A towering bronze sculpture of 1973 Triple Crown Winner SECRETARIAT was unveiled October 12th at Keeneland Race Track as part of the 11th annual SECRETARIAT Festival in Lexington.
Designed by artist Jocelyn Russell (pictured on left), the statue captures Big Red Winning the 1973 Kentucky Derby under jockey Ron Turcotte.
It was temporarily displayed outside the track’s sales pavilion. The statue moved to its permanent location at Old Frankfort Pike and Alexandria Drive in Lexington following the completion of the festival on Sunday.
Some of Ms. Russell’s other works include sculptures at the Audubon Zoo in New Orleans and a statue of Korean War horse SERGEANT RECKLESS at the Kentucky Horse Park.
There was a diverse group of horse racing dignitaries that participated in the unveiling ceremony; Kate Chenery Tweedy (pictured on right), daughter of SECRETARIAT‘s owner, Penny Chenery, along with Triple Crown jockeys Steve(The Kid) Cauthen and Jean Cruguet. Also on hand was jockey Otto Thorwarth, who portrayed Ron Turcotte in the 2010 movie SECRETARIAT, which was filmed in part at Keeneland.
The festival also featured tours of Claiborne Farm, where SECRETARIAT was a longtime stallion and was buried upon his death in 1989.
The festival and its organizers remain committed to bringing fans together annually to celebrate the life and legacy of the 1973 Triple Crown Winner SECRETARIAT, as well as provide fans with a unique opportunity to experience equine-related activities and access to the sport of horse racing.
The Daily Racing Blog salutes this festival, its organizers and their dedication in keeping alive the memory of (arguably) the Greatest Of All Time.
