, bitter ways and blusterjfk finally told him off and wrote him off. He tried very hard to discuss intelligently and counter the guy's false arguments/logic, much to my envy, but when he went bad again, bluster had had it and said enough.
Yep. But I have to say, it's been nice not to have to read his negative comments anymore, even if he still is biased against SEC. I have to say, it grew tiresome to see the arguing that went on. It detracts from the joy of racing when people can't simply agree to disagree on something if it's not possible to agree. I certainly don't have and won't seek the time for doing so, unless ABSOLUTELY neccesary.
Precisely. Facts and data speak for themselves. I have read that tirade you speak of on Amazon and found it very hypocritical. Why on earth can't that gentleman just accept SEC'S greatness without bashing him? We've never done that to Cy. I truly wish he would lighten up and just enjoy SEC for what he was. Besides, race records can be just as deceiving as race times, so his argument on that is shaky at best.
Well I hope it was class. But Jones made comment that Sec wasn't good on wet track and that he couldn't haul a wagon or something like that. I had no room to add that part. And just think, after their comments about his size, Sec lost the Wd Meml, wonder what they thought. And I think In his letter to BH in 1999 after No. 1 panel, Turcotte mentioned Johnny Nerud as favoring ManOWar.
I hope so too. Horsemen can be a funny bunch, a little more faith in their own horses would have held them in good stead.
Those comments, if completely accurate are flat out laughable. SEC in the Laurel Futurity dispels the mud bashing theory, and I just KNOW that had SEC been allowed to run at 4 he would have carried the fridge without any trouble whatsoever!
Wow, Nerud seems to have been just like his horse, Dr. Fager...unpredictable.
Jay Hovdey, opened main article in SPUR w/this quote, "If personality is an unbroken series of successful gestures, then there was something gorgeous about him, some heightened sensitivity to the promises of life, as if he were related to one of those intricate machines that register earthquakes ten thousand miles away." F. Scott Fitzgerald
@bon1042 Just a question: who clocked Secretariat going 1:57 4/5? I just find it unlikely that he could run 1:59 in the Belmont and 1:59 2/5 in the Derby and yet run two seconds faster easing up. Either way, he was an outstanding horse.
@Phanatic24601 Read Charles Hatton PP's in his last article he ever wrote before retirment in fhe Daily Racing Manual 1974. He stated he did. Daily Racing forum clocked him just like they clocked him in the Preakness where they clocked him in 1:53 2/5 and also clocked him pulling up in the Belmont in 2:37 3/5 for the 1 5/8th mile. I can give you the URL in the inbox if you wish.Its not a johnnycomelately statement. Its fact.
Even carly kaiser came around.. on one video months ago, she actually pointed out w/o saying his name, "coming in second while fighting a fever." (after race it showed in a 103 temp) People don't focus on fact that he never gave up, he fought and fought and didn't fall back. After Woodward he was really blowing, a big horse who needed the 5/8 mi zingers before a race that he thrived on.
VERY encouraging to hear...Carly really has a lot of potential, and is quite talented.
Agreed, SEC NEVER gave up, and the fact that was blowing after the Woodward just cements the fact that he was not in race shape. He could OBVIOUSLY handle the distance! =D He LIVED for those zingers! Just imagine him running 63 ft/second like I've read about! Wow!
... God Bless 'ya cf1970, thanks for this. In Nack's latest 'talkin horses on Blood Horse, his acid opinion of syndication of Sec at 3 is terrific... if run at 4 Nack felt he cld have carried the proverbial refrigerator on his back, even speculated on a time of 1:56 and change if only, if only. AND I wish alyshebaandthebid wld stop denigrating Secretariat by saying his accomplishments were half media hype. see below
Good points. I have nothing against these fellas that don't feel Secretariat was the best, but I am tired of they and others denigrating Big Red while building up their fave(s). There is a better way to go about it. It was sheer bad luck that Meadow Stable was in such bad financial straits, otherwise SEC would have cleaned up as a 4YO. CONT.
