Tag Archives: Secretariat

Belmont Happenings

June 9… Ron Turcotte and a Big Red horse at Belmont Park… a Triple Crown on the line… It’s 45 years later and here we go again! Meet Secretariat’s Hall of Fame jockey during the 150th Belmont Stakes festivities and watch Justify continue his own quest for racing’s pinnacle prize.

Beginning Friday, June 8 at 11:00 am and continuing on Saturday, June 9 at 10:00 am, Ron will be available to meet fans and sign autographs at the Secretariat wall mural booth adjacent to the grandstand colonnade entrance. On Belmont Stakes Day, Ron will be joined by additional racing celebrities including fellow Triple Crown riders Jean Cruguet and Victor Espinoza. Other special guests scheduled to appear throughout the day are Hall of Fame rider Julie Krone and journalist/photographer/handicapper Steve Haskin. Stop by and say hello to these legendary racing luminaries. Click Here for Event Schedule.

Secretariat.com
P.O. Box 4865
Louisville, Kentucky 40204
United States

Tinners Way, Multiple Grade 1 Winner and Son of Secretariat, Dead at 27

Photo: Laura Battles.

GEORGETOWN, KY – JULY 6, 2017 – Tinners Way, multiple grade-one winner and the last colt born of the great Secretariat, has died. The 27-year-old stallion was euthanized July 5th at Old Friends, the Thoroughbred Retirement Farm in Georgetown, KY, where he had been pensioned since 2010.

Michael Blowen, founder and President of Old Friends, made the announcement of his passing this morning. Old Friends resident veterinarian Dr. Bryan Waldridge attributed the cause of death to acute onset of severe neurologic disease. “Tinner had been treated in the past for EPM,” added Waldridge, “and he did have some lingering neurologic effects from a previous infection.”

Bred and owned by Juddmonte Farms, Tinners Way (Secretariat – Devon Diva, The Minstrel) began his career in Europe, where he won three of his seven starts in England and France, including the City of York Stakes and the Milcars Temple Fortune Stakes on the turf as a 3-year-old.

In the U.S. as a 4-year-old, Tinner joined California-based trainer Bobby Frankel’s barn, and under the Hall of Famer’s watchful eye the striking chestnut won the grade one $1 million Pacific Classic in 1995, beating future Hall-of-Famer Best Pal and posting a record-equaling mile and a quarter of 1:59 2/5, a time reminiscent of his sire’s Kentucky Derby run.

Tinners Way had a repeat victory in the ’95 Pacific Classic, where he defeated 1994’s Breeders’ Cup Classic champion Concern, and he earned yet another grade-one win the following year in The Californian.

Throughout his career Tinners Way faced off against numerous Old Friends pensioners, including Awad, Kiri’s Clown, and Alphabet Soup.

Sent to stud in 1997 after 27 starts, seven wins, and career earnings of $1,849,452, Tinners Way stood at Vinery in Kentucky, Harris Farms in California, and finally at Key Ranch in Texas, where he retired in 2010 as the richest racehorse in Texas. He was donated to Old Friends by owners Phil Leckinger and Jerry Hardin.

“Twenty-seven is not a bad number,” said Leckinger by phone from Texas. “I can’t thank Old Friends enough for the care and support he was given. Tinners Way certainly did wonders for us, he did wonders for Juddmonte on the track, and I hope he did wonders for his friends and fans in retirement.”

“We are so saddened by the loss of Tinners Way,” said Old Friends’s Blowen, “but its times like these that you really see how much we can do for these old horses. Tinner, like Wallenda, was a warrior to the end, and when he told us his battle was over, we listened.  He had so many friends from all over the country that visited him often,” added Blowen. “He leaves behind a great legacy and a host of adoring fans.”

Old Friends is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization that cares for more than 170 retired racehorses. Its Dream Chase Farm, located in Georgetown, KY, is open to tourists daily by appointment. Old Friends also has a satellite facility in Greenfield Center, New York, Old Friends at Cabin Creek: The Bobby Frankel Division, which is also open to visitors. For more information on tours or to make a donation, contact the main farm at (502) 863-1775 or see their website at www.oldfriendsequine.org.

MEDIA CONTACT: Cynthia Grisolia, (347) 423-7322, cindy@oldfriendsequine.org; Michael Blowen, (502) 863-1775, michael@oldfriendsequine.org

Secretariat Birthday Celebration – Meet Groundshaker

Secretariat Birthday Celebration at the Meadow – April 1-3

Make plans now to join Secretariat.com and members of the Meadow Stable team Penny Chenery for Big Red’s Birthday Celebration – part of the weekend festivities of the Virginia Horse Festival April 1-3. Numerous equine-related activities will take place where the legend began at the Meadow Event Park in Doswell, Virginia. Birthplace of the 1973 Triple Crown champion, the Meadow was recently listed on the Virginia Historic Landmark Register and the National Register of Historic Places and will host a variety of festivities and entertainment, including VIP reception, autograph signings, farm tours, and much more. You won’t want to miss this annual spring destination for Secretariat fans and horse lovers. Click Here for More Information.

