What it was like to witness Justify's Belmont Stakes win

I once said to my Dad that I wish I grew up in the 1970s, when racing crowned three Triple Crown winners. I felt like it wasn’t fair. It seemed like I’d never get my chance.

Little did I know, that in the span of three years, I would witness -- in person -- my era's first two Triple Crown winners.

I walked into the paddock Saturday for the 2018 Belmont Stakes, and just so happened to be standing next to legendary jockey Ron Turcotte, who piloted Secretariat through his sweep of the 1973 Triple Crown. I asked: “Do you think he’ll win?” He nodded very matter-of-factly. "Yes.” He then went on to tell me about Secretariat, and how well he trained before the Belmont, and the overwhelming confidence he had in the horse.

As Justify was led out of his stall, Turcotte asked someone to step aside so he could see the big red horse. Of course, Secretariat was nicknamed "Big Red," too.

Justify walked out of his saddling stall with authority, every step more powerful than the next. The colt radiated a calm and collected confidence. His eyes were full of promise, his coat gleaming in the sunlight. He had the look of eagles. His strong presence was so dominating, I almost felt sorry for the other horses running against him. He carried himself with the utmost charisma.

Trainer Bob Baffert came over and shook Turcotte’s hand.

“I hope he’s half as good as that red horse," Baffert told Turcotte.

We were only minutes away from witnessing history.

Justify walked out onto the track with the composure of a horse that's been doing this for more than a few months. Once settled in his stall, he broke alertly and had complete command of the entire race, it felt like hours waiting for him to eat up the mile and a half distance.

As he turned for home to the roar of the crowd, I was standing next to a partner in Justify. We screamed and cheered and cried.

When he crossed the finish line in front, my heart was beating quickly and hands shaking. People I didn’t know, were high-fiving me, hugging, and sharing in a moment so special to those of us who love this sport.

In just 112 days, a chestnut colt galloped into the hearts of the people of America to become not only the 13th Triple Crown Winner, but a hero and a source of inspiration.

Triple Crowns do come in spurts, after all.