Yes, I was referring to your above statements in response to jumptheboxer re. 1:57 4/5. I spend a lot of time ruminating on the slam Secretariat phenomena. It's beginning to crystallize for me that their opinions are mostly very uninformed on him and state their case under the influence of the very media hype mindset that they use to disparage Secretariat, meaning they buy into the uninformedhype that has evolved over the yrs.
Smarty Jones was a rightful winner of the 2004 Triple Crown, except that the jockey didn't do what he was good at--stalking the lead. If he would have led some other horse do the "pace setting", Smarty would have easily won the Triple Crown.
>> Bid's four year old season secured his place in history. <<
True but also history is held with his still American record (dirt) for 1 1/4 mile at 1:57 4/5 , which will never be matched.
Often ignored is that Bid was on a 10-race unbeaten streak going into the Derby including 3 track records and 5 Grade-1 wins. He old lost to Affirmed by just 3/4 of a length in a terrific duel where he came back three times hard after 4-yr old Affirmed.
I totally agree. If he wins The Belmont, like he should have, he's in the arguement with who is the greatest of all time: Secretariat, Man O' War Citation. When looking at his past performances my jaw dropped.
Well, he probably would have won the Belmont (and TC) if it weren't for the safety pin in his hoof. Likewise, MOW, if he had entered the Derby would have won the TC no doubt. And his 9 for 9 four year old season is something to be reckoned with. But Big Cy IMO will always be the greatest: 19 for 20 with one excusable second as a 3 year old. No horse can touch that record.
My horses Dad was in this race and got 3rd
MrHotwheels4me 1 day ago
Spectacular Bid vs Seattle Slew..... WOW..Imagine that!!!
Wondermouth1 8 months ago
@Wondermouth1 lol, my fave horse (slew) vs. the most dominant (the bid) I have ever seen in my life. Would have been awesome!
disciple90633 5 months ago
HBD Bid!
wnefzger 1 year ago
my Hunter is the grandson of Spectacular Bid
Lendaclue 1 year ago
Wasn't General Assembly Secretariat's son? He did very well here.
texjoyrn1 1 year ago
my riding instructor has Spectacular Bid's First Ever Baby ....named Spectacular Brat...message me if you want to see for real...spectacular bid is sooo awesome
OblivionSs4 1 year ago
I cried when flying paster, Cal Bred, and my favorite horse of all time chucked it in on the far turn. In April of that year, I was 19 and was diagnosed with bone cancer and told my right leg would be amputated and I had a 50/50 chance to live. I needed Paster to beat Bid to boost my spirits but he couldn't, never could, flopped in the Preakness, too.. I survived though, have a family with two great kids, but I think all the time about the kids I met in the hospital that didn't make it.
motosneerful 2 years ago
Very sorry to hear of your troubles. I'm glad to read of your triumph over cancer and nice family. I hope life is treating you kindly nowadays. Yes, those poor kids... I believe those that don't make it are in a much better place now.
The Paster was a fine horse, but, yes, The Bid just seemed to be his "waterloo", if you will. Nevertheless, I always admired his fighting spirit whenever they met. He gave it his all, everytime.
God bless you, and may you have a wondrous Christmas.
cf1970 2 years ago
someone post the 1979 florida derby that was Bids best race-- other jockeys new how good Bid was and new they could screw with franklin-- jockeys cut bid off twice and franklin had to pull bid up almost to a trot I almost vapor locked at OTB-- Bid collected himself pinned his ears back and took ronnie along for ride--- blew them away-- just an amazing horse, very small horse- big big heart when they got Shoe on him oh man, when Bid died shoe was waitin in heaven for him- best horse he ever rode
hammer2323me 2 years ago
I saw bid at arlinton park delp told shoe not to come near any horse I went to gate and Bid came in and started kicking the gate with back foot bang bang bang--shoe yelled start the f--kin race. gate opened bid blew out of gate and shoe stood up and held him back-- three other horses ran off and down the back stretch shoe went 8 wide and blew them away-- most amazing thing a ever saw-- set track record at mileand 1/8 146 and1/5 carrying 130 POUNDS record still stands and shoe never touched him
hammer2323me 2 years ago
Great first hand account about THE BID. Bill Shoemaker had been asked who is the greatest he ever rode, his reply "Spectacular Bid hands down"
jkmooreelle 2 years ago
I always liked Bid and it was an excellent year for 3 year olds. Not sure if I buy the whole safety pin in hoof story but was glad they took Ronnie Franklin off the horse and gave the mount Shoemaker. General Assembly was a grind it out, give it all you got horse.
