Secretariat's Texas link: Love and siring in Needville

Tuesday, May 2, 2017

A look back at Secretariat's Texas connection

Here's a look back at reporter Deborah Wrigley's 2010 report on Country Side from the Diamond J Farms in Fort Bend County

NEEDVILLE, Texas (KTRK) -- You've likely heard about Secretariat and one of the greatest races of all time, but did you know the historic Triple Crown winner had a Texas connection?

The stallion Country Side was believed to be Secretariat's oldest living offspring, and lived at the Diamond J Farms in Needville until his death in 2014.

Born and bred in Maryland, the dark bay Thoroughbred won two of 24 starts, with races throughout the United States and France from 1987 to 1990. He earned $26,232 during his racing career, DRF's Nicole Russo reports.

PHOTOS: Country Side, Secretariat's stallion, at 25 years old

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But Country Side's Texas adventure wouldn't begin until 1996, when newlyweds Jeff and Joycelyn Kasmir reportedly found the retired racing horse at a California farm and fell in love.

While Country Side wasn't born in Texas, he got here as soon as he could after the Kasmirs purchased him as a wedding present.

For 18 years, the stallion stood at the Needville farm, siring a reported 47 Thoroughbred foals. According to DRF, 21 made it to the races, with nine winning.

The stallion sired Quarter Horse, Paint, Appaloosa and Arabian mares.

The Kasmirs described Country Side as having a "wonderful disposition" and a winner on both dirt and turf.

Country Side died on August 26, 2014 at the age of 29, but he wasn't Secretariat's only stallion. According to American Classic Pedigrees, Secretariat sired 663 named foals, including 341 winners and 54 stakes winners.

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Some of Country Side's siblings include:

General Assembly, the winner of the 1979 Travers Stakes
Lady's Secret, the 1986 Horse of the Year
Risen Star, the 1988 Preakness and Belmont Stakes winner
Kingston Rule, the record-breaking 1990 Melbourne Cup winner
Tinners Way, two-time winner of the Pacific Classic (1994 and 1995)
Weekend Surprise, 1992 Kentucky Broodmare of the Year

Secretariat was the winner of the 1973 Triple Crown, shattering records and winning the adoration of racing fans around the world.

PHOTOS: Secretariat, celebrated Triple Crown winner

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Triple Crown winner Secretariat has four feet in the air as he gallops during a workout with exercise jockey George Davis in saddle at Arlington Park race track in June 1973.

AP Photo

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In 1974, he entered stud at Claiborne Farm in Paris, Kentucky.

Experts believe there are 25 remaining Secretariat broodmares, DRF reports, including Perfect Soul (found at Darby Dan Farm in Lexington, Kentucky); and Holy Roman Emperor in Ireland.