Sham: Great Was Second Best

In early 1973, a sleek, sturdy bay named Sham was winning races by impressive margins as great as fifteen lengths. After defeating the mighty Secretariat in the Wood Memorial, many turf writers were touting Sham as the Kentucky Derby favorite. The stage was set for Sham-mania to sweep the country at a time when the nation needed a hero. But it was Secretariat who won over the nation. The chestnut colt known affectionately as Big Red, running under the white and blue silks of Meadow Stable, was the embodiment of the American flag. Despite impressive victories and record-breaking performances, Sham's popularity paled in comparison. If Secretariat were America's horse, Sham might well have been everyman's horse, a working-class hero who couldn't get the recognition he deserved. This is the other side of the story of Secretariat's famous Triple Crown season and of his remarkable challenger who found that great was only second best.