joefederico 2 years ago
Bid's 'shadow' continues to grow over the test of time. What a fitting tribute to end his career with a walkover. Some in the racing ranks consider that racings highest honor is a walkover.
jkmooreelle 2 years ago
It's possible that General Assembly, Flying Paster and maybe even Golden Act and Lot O' Gold could have been Hall of Famers if not for the Bid. I think this 79' crop was one of the strongest ever, as it also included Coastal, Smarten, Czarvich, Valdez, Winter's Tale, Clever Trick, Private Account, Relaunch, as well as females Davona Dale, It's In the Air, Glorious Song, Candy Eclair, Relaxing, Just a Game and Track Robbery.
jhordanian 2 years ago
OMG I see General Assembly for the first time in a race - great - I met him 2 years before he died. I have a video with him. Enjoy it.
dcddjc 2 years ago
I was at this race and Bid was the reason. What a FREAK!
The loss in the Belmont was due to a bad ride more than anything.
Once they put the Shoe on him he was 12 wins and a 2nd to Affirmed in the Jockey Gold Cup. He did run a 1:57 4/5 in the 80 Strub where they went the mile in 1:32 4/5.
In his last 24 starts he was the betting favorite 23 times and that Gold Cup was the one exception. Saw him live 3 times and he never disappointed.
npspec34 3 years ago
biedne koniki dostają takie baty że aż się w głowie nie mieści nie lubie twego sportu!! ;/
Koniara110 3 years ago
Thanks for posting this. This was my first time seeing Spectacular Bid run.
anilomd 3 years ago
I've lost count of how many videos of Bid I've watched...I'm always amazed at how quickly and efficiently he changed leads at the head of the stretch.
iveyspam 3 years ago
Not into many conspiracy theories, but that would have been the 3rd year in a row for a triple.
Bid, from what I remember had a pin in his hoof. Isnt that true? 30 starts, 26 wins, 2 place. Is there another horse that had 30 starts with only 4 losses?
In that Belmont, running on an injured foot, still finished in the money.
bronco3250 3 years ago
what a great horse. too bad he didn't win the belmont also. altho he did not do well in the breeding shed, and ended up a 2500/stud fee hunter/jumper sire in ny state, Bid was well taken care of and died in his mid 20s about the same time as to other wonderful horses, Affirmed and Seattle Slew.
cloudyandcallie 3 years ago 2
I used to lease his daughter.
klarahunter 4 years ago
Wow, he ran a nice race.
NJNetFan 4 years ago
He was quite the spectacular boy i work at a TB farm where one of his daughters is Quibid she was the Dam of Alybegood and Quebelle she was one hell of a broodmare but sadly she passed but we still have a mare by KingMambo and Storm Cat!!
hottyandlovinit 4 years ago
I wish I could have been around in the '70's... so many great horses... Not like today, where a horse wins 3 races and is seen as "great".
12whitedahlia34 4 years ago
I have two of his grandsons. I bred my mare twice to Summer Spectacle (one of his sons) and now have two of his grand kids. He was a great horse. You can tell my two Appendix QH's have a race horse in their lineage.
JewelEyes87 4 years ago
"the greatest horse to ever look through a bridle". spectacular bid is the only derby/preakness winner that was worthy of the triple crown IMO
rebecca11391 4 years ago
Thank you so much for this video!
