2004 Holiday Triple Crown Winners Ornament ~ Secretariat

Ask anyone to name the world's most famous horse and the answer will most likely be Secretariat. His true story is still the stuff of legend. His astonishing 31-length victory in the Belmont Stakes, accomplished after winning the first two racing jewels in the Triple Crown, has yet to be repeated. In the Kentucky Derby, Secretariat set a speed record of 1:59 2/5, and he captured the Preakness Stake with ease, securing the Triple Crown win for 1973. Secretariat was the son of Bold Ruler out of Somethingroyal. Known as "Big Red", the large, beautifully conformed chestnut ran in the blue and white checkered colors of Meadow Stables. He made it on two "Athletes of the Century" lists for his accomplishments.  It has recently been discovered that the secret to Big Red's success was his remarkable way of running, which is more like a dog than a typical horse.  With his extremely flexible back and hindquarters, he could tuck and spring forward, resulting in two periods each stride where no feet were on the ground, as opposed to one, which is the norm.  He was truly a remarkable athlete!

Breyer's portrait mold was sculpted by the just-as-iconic Chris Hess for the Artist's Series.  It ran from 1987-1995 and then a newer version ran from 2003-2008 with a different release number, darker body color and more shading...  Truer to the real horse.

Secretariat was honored with a Christmas ornament for the holiday season in 2004, becoming the 3rd in Breyer's Triple Crown Winner's Series of ornaments.  It depicts Big Red and his jockey crossing the finish line.  His ornament was retired in 2006.

The packaging changed during this ornament's release.  The red box is the original, earliest packaging.

This one is Factory Mint and appears to have never been unboxed until we opened him for photos.  He even comes with his original 2004 box brochure (folded by Breyer to fit in the box).

Box Size Approx: 7" x 5" x 3"

Breyer Model #10104