On This Date In History...

Despite breaking slowly, Meadow Stable's Secretariat quickly regained his composure and rolled to a nine-length triumph as the 1-20 favorite in the Arlington Invitational on June 30, 1973. Despite the poor start, the son of Bold Ruler raced to within one-fifth of a second of the 1 1/8-mile track record, stopping the timer in 1:47. Second was My Gallant, followed by Our Native and Blue Chip Dan. With no place or show wagering permitted, the three horses that faced Secretariat were coupled as a single wagering field entry. Secretariat's victory produced a minus win pool of $17,941.34. The victory was appropriate since Chicago Mayor Richard Daley had declared the day "Secretariat Day." The following year, Arlington honored Secretariat by naming a race, now a grade I stake, for him.