Yes, it was always believed Secretariat set a stakes record in the 1973 Preakness (and also a then-track record for that distance), but it was only through 21st century forensics that it was proven beyond ALL doubt he did it. The timer was shown to be off by a couple of seconds at least because the timer started when the gate opened rather than about a 100 feet from the gate, as is always customary in horse races. This ensures a fair chance for horses to "right" themselves once the gates open. Pimlico's timer was off that day, and it was only fair Secretariat got the record he deserved.
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Years ago on this blog I wrote about cicadas, and especially about Brood X, the largest known group of the 17-year variety. They are now making their debut in many states east of the Mississippi.
They live for just a few weeks as adults.
There are 3,000 to 4,000 different species of cicada, but the periodical cicadas of the 13- and 17-year variety are found only in the eastern U.S.
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