Most horse racing enthusiasts of a certain age recognize that SECRETARIAT was one of the best — if not THE best — racehorses of all time.

Over fifty years later Big Red’s career still resonates with some of the most unforgettable performances in the history of the sport.

During the 1973 Triple Crown, SECRETARIAT had a rivalry with a talented colt in his own right, SHAM.  

A bay colt born at Claiborne Farm in 1970, he equaled a Stakes record when he won the 1973 Santa Anita Derby– a record that still stands.

SHAM then finished 2nd in the Wood Memorial, ahead of SECRETARIAT who ran 3rd as the heavy favorite. It was the final start for both horses prior to the Kentucky Derby.

Sadly, SHAM is probably best remembered as the horse who always finished 2nd to SECRETARIAT.   

After SECRETARIAT completed the 1973 Triple Crown sweep by romping to a 31-length win in the Belmont Stakes he, rightfully, ascended to legendary status and appeared on the cover of TIME magazine.

There has not been a horse since 1973 that has compared with SECRETARIAT with his amazing stride length and the size of his heart.

But what happened to his rival after the Belmont? 

Weeks after the Belmont Stakes following morning exercise in July 1973, SHAM was diagnosed with a cannon bone fracture and had to undergo surgery.

The surgery was successful, but SHAM never made it back to the racetrack and in his best interest, he was retired to stud at Spendthrift Farm. 

SHAM passed away on April 3, 1993, and an autopsy was done on his heart. It was found that the heart of SHAM weighed in at 18 pounds- a mere four pounds lighter than the massive heart of SECRETARIAT.

Unfortunately for SHAM, he was born in the same foal crop of one of history’s most magnificent racehorses.

Had fate intervened, SHAM might have been a Triple Crown winner but instead he is most often remembered as the rival who helped push SECRETARIAT to G.O.A. T. status.