I met General Assembly 2003 and I spend a few houres with him - great horse - but I never saw him in a race!
Thank you very much again!
dcddjc 4 years ago
Bid as a 4 year old has a legitimate argument as the best horse ever to race. It's a bold statement but supportable by his performances. The Belmont debacle ruined his triple crown, but his legacy was stamped out in 1980 with a series of ridiculously dominating performances, including the world record at a mile and a quarter on dirt that still stands today. Amazing horse.
thecyborg 4 years ago
it is simple people, there is no horse like the Bid let the record speak and had the Bid had a better jocky earlier who knows what he would have done; Man O War(perfect horse), Citation (the greatest 3 yr old ever) Secretariat(great horse with media hype as well)with Bill Shoemaker on the Bid it is all over
ALYSHEBANDTHEBID 4 years ago
All I'm going to say is that you are entitled to your opinion. I just wish you could learn to express it without denigrating Secretariat with backhanded remarks, or any other horse, for that matter.
Peace.
cf1970 4 years ago
2:02 2/5 - History is held with his still American record (dirt) for 1 1/4 mile at 1:57 4/5, which will never be matched." I love The Bid, he is my 2nd favourite. Bid's 1:57 4/5 was in fact set 7 years previous by Secretariat while EASING through an extra furlong in the '73 Marlboro. I can't think of another horse in history that SET records while cooling down, can you? cf1970
bon1042 4 years ago
seriously he ran 1 1/4 miles in 1:57 4/5??
bigbrownfan12345 3 years ago
Regarding Smarty Jones, You cannot blame the jockey, even you're the one who rides Smarty Jones.The horse is very good and to much, but that day is not for Smarty Jones. Racing is always a luck and given if it's for you. Like Secretariat and others.
edcg18 4 years ago
The Bid is what his name implies, Spectacular! There have been better looking horses than The Bid. There have been better moving horses, and better bred horses. But he had one quality that separated him from the others -- he could do everything! "The best horse to ever look through a bridle" a very blunt boast at the time it was said but not so fare from reality.
A charcoal colored colt who eventually grew in to a snowy white stallion, The Bid is a horse to remember.
XxemoxqueenxX 5 years ago
I have an article fm internet written when he died w/description of his life at PA farm and visitors that came to see him. I want to find it and share a certain portion of it with you, I read it with tears rolling down my face.
bon1042 4 years ago
Terrific! Where did you find that article? I'd love to read it! The Bid was so great, and what a beauty he was.
cf1970 4 years ago
I'd love to read it as well!
XxemoxqueenxX 4 years ago
"History is held with his still American record (dirt) for 1 1/4 mile at 1:57 4/5, which will never be matched." I love The Bid, he is my 2nd favourite. Bid's 1:57 4/5 was in fact set 7 years previous by Secretariat while EASING through an extra furlong in the '73 Marlboro. I can't think of another horse in history that SET records while cooling down, can you? cont.
cf1970 5 years ago
Granted, it was only a one turn race, but the turn is longer at Belmont Park, and I've read that Santa Anita was "ramped up" for the Strub Series. Whether or not that is true is debatable, but it could explain the blazing time. To be honest, I hope it isn't. I've read about The Bid and truly think he was the second best ever. Take care all.
cf1970 5 years ago
Secretariat did the same thing at the Belmont....cooled down and set a world record at 1 5/8. Makes you wonder who would have won in a match race. BTW, I had Bid at $14.60 to win as a first time starter back in '78. Ran the 5 1/2 furlongs in 1:04 2/5, won easily. Never saw those odds again....
vegasguy07 4 years ago
Isn't it amazing how a loss by Citation w/Arcaro as new first time jockey, is excusable by Inversesun(son of The Hero, aka snibbornhj, aka BigCy1948) but Secretariat's 3 losses ar not: Wd Meml a puss-oozing quarter size blue abcess under rt upper lip at bit(kept fm Turcotte)fighting a virus/fever which weakens a horse,yet 2nd in Whitney (Turcotte protested running him);sub'd for Riva bec of sloppy track in Woodward w/only 2 light workouts for MOW in two wks thinking he cld win anyway.
bon1042 4 years ago
Totally agree, bon. I've hesitated to say that very thing. I am tired of arguing with people who refuse to extend Secretariat the same courtesy that they afford their favorite(s). Why can't people say things without discrediting another horse's achievements? It boggles my mind.
