Secretariat Racing Into History

ABOUT

The "Secretariat Racing Into History" monument, sculpted by acclaimed artist Jocelyn Russell, stands as a remarkable tribute to the legendary Triple Crown champion in Virginia. Downtown Ashland is home to the statue, just as it was home to Secretariat. The legendary racehorse was born at the Meadow Farm nearby and raised by Ashland native and Randolph-Macon College alumnus Chris Chenery.

SECRETARIAT DAY IN ASHLAND

The Secretariat monument is available to visit at the corner of England Street and Railroad Avenue on Randolph-Macon College campus in the heart of Downtown Ashland.

HISTORY

Secretariat's connection to Ashland, Virginia, runs deep. Big Red’s breeder Chris Chenery grew up in Ashland, attended Randolph-Macon College, and later founded Meadow Stable just nearby. The iconic racehorse Secretariat was born at Meadow Stable in 1970, setting the course for Secretariat's legendary story.

Following Chris Chenery’s death in 1973, his daughter Penny Chenery led the legendary athlete to victory in an unparalleled racing career. As the ninth winner of the American Triple Crown, Secretariat set and still holds the fastest time record in all three of its constituent races. His monumental victory in the Belmont Stakes, where he won by a staggering 31 lengths, remains a legendary feat in horse racing history.

MONUMENT

Inspired by Big Red’s remarkable legacy, acclaimed sculptor Jocelyn Russell crafted the "Secretariat Racing Into History" monument that captures the essence of the legendary racehorse. The monumental sculpture holds the distinction of being the first and only monument dedicated to Big Red in Virginia. Notably, it is also the largest bronze monument of the iconic racehorse, measuring an impressive 21 feet in length, 11.5 feet in height, and weighing a substantial 3,500 pounds.

In 2023, "Secretariat Racing Into History" embarked on a grand tour covering 5,000 miles to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Secretariat's Triple Crown. The tour commenced in Ashland, acknowledging the equine athlete’s birthplace, and even returned to serve as the grand marshal of the annual Ashland Old Time Christmas Parade. Kate Chenery Tweedy, Chris Chenery’s granddaughter, played a pivotal role as the chair of the Secretariat for Virginia Committee, leading efforts to raise funds for the permanent installation of the monument in Ashland.

Finally, "Secretariat Racing Into History" has found its permanent home in Downtown Ashland, Virginia, where the larger-than-life bronze statue stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of Secretariat and the town's significant role in horse racing history.