The move Secretariat put on around the first turn, exploding from the back of the pack to the front in 15 seconds, was one of the freakiest things he did. Many observers, including Secretariat’s trainer, Lucien Laurin, thought jockey Ron Turcotte had moved too soon and might pay for his impatience. Hall of Fame jockey Laffit Pincay Jr. loved what he saw from atop Secretariat’s chief rival, Sham, figuring Secretariat would be a sitting duck by the stretch run. “Well, you saw what happened,” Pincay said recently, reflecting on the duel. Turcotte did not like the slow early pace set by Ecole Etage, so with the slightest movement of his hands – he equated it to pulling a shirt collar straight – he asked the rocket ship he was aboard to launch. Once Secretariat fired, no horse, not even a game Sham, had the juice to catch up.

The 1973 Belmont Stakes, often heralded as one of the most iconic moments in horse racing history, showcased Secretariat’s extraordinary talent and almost supernatural speed. But perhaps the most unforgettable aspect of that race was the move that catapulted him from the back of the pack to the front in a blazing 15 seconds—a burst of acceleration that defied logic and solidified his legendary status.

From the start, Secretariat was not among the early leaders. Instead, he was positioned towards the rear of the field, a strategic choice by jockey Ron Turcotte, who was known for his patience and tactical racing style. The pace of the early segments was slow, and as the race unfolded, many observers grew concerned that Secretariat’s wait-and-see approach might leave him too much ground to make up in the final stretch. Trainer Lucien Laurin, watching anxiously from the sidelines, knew that timing was crucial and wondered if Turcotte’s decision to hold back might backfire.

Then, in a split second that would become etched in racing history, Secretariat unleashed his incredible acceleration. Approaching the midway point of the race, Turcotte made a subtle yet decisive move—his hands just slightly pulling on the reins, akin to straightening a shirt collar. This signal was enough to ignite the engine that was Secretariat. The horse responded instantaneously, exploding from the back of the pack with a ferocity that seemed almost otherworldly. In a matter of just about 15 seconds, he covered a significant distance, passing horses with a fluid, effortless grace, and reaching the front with remarkable ease.

Many who watched this spectacle were stunned. Hall of Fame jockey Laffit Pincay Jr., who was riding Secretariat’s main rival, Sham, watched the move with admiration and trepidation. Pincay believed that Secretariat’s early move would leave him vulnerable—exposing him to Sham’s closing power in the final furlongs. “Well, you saw what happened,” Pincay recalled recently, his voice tinged with awe. “Secretariat just shot ahead like a rocket, and Sham just couldn’t keep up. It was one of those moments where everything fell into place for Secretariat.”

Turcotte’s decision to go early was controversial at the time. Many thought he might have overestimated Secretariat’s stamina or misjudged the pace. But Turcotte, a master of timing and instinct, knew his horse’s capabilities better than anyone. He believed that by moving when he did, he could seize the race and put Sham on the defensive. His confidence paid off. Secretariat’s incredible acceleration left no question about his dominance that day.

As Secretariat surged ahead, the crowd erupted in amazement. His stride, already famous for its length and power, seemed to stretch even farther as he galloped down the stretch, leaving the rest of the field in his wake. Sham, valiant but unable to match the torrid pace, faded into the background. The race wasn’t just a victory; it was a display of pure speed and athletic excellence that would be remembered forever.

That move, that explosive burst from behind, encapsulated Secretariat’s brilliance and why he remains an icon in the sport. It was a testament to the combination of genius jockeyship, superior training, and a horse with a once-in-a-lifetime talent. For observers and fans, it wasn’t just about winning—it was about witnessing something extraordinary, a moment when a legend was truly born on the racetrack.