Hope your new year is going well, my friend. Take care.
cf1970 4 years ago
I just bought on Ebay a beautiful copy of an out of print elegant magazine on thoroughbreds called SPUR, maybe you know it. AND FINALLY, FINALLY, Penny is quoted as saying "no, it was Lucien and me who let Secretariat down," and she went on to admit that they raced him w/the abscess (which she didn't know about either), then the fever/virus in Whitney and the undertaining for Woodward which he wasn't supposed to run in.
bon1042 4 years ago
Thanks for the very important information. Penny knew that the Secretariat wasn't to blame for his losses, and I just hope that his detractors don't come running to slam that notion. If they do, they had better be polite and informed about it! Hopefully, peace will prevail.
cf1970 4 years ago
You state Secretariat did the 1:57 4/5 EASING up and another poster pointed out the record he set EASING up in Belmont, 2:37+ ? Yet they persist. Charles Hatton said it, "this sucker sets records pulling up." Also puzzling P's comments in SPUR is May 1990, tribute after we lost him. Yet in 1999 ESPN videos, she still states puzzlement about Wd Meml.
bon1042 4 years ago
Amazing, isn't it? I truly believe that with a more level-headed, humble trainer, Secretariat would have gone 20-for-21 at the very least. And with more aggressive riding by PF, a very good chance of 21 straight wins. It's certainly not "beyond the pale" to think that way. Penny always seemed a bit pessimistic to me, just as Laurin was. They just needed to believe and trust the horse as Turcotte did.
cf1970 4 years ago
See, you should NEVER hold back. I think you've brought out just what was in Nack's bio, the times when he wld comment on how Lucien didn't seem to know what he had in Sec. Remember the scene w/Eddie Maple(?) in office, Lucien said, I still think Riva cld beat Secretariat. Turcotte and Maple(?) just looked at each other and took the bet.
bon1042 4 years ago
I sure do remember that crazy bet, Laurin was insane to think of it. I hold back because I'm much too busy to continue arguing with rude people who only want to hear how great THEIR favorite(s) are. My hope is that they will afford us the same luxury when we choose to proclaim SEC'S. I wouldn't THINK of denigrating another horse to build up SEC. I love 'em all! Tact is all I seek when discussing things, agreed or not.
cf1970 4 years ago
Remember in bio, before Wd Meml, Jimmy Jones, Citation's trainer, or the son, and Johnny Nerud I think, saw Secretariat and Jones said, .."he's as big as a 4 yr old" and Nerud said, "he's bigger than Citation ever was." I'm convinced that snibborhnhj etc. etc. went to Nack's book when it came out not to read about Sec, but ready to find any way to reject Sec bec he already resented all the "media hype". I think he wld have torn down any horse that took "Big Cy's crown away fm him.
bon1042 4 years ago
I sure do, and they knew how impressive he was, too. SEC'S detractors would do well do emulate their class.
And so what if Secretariat was deemed to be better than Cy? It's only opinion, and InverseSun or whoever else certainly don't have to accept it as gospel. I myself have NEVER tried to force that on them or anyone, that I recall anyway. If I have anywhere in the past, I will retract my statements gladly. Citation was an awesome horse! I can't and won't take anything away from him!
cf1970 4 years ago
I agree. Trying to get people to recognize facts and data, isn't trying to force opinions on people. Trying to get snibbornhj, aka The Hero, aka BigCy1948 to acknowledge REASONS not EXCUSES for S's losses is legitimate. Go to Amazon and read Bruce J. Robbins tirade on Nack's bio and the 11 comments. He like his son Inversesun, has reason why Citation lost w/Arcaro up first time, but says, OH PLEASE, excuses, when you present GREATER reasons why S lost.
