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Horse story

July 9, 2007 12:36 am

SECRETARIAT was one of our area's most famous residents. The 1993 Horse of the Year and Triple Crown winner was foaled just down the road in Caroline County at Meadow Farm.

Many say the Big Red Horse was the greatest racehorse of all time; sports writers extolling his virtues became poetic in describing his speed and his flash. "Secretariat generates a crackling tension and excitement wherever he goes," one wrote.

Now, sadly, a descendant of Secretariat, a 13-year-old gelding named Rainaway, has been found on a farm in Bristol, Tenn., emaciated and sickly, along with 19 other horses. Officials have charged the owner of the farm with 15 counts of cruelty to animals.

Secretariat sired 653 foals. Rain- away, his great-grandson, born in 1994, was himself a racehorse. In 31 starts between 1997 and 2000 he had five first-place wins, and earned more than $90,000.

How he ended up on a farm in Bristol is unknown at this time. In the past, plans have been floated for a horse-racing museum in Caroline County highlighting the achievements of its native son. Wouldn't it be great if one of the "exhibits" were Secretariat's rescued great-grandson?

It wouldn't be the first time a Secretariat relative was redeemed. The Big Red Horse's half brother, Straight Flush, was headed for the slaughterhouse when a California woman bought him for $200. Now, restored to health, he is living out his days in a sunny pasture in the Golden State.

Racehorses give a lot, yet sometimes suffer bleak ends. Will Rainaway become a throwaway? Or is there room in our area for him?