Bring the Secretariat Monument to Ashland, VA

HELP US BRING THIS MONUMENT “SECRETARIAT RACING INTO HISTORY” ACROSS THE FINISH LINE TO ASHLAND, VIRGINIA!

Note: This project benefits the Secretariat Fund of the Ashland Museum.

Honoring a Virginia-Born Legend!

When Kate Chenery Tweedy and I saw the first version of “Secretariat Racing Into History” unveiled in Lexington, Kentucky in 2019, we were awestruck. Not only had acclaimed sculptor Jocelyn Russell captured in gleaming bronze the radiating power of Secretariat’s flawless anatomy, she evoked his mythical presence as well. At 21 feet long and almost 12 feet tall, this is the largest monument of the Secretariat in existence. It is as impressive as his 1973 Triple Crown records, which remain unbroken half a century later.

When Jocelyn said she was planning to do one more casting of the sculpture, we knew it should be placed in Virginia.

Why Virginia?

First, many people don’t realize that the legendary Triple Crown champion was born, raised and first trained at Meadow Stable in Virginia. Kate’s grandfather, Christopher Chenery founded Meadow Stable, and her mother, Penny Chenery, later managed the farm and Secretariat’s spectacular career.

Secondly, despite his enduring fame, Secretariat’s home state does not already have a statue of him. Kentucky has four Secretariat statues, New York has two, and Canada has one. This is the year to rectify that as a point of pride for Virginia!

2023 marks the 50th anniversary of Secretariat’s Triple Crown of 1973. Our Secretariat For Virginia (SECVA) committee with the Ashland Museum is working with the Town of Ashland, Randolph-Macon College, business and community leaders and a team of energetic volunteers to place the second and last "Secretariat Racing Into History" permanently in Ashland this year. Kate and I (Leeanne Meadows Ladin) are members of SECVA.

Why Ashland?

The town is just a few miles from The Meadow in Caroline County. Christopher Chenery grew up in Ashland and attended Randolph-Macon. The family, including Penny Chenery, has had deep ties here for generations. Kate, who represents her family’s legacy, said, “Secretariat's story would truly come full circle if Ashland gets this monument. How fitting it would be to happen during this milestone Triple Crown anniversary."

Ashland had the honor of kicking off the multi-state Triple Crown tour of "Secretariat Racing Into History #2” on April 1 when the monument was unveiled before hundreds of cheering fans in the Town Square. At the end of April, it will depart for the Kentucky Derby, the Preakness, the Belmont and other 50th anniversary destinations.

We Want "Secretariat Racing Into History" to Race Back to Ashland After the Tour!

The selected site in downtown Ashland on the Randolph-Macon campus by the Amtrak station is highly visible and accessible to the public. In this vibrant and historic small town, imagine the stunning sight of an enormous bronze Secretariat galloping beside the railroad tracks! As an irresistible tourism attraction, “Secretariat Racing Into History” will bring devoted fans from all over the country to Central Virginia and raise the national profile of its location. It will also serve to highlight the illustrious equine history of our state and its thriving horse industry.

Our Fundraising Efforts

The total cost of the Secretariat monument is $695,000. This includes foundry costs, transportation, site preparation, landscaping, pedestal and related expenses. In addition to GoFundMe, we are actively seeking support from corporations, grants, in-kind contributions and local donors.

How to Donate

Donations, which go to the Secretariat fund of the Ashland Museum, a 501c3 organization, are tax-deductible. If you prefer to write a check, please make it out to the Ashland Museum and write Secretariat Fund in the memo line. The museum's mailing address is P.O. Box 633, Ashland, VA 23005.

For more information on this project and lots of great photos of Secretariat, go to SecretariatForVirginia.com

Please add your name to the winner's circle of Secretariat fans everywhere who are helping to bring “Secretariat Racing Into History” across the finish line to Ashland, Virginia! Thank you!

Secretariat Racing Into History unveiled in Ashland, VA before leaving for the Triple Crown Tour

photo by Diane Stoakley