THE READERS SOMETIMES E-MAIL

Saturday, May 12, 2007 | 7:23 a.m.

Readers have opinions and fill my e-mail box, letting me know when mine are right (sometimes) and wrong (often). From time to time, I'll share their comments.

I was reading Ron Kantowski's article about the awesome horseflesh ("A race for the ages," May 5) and when at first it didn't give a call to my horse, I said "bummer!" Then there it was, at long last - "Here comes Secretariat."

I first saw Secretariat in 1972 at Saratoga Springs. I think all thoroughbred horses are beautiful, but he absolutely took my breath away. I followed his career with interest and never missed watching him when he raced in New York.

In 1973 I was sitting with Gaetane Turcotte (the wife of Secretariat's jockey, Ron) and we both burst into tears when Secretariat pulled away to that 31-length victory in the Belmont. I later learned from Ronnie that it was so loud during the race that he couldn't hear anything. That's when he turned around - remember the famous photo? - to see where everyone was.

I last saw Secretariat in Kentucky when he was 17 . He was still magnificent and very playful with us. It's as if he knew it was show time.

Thanks for bringing back some happy memories.

Nikki Arms, Las Vegas

Nikki: And thanks for sharing them. I'm envious because I never got to see "Big Red" run in person. It must have been like listening to Pavarotti sing, Nicholson act or the Gladiators fumble.

I thought Ron Kantowski's piece on the virtual horse race featuring the sport's best was very well - written. I could almost hear the track announcer in the background. Bravo!

Robert Bencivenga, Henderson

Robert: The track announcer I still hear in the background of my youth is Phil Georgeff. I can still hear them "spinning out of the turn" at Arlington Park as if it were 1969.

I remember just last year cheering on Barbaro at the Kentucky Derby. The year before, Smarty Jones, who was born just five minutes from my farm in Chester County, Pa., won the Derby, and Funny Cide, who was trained in Chester County, started the excitement here and in Fair Hill.

As much as I cheered for them all at the Derby and cried for Barbaro, my tears are shed mostly for the many racehorses that end up in slaughterhouses. I would ask that we start looking at what happens to some of these horses, some that even were winners.

Susan Pizzini, West Grove, Pa.

Susan: There has got to be a better retirement plan than the one you mentioned. And here I thought "Soylent Green" was only a movie.

I was one of the lucky people who had a chance to meet the great champion and even greater gentleman Diego Corrales ("In life, as in death, anything but a lightweight," May 9). I was sitting next to him at the Ricky Hatton vs. Juan Urango fight in January and was delighted by the time he made for me and other boxing fans.

When I heard the news of his death my heart sank. It was as if I had lost a close friend. Thank you for writing such a wonderful column about Chico. It was heartfelt and made me smile.

Daniel Woodgate, Minster- In-Thanet, England

Daniel: When it came to courage inside the ring and accessibility outside it, Chico was the man. Another one gone far too soon.