Meet Secretariat’s great-great granddaughter Groundshaker
As part of the Secretariat Birthday Celebration, come meet Groundshaker, the last horse bred and raced in the fabled Meadow Stable colors by Penny Chenery. While this strapping third generation granddaughter of Big Red wasn’t able to emulate Secretariat’s success on the racetrack, the aptly named 17-hand bay mare has inherited much of his imposing physical stature and regal disposition. An exclusive Paddock Party and reception will take place at the Meadow mansion to welcome Groundshaker’s symbolic return to her historic roots. Come join in the fun as we share in the Virginia debut of the Meadow’s newest member of its royal family! Click Here for More information.

Meadow Memorabilia Road Show
A diverse and interesting array of rare and historical Meadow Memorabilia will be part of this year’s Secretariat Birthday Celebration. Artifacts relating to Secretariat as well as other former Meadow champions including Riva Ridge, Cicada, Hill Prince, and more will be on display. Or if you have something Meadow-related in your own collection, we would love to see it. Stop by the Secretariat.com booth and we can hopefully tell you more about it and provide a valuation. Don’t miss this opportunity to show and tell us about that special Meadow keepsake. Click Here for More Birthday Celebration Information.

Secretariat“Confessions of Secretariat’s Slower Brother” by John Tweedy
We are proud to post the newest installment to our Writer’s Forum section from John Tweedy, Penny Chenery’s multi-talented son who shares a fascinating glimpse of growing up with Secretariat as part of the family. This engaging and witty narrative provides his insider’s view and reflections which led to the development of the documentary film Penny & Red: The Life of Secretariat’s Owner, which John produced and directed. Click Here to Read.

Secretariat.com
P.O. Box 4865
Louisville, Kentucky 40204

Secretariat Festival Archive Auction – Sept. 19

More details on the selection of premium auction items in the Secretariat Festival Archive Auction are now available on-line and what a line-up awaits! From the devoted fan to the serious collector, there is something for any level of racing interest. Highlighting the premium auction items is the elegant limited edition Ruffian Bronze as well as an authentic shoe from the heralded stallion Unbridled. We are also thrilled to offer an American Pharoah Commemorative Saddletowel honoring America’s newest Triple Crown winner. These three items are now available for bid via eBay. Other premium items offered as part of the Festival’s silent auction on Saturday include original halters representing a who’s who in the thoroughbred stallion world and a very special vintage Meadow Stable desk jockey.

For those of you coveting one of the auction items but unable to attend the Sept. 19 Festival events in Paris, Kentucky… no worries. Simply bid from the comforts of home by filling out our absentee Proxy Bid Form and we can do the rest. And best of all, proxy bidders will receive a complimentary token of appreciation by simply placing their bid, making every proxy bidder a winner in their own way. This is one special auction you won’t want to miss! Click here for more Auction Information and Bidding

Secretariat “Hoofprint in History” Commemorative Golden Shoe
This is your chance see history made… and take your own piece of it home with you! Receive this fabulous limited gold edition commemorative shoe, cast from one of the actual race-worn winning racing plate of Big Red himself, with the purchase of a VIP Admission Ticket to the Sept. 20 “Hoofprint in History” Secretariat Guinness World Record Largest Horseshoe Attempt at the Kentucky Derby Museum.

Produced in a total edition of 250 pieces specifically for the record attempt unveiling, these limited edition keepsakes are each individually numbered and accompanied by a special gold-foiled certificate hand-signed by Penny Chenery and Ron Turcotte.

For those who cannot attend the Derby Museum event, there still is an opportunity to acquire one of these collectible mementos. Secretariat.com will be taking a wait-list for our extremely limited inventory of commemorative golden shoes that will be available for purchase following the unveiling event on a first-come basis. Contact information@secretariat.com to register your name for the shoe wait-list. Click Here for More “Hoofprint in History” Information

DavisHop on the Big Red Bus Excursion with Charlie Davis
If you are planning on catching the Big Red bus excursion for the Secretariat world record largest shoe attempt or Churchill Downs races in Louisville, we are delighted to announce you will be traveling in style with Secretariat’s entertaining exercise rider Charlie Davis! Don’t miss this unique chance to Let Charlie regale you with his favorite Big Red anecdotes and stable tales during the 75 minute scenic drive departing the Kentucky Horse Park on Sat 11:15 am.

