This continuing series looks at some of Secretariat’s most famous progeny and how the mighty stallion of Meadow Stable continues to fire the blood of some of the best racehorses on the track today. We will also look at the descendants whose most important contributions have been made, not on the homestretch, but on the home front as pleasure horses, working horses and simply beloved companions. We are very grateful to the owners who send in the stories and photos of their Secretariat descendants. In this way, “the legend lives on!”
Last time we discussed the Big Red “babies” who had distinguished themselves in the 2011 Breeders Cup races. Some of those same names will reappear in this listing of Eclipse Award winners, announced last night January 16, 2012.
Hansen, who won the Breeders Cup Juvenile, captured Champion Two Year Old Male. He’s by Tapit, who is making a good name for himself now as a sire. Hansen’s grandsire is Pulpit and great-grandsire is A. P. Indy, who of course is out of one of Secretariat’s best daughters, Weekend Surprise.
My Miss Aurelia won Champion Two-Year-Old Filly. This great-granddaughter of Storm Cat won the Juvenile Fillies race in the Breeders Cup.
Royal Delta won Three Year-Old Filly. She won the Ladies Classic at the Breeders Cup, beating her “cousins” It’s Tricky and Plum Pretty. This A. P. Indy granddaughter is now gearing up for her 4 YO career and supposedly headed for Dubai!
Cape Blanco took honors as Champion Male Turf Horse. His damsire was Presidium, a son of General Assembly by Secretariat. . This Irish -bred has won the Irish Derby, Man O’ War Stakes and the Arlington Million, among many victories.
Congratulations to all the Eclipse winners!
Next time, we will go off topic to give you a sneak preview of our latest project…a special anniversary book celebrating Riva Ridge “the forgotten champion!”
Leeanne Meadows Ladin
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This picture of Pulpit, sire of Tapit, was taken at Claiborne Farm in October 2010.