I Will Not Follow, Secretariat at the 1973 Preakness

This is a painting I did to commemorate the 1973 Preakness stakes, won by the great Secretariat.  The story goes that when Jockey Ron Turcotte adjusted his hands on Secretariat's reins as they followed the field (in last place) into turn 1, Turcotte inadvertently tapped Secretariat on the neck.  Secretariat took that as the GO! sign and immediately took off - surprising everyone by passing the entire field in turn 1 and 2.  The move was so swift and sudden, nobody expected it.  But this is the moment after he felt the tap - when he launched himself forward towards his inevitable victory.