Tickets for those who wish to enjoy live racing at Churchill Downs on Sunday, Sept. 20 as part of their Festival experience are now conveniently available for purchase on-line. Choose from the option of reserved clubhouse seating or the famous Millionaire’s Row which includes a delicious lunch buffet. Click Here for Churchill Downs Race Tickets

Festival News Odds & Ends
The Secretariat Festival has now added a new special edition Authentic Bluegrass Turf Shirt to the selection of color options for the official Secretariat Festival T-Shirt. Take a little bit of Kentucky home with you with these unique shirts dyed with actual Kentucky Bluegrass. Click Here to Purchase Turf Shirt

Make your reservations now for any of the Secretariat Festival special events including Claiborne, Adena Springs and Darley Farm Tours. Availability is beginning to fill up, so don’t get left at the gate – make your reservations now!

Each year at the Festival, the demand for autographs from Penny Chenery grows. Guarantee your autograph from the “First Lady of Racing” and a place at the front of the line with the purchase of an Advance Signature. Limited to only the first 25 purchasers, this premium service is the perfect solution to take the worry and waiting out of your autograph experience. Click Here for Advance Signature Purchase

Click here for Complete Festival Information

Secretariat Autumn Racing Memories
It was 42 years ago this week that Secretariat furthered his legend in the September 15, 1973 inaugural running of the Marlboro Cup. The Secretariat Festival pays tribute to this event by displaying the original Marlboro Cup Flag which debuted over Belmont Park for the auspicious occasion. This amazing piece of racing history measuring an enormous 16 feet in diameter will proudly be unfurled once again, this time from the Secretariat Festival rafters in the main Exhibition Hall. Don’t miss seeing this interesting racing artifact on public display for the first time in four decades!

Secretariat’s track record victory in the October 8, 1973 Man o’ War Stakes was an impressive feat its own right. To win in track record time over a stellar turf field and older horses is downright amazing. To honor that achievement we are delighted by the new photo release entitled “Lasting Legacy” capturing Penny Chenery and Ron Turcotte together as they proudly lead the Meadow Stable champion into the familiar winner’s circle at Belmont. Click Here to Purchase Lasting Legacy Photo

Secretariat.com
P.O. Box 4865
Louisville, Kentucky 40204
United States

James Messenger Donating Iconic Symbols of Horse Racing to International Museum of the Horse

LEXINGTON, KY – Emmy Winner and two-time Academy Award nominee James R. Messenger is donating two iconic symbols of horse racing to the International Museum of the Horse at the Kentucky Horse Park – Secretariat owner Penny Chenery’s ticket to the 99th Kentucky Derby and a rose from Secretariat’s “Blanket of Roses.” To this day, Secretariat’s 1:59 2/5 seconds “Run for the Roses” in 1973 remains the all-time Kentucky Derby speed record, and he was the first horse to run the Derby in less than two minutes.

“Role model excellence – some consider Secretariat the greatest of all athletes – begets excellence,” said Messenger, “and the chance for young and old to connect with such a champion directly should prove inspirational for others.”

Mr. Messenger is making this gift to the Kentucky Horse Park Foundation in the name of NFL Quarterback Tom Brady, who also serves as an athletic role model through his achievements at the highest level of human effort in sport – and who also is a big fan of the Kentucky Derby.

Bill Cooke, director of the International Museum of the Horse, stated, “These two pieces of memorabilia are a wonderful addition to our existing Secretariat exhibit, which includes three of Secretariat’s Triple Crown trophies.” Ms. Chenery’s ticket and the rose will go on display at the museum prior to the 2015 Kentucky Derby.

The Kentucky Horse Park Foundation, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, fulfills its mission to enhance, expand and improve the Kentucky Horse Park by fundraising within the private sector. This partnership between private donors and the support of the Commonwealth of Kentucky is what has enabled the incredible success of the Kentucky Horse Park. Since its inception in 1985, the KHP Foundation has raised more than $25 million, which has funded critical improvements such as new facilities, research projects, new horses, landscaping ventures, and much more.

The Kentucky Horse Park is a working horse farm, theme park and equine competition facility dedicated to man’s relationship with the horse. The park is an agency of the Kentucky Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet and hosted more than 800,000 visitors and campers, as well as 18,400 competition horses in approximately 200 special events and horse shows in 2014. The park is home to the National Horse Center, which comprises more than 30 national and regional equine organizations. Located at Exit 120, Interstate 75, just north of Lexington, the Kentucky Horse Park is THE place to get close to horses. Information about the park’s programs and activities can be found online at www.KyHorsePark.com, and on Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and Instagram.

