03/07/2025
Personally I had several issues with Disneys movie Secretariat. The biggest was they barely mentioned Riva Ridge - probably because it would have killed the drama of the movie. Also on a related note Seabiscuit is a really good movie. Two more months til derby day
Some horses are remembered for their speed. Some for their records.
And then there’s Riva Ridge, the c**t who saved a farm and laid the foundation for one of the greatest moments in racing history.
Without him, there might never have been Secretariat.
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The Forgotten Champion
It’s 1971, and Meadow Stable is on the brink of collapse. The legendary farm, run by the bold and determined Penny Chenery, is struggling to stay afloat.
Then along comes Riva Ridge—a tall, bay c**t with a smooth stride and a knack for winning.
At two, he dominated. He won the Champagne Stakes, the Laurel Futurity, and the Futurity Stakes. He was fast. He was confident. He was exactly what Meadow Stable needed.
By the time the 1972 Kentucky Derby rolled around, the farm’s survival rested on his back.
And Riva? He carried it like it weighed nothing.
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Derby Glory, Preakness Heartbreak
On Derby Day, the track was dry—just how Riva liked it.
He broke fast, settled into his rhythm, and never let anyone near him. He cruised to victory with ease, giving Meadow Stable its first Kentucky Derby win in 24 years.
Hope was alive. The Triple Crown was in sight.
But then, the Preakness Stakes.
The skies opened. The track turned to mud—Riva Ridge’s one weakness.
The c**t who had looked invincible just couldn’t find his footing.
He finished fourth. The dream of a Triple Crown was over.
But he had one more shot at greatness.
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The Belmont Redemption
The Belmont Stakes was Riva’s kind of race. No mud, no surprises—just a long, grueling stretch where the best horse would prove himself.
And when the gates flew open, Riva ran like he had something to prove.
There was no contest.
He powered home seven lengths ahead, an easy, effortless winner.
Riva Ridge was now a two-time Classic winner, a champion.
But fate can be cruel.
Because just one year later, a big red c**t named Secretariat would win the Triple Crown and take all the glory.
Riva Ridge became the forgotten hero.
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The Horse That Kept Meadow Stable Alive
Secretariat may have been the legend, but Riva Ridge was the savior.
His Derby and Belmont wins kept Meadow Stable financially afloat, allowing Secretariat to stay in Penny Chenery’s hands.
Without Riva, there is no Secretariat. No “Big Red.” No history-making Triple Crown.
So while his name may not be spoken as often, those who know racing will never forget:
Riva Ridge wasn’t just a champion.
He was the horse that made history possible.
