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Chenery Family 1973 Belmont Stakes Program
<p><span style="background: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; color: black;">Belmont Park, June 9, 1973. The place and date are embedded in the collective consciousness of any sports fan who appreciates the definition of greatness. Those who were present witnessed Secretariat win the Belmont Stakes in a transcendent racing performance for the ages. Some may have had the foresight to keep the official track program from that memorable day as a treasured reminder, but only one of those rare few have the distinction of belonging to the Chenery/Tweedy family, whose Meadow Stable colors Secretariat carried out of the gate -- and into racing history. </span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">This original, track-used, official 1973 Belmont Stakes program emanates from the private collection of the Chenery family and is documented within Secretariat/Meadow Stable Archives registry. The fact that the program was saved and cherished for 45 years underscores the significance of the accomplishment and the sentiment it evoked for Penny Chenery and her entire family. On this late spring day in 1973, the nation held its collective breath anticipating Secretariat's coronation as the first Triple Crown winner in 25 years. In one of the greatest performances in sports history, Secretariat passed this "Test of the Champion" and its daunting 1 ½-mile distance as no other before or since, delivering a mind-boggling 31-length victory in world record-breaking time of 2:24, still unequaled nearly a half century later. </span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">As might be expected, the 9" x 4" official program shows typical wear indicative of track-used handling and post-race celebration, but is in otherwise excellent condition. The program is elegantly displayed featuring the Belmont Stakes entry page, and contains the actual Chenery family markings of the year and Secretariat circled in blue, denoting his victory, as well as late scratch of Sigmund Sommer's Knightly Dawn, the entry mate of Secretariat's great rival Sham. The program is professionally mounted without any adhesives to museum-quality standards behind conservation-grade UV protective glass and rests within a classic gold hardwood frame with black linen matting measuring 18” x 13” in total. An engraved solid brass haltertag plate that simply states 'Secretariat, 1973 Belmont Stakes" completes the display. The program has resided within the possession of the Chenery family in protected storage since its acquisition, and a letter of authenticity accompanies the offering. </span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Original memorabilia associated with any of Secretariat's 21 career starts enjoy high demand and consistent escalation in value. In 2018, a Chenery family 1973 Kentucky Derby program and admission ticket brought a world-record price of $11,686 at auction. This particular piece from Big Red's own legendary connections in his most spectacular performance should likewise be considered virtually priceless to those who appreciate iconic moments in American sports history.</span></p> <p>Size: 14x19"</p>
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