bon1042 4 years ago
snibbornhj is Bruce J. Robbins spelled backward. I caught it immediately when looking at Amazon last yr and stumbled on comments on Nack's bio. My first encounter w/him was on carly's 9:42 Sec video. His name then was TheHero, little did I know who he was.
bon1042 4 years ago
Yes indeed. I remember that discussion very well. He took the condescending liberty of assuming I was young without even looking into my screen name and race posts. I let it go, because I was fairly new at the YouTube game and didn't need the trouble. Don't you worry, I've always had my eye on him. He won't get away with that crap here, I can assure you that.
cf1970 4 years ago
Well, we're out of luck bec if you notice he hasn't been back on S's videos, or he doesn't comment. After he seemed to grow up and open up, he went back to his old ascerbic, bitter ways and blusterjfk finally told him off and wrote him off. He tried very hard to discuss intelligently and counter the guy's false arguments/logic, much to my envy, but when he went bad again, bluster had had it and said enough.
bon1042 4 years ago
Yep. But I have to say, it's been nice not to have to read his negative comments anymore, even if he still is biased against SEC. I have to say, it grew tiresome to see the arguing that went on. It detracts from the joy of racing when people can't simply agree to disagree on something if it's not possible to agree. I certainly don't have and won't seek the time for doing so, unless ABSOLUTELY neccesary.
cf1970 4 years ago
Precisely. Facts and data speak for themselves. I have read that tirade you speak of on Amazon and found it very hypocritical. Why on earth can't that gentleman just accept SEC'S greatness without bashing him? We've never done that to Cy. I truly wish he would lighten up and just enjoy SEC for what he was. Besides, race records can be just as deceiving as race times, so his argument on that is shaky at best.
cf1970 4 years ago
Well I hope it was class. But Jones made comment that Sec wasn't good on wet track and that he couldn't haul a wagon or something like that. I had no room to add that part. And just think, after their comments about his size, Sec lost the Wd Meml, wonder what they thought. And I think In his letter to BH in 1999 after No. 1 panel, Turcotte mentioned Johnny Nerud as favoring ManOWar.
bon1042 4 years ago
I hope so too. Horsemen can be a funny bunch, a little more faith in their own horses would have held them in good stead.
Those comments, if completely accurate are flat out laughable. SEC in the Laurel Futurity dispels the mud bashing theory, and I just KNOW that had SEC been allowed to run at 4 he would have carried the fridge without any trouble whatsoever!
Wow, Nerud seems to have been just like his horse, Dr. Fager...unpredictable.
cf1970 4 years ago
Jay Hovdey, opened main article in SPUR w/this quote, "If personality is an unbroken series of successful gestures, then there was something gorgeous about him, some heightened sensitivity to the promises of life, as if he were related to one of those intricate machines that register earthquakes ten thousand miles away." F. Scott Fitzgerald
bon1042 4 years ago
Wonderful, touching words. Thanks for sharing them. =D
cf1970 4 years ago
@bon1042 Just a question: who clocked Secretariat going 1:57 4/5? I just find it unlikely that he could run 1:59 in the Belmont and 1:59 2/5 in the Derby and yet run two seconds faster easing up. Either way, he was an outstanding horse.
Phanatic24601 8 months ago
@Phanatic24601 Read Charles Hatton PP's in his last article he ever wrote before retirment in fhe Daily Racing Manual 1974. He stated he did. Daily Racing forum clocked him just like they clocked him in the Preakness where they clocked him in 1:53 2/5 and also clocked him pulling up in the Belmont in 2:37 3/5 for the 1 5/8th mile. I can give you the URL in the inbox if you wish.Its not a johnnycomelately statement. Its fact.
rscarbro100 2 months ago
Even carly kaiser came around.. on one video months ago, she actually pointed out w/o saying his name, "coming in second while fighting a fever." (after race it showed in a 103 temp) People don't focus on fact that he never gave up, he fought and fought and didn't fall back. After Woodward he was really blowing, a big horse who needed the 5/8 mi zingers before a race that he thrived on.
bon1042 4 years ago
VERY encouraging to hear...Carly really has a lot of potential, and is quite talented.
