Racing fans of all ages are probably familiar with the sight of Secretariat rocketing through the stretch of the 1973 Belmont Stakes, wrapping up a Triple Crown sweep with a lopsided 31-length victory.
It is a common refrain among horse racing fans that they were introduced to the sport by a relative, often their father. This applies both to casual fans and to some of the greatest legends in the sport, including the unforgettable racehorse owner and breeder Harry Payne Whitney.
If you look through racing history closely enough, you’ll find horses that had the misfortune of racing at the wrong time.
It’s the hand that fate dealt talented horses like Sham and Alydar, who became supporting characters to Triple Crown champions Secretariat and Affirmed.
