On June 9th in sports history, one significant event took place in 1973 during the Belmont Stakes, the third and final leg of the prestigious Triple Crown of Thoroughbred Racing.

Secretariat, the legendary racehorse, entered the race having already won the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness Stakes, setting record times in both events. The stage was set for a historic moment, as Secretariat had the chance to become the first Triple Crown winner since Citation in 1948.

As the race began, Secretariat quickly took the lead, setting a blistering pace. His jockey, Ron Turcotte, allowed the horse to run freely, and Secretariat continued to extend his lead with every stride. The crowd watched in awe as the powerful chestnut colt left his competitors far behind.

In the final stretch, Secretariat accelerated even further, leaving no doubt about the outcome. He crossed the finish line an astonishing 31 lengths ahead of the second-place horse, Twice a Prince. Secretariat's time of 2:24 for the 1.5-mile race set a new world record, which still stands today.

The performance was so dominant that the other horses appeared to be running in slow motion compared to Secretariat. The iconic race caller, Chic Anderson, famously declared during the broadcast, "Secretariat is widening now! He is moving like a tremendous machine!"

Secretariat's victory at the Belmont Stakes sealed his place in history as one of the greatest racehorses of all time. His Triple Crown triumph captivated the nation and solidified his legacy as an American sports icon. The image of Secretariat's powerful stride and unmatched dominance on the racetrack remains etched in the minds of sports enthusiasts to this day.