Agreed, SEC NEVER gave up, and the fact that was blowing after the Woodward just cements the fact that he was not in race shape. He could OBVIOUSLY handle the distance! =D He LIVED for those zingers! Just imagine him running 63 ft/second like I've read about! Wow!
cf1970 4 years ago
... God Bless 'ya cf1970, thanks for this. In Nack's latest 'talkin horses on Blood Horse, his acid opinion of syndication of Sec at 3 is terrific... if run at 4 Nack felt he cld have carried the proverbial refrigerator on his back, even speculated on a time of 1:56 and change if only, if only. AND I wish alyshebaandthebid wld stop denigrating Secretariat by saying his accomplishments were half media hype. see below
bon1042 4 years ago
Good points. I have nothing against these fellas that don't feel Secretariat was the best, but I am tired of they and others denigrating Big Red while building up their fave(s). There is a better way to go about it. It was sheer bad luck that Meadow Stable was in such bad financial straits, otherwise SEC would have cleaned up as a 4YO. CONT.
cf1970 4 years ago
I would have given anything to see that "tremendous machine" run as a four year old. It would likely have been a season unmatched by any other. Ever.
cf1970 4 years ago
Yes, I was referring to your above statements in response to jumptheboxer re. 1:57 4/5. I spend a lot of time ruminating on the slam Secretariat phenomena. It's beginning to crystallize for me that their opinions are mostly very uninformed on him and state their case under the influence of the very media hype mindset that they use to disparage Secretariat, meaning they buy into the uninformedhype that has evolved over the yrs.
bon1042 4 years ago
Best horse worst jookey ever , What were they thinking ??
kcaputo007 5 years ago
Smarty Jones was a rightful winner of the 2004 Triple Crown, except that the jockey didn't do what he was good at--stalking the lead. If he would have led some other horse do the "pace setting", Smarty would have easily won the Triple Crown.
smartyjones2004 5 years ago
>> Bid's four year old season secured his place in history. <<
True but also history is held with his still American record (dirt) for 1 1/4 mile at 1:57 4/5 , which will never be matched.
Often ignored is that Bid was on a 10-race unbeaten streak going into the Derby including 3 track records and 5 Grade-1 wins. He old lost to Affirmed by just 3/4 of a length in a terrific duel where he came back three times hard after 4-yr old Affirmed.
jumptheoxer 5 years ago
The Bid; only because of bad luck has he been robbed of his rightful status as one of the all-time greats!
gfn02 5 years ago
Gf, I quite agree. The Bid was much the best horse that year and was a deserving TC winner without a doubt! Wonderful horse. Take care.
cf1970 5 years ago
I think with the casual racing fan, that's true. Many will remember the safety pin when they think of SB.
However, for people who follow American Thoroughbreds with interest, most would tell you Spectacular Bid is the best since Secretariat.
Although the Bid lost to Affirmed as a 3 year old, he had missed his prep for that race, and would never lose again.
Bid's four year old season secured his place in history.
flatonia 5 years ago
I totally agree. If he wins The Belmont, like he should have, he's in the arguement with who is the greatest of all time: Secretariat, Man O' War Citation. When looking at his past performances my jaw dropped.
bunkhouse 4 years ago
Well, he probably would have won the Belmont (and TC) if it weren't for the safety pin in his hoof. Likewise, MOW, if he had entered the Derby would have won the TC no doubt. And his 9 for 9 four year old season is something to be reckoned with. But Big Cy IMO will always be the greatest: 19 for 20 with one excusable second as a 3 year old. No horse can touch that record.
InverseSun 4 years ago