Laura Klumb
Kentucky Horse Park Foundation
859-255-5727
laura.klumb@khpfoundation.org

Jane Heart Jewelry Celebrates the 40th Anniversary of Secretariat’s Triple Crown Win

March 20th, 2013 – Jane Heart has enhanced her licensed jewelry designs for this special 40th anniversary by incorporating iconic blue enamel onto Secretariat’s blinkers. From the famous cover of Time Magazine to his commemorative postage stamp, Secretariat’s image comes to life with these finely detailed sterling silver and enameled pieces. These sterling silver designs, enameled specifically for Secretariat’s Triple Crown Anniversary, include a large and small pendant, a charm and a brooch. Additional pieces include a sporty blue leather bracelet with charm, a denim lapis bead necklace and classic cuff links. All designs are made and enameled in the United States. Each piece is stamped with Secretariat’s name on the back and comes gift boxed with a blue pouch and a commemorative card.

Secretariat, America’s champion, fondly known as “Big Red”, became a hero and symbol of hope during the early 1970s. His legacy as the greatest racehorse of all time has endured to this day.  Winner of the coveted Triple Crown, Secretariat is the only horse ever to break all three track records of the Kentucky Derby, The Preakness and Belmont Stakes in the 93 years of the Triple Crown.

A portion of all sales benefits the Secretariat Foundation started by Penny Chenery to benefit equine related charities. Jane Heart licensed Secretariat Jewelry designs are available at select stores and online at www.secretariat.com and www.janeheart.com.

The trademark SECRETARIAT is used under license. All Secretariat designs and photographs are copyright protected by Jane Heart, LLC with any and all rights to publication reserved.

For further information, contact:
Jane Heart LLC
PO Box 6399
Scottsdale, AZ  85261
jane@janeheart.com
www.janeheart.com
Phone: 480-998-0503
1-888-703-0503
Mobile 602-300-5148

Find me on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/HorseJewelry.

Jewelry for Secretariat benefits the Secretariat Foundation. Jewelry for Barbaro benefits The Fund for Laminitis Research.

Great Grandson of Secretariat Rescued from Neglect by Pure Thoughts Horse Rescue

1 Year old gray filly (Derby - Lil Miss Lollipop by Navajo) and 5 month old chestnut colt (Derby - Secret Letters by War Secretary by Secretariat).

Loxahatchee, Florida – One would scarcely recognize the severely matted chestnut colt as a six-month-old Thoroughbred, much less a horse who shares the royal bloodlines of his famous lineage with Secretariat, War Secretary and War Admiral. Hardly the size of a two-month-old, the malnourished youngster and another one-year-old Thoroughbred peacefully chomped on some hay in a comfortable and clean stall at Pure Thoughts Horse Rescue yesterday.

Jennifer Swanson and Brad Gaver, co-founders of the all-breed horse rescue picked up the horses near Okeechobee and Indiantown from a pasture. For the past few weeks, a neighbor had been helping to feed the starving horses until the rescue had room.

Continue reading Great Grandson of Secretariat Rescued from Neglect by Pure Thoughts Horse Rescue

A Few Good Movies, by Claire Dorotik

For most people, equine therapy is pretty fascinating to watch. However, without a visual account of just what happens between a horse and a human, the general public is at a loss to fully understand just how our beloved equine friends can really help people better understand themselves. Sometimes words just don’t describe the magic between people and horses. Yet clearly, judging by the success of movies such as “Seabiscuit”, people are truly amazed by horses, and all the while, profoundly affected by this admiration. So, in honoring the way in which an observable accounting of equine therapy can reveal more fully what it is, I have compiled a list of great equine-therapy related movies.

1.       “Seabiscuit” Portraying the life of the famous racehorse, Seabiscuit, this movie also demonstrates the way in which the courageous character of a horse can uplift a down and out nation.
http://www.seabiscuitmovie.com/

Continue reading A Few Good Movies, by Claire Dorotik

Old Friends to Hold Memorial Day Service for Departed Champions

GEORGETOWN, KY – MAY 25, 2011 – On Memorial Day Old Friends, the Thoroughbred Retirement facility in Georgetown, KY, will have a commemorative service for the six retirees that passed away since last spring.

The public is invited to attend the event, which will begin at 2 p.m. on Monday May 30 at Old Friends’ Dream Chase Farm, 1841 Paynes Depot Road in Georgetown.  Refreshments will be served.

Honored will be:

–Academy Award (1986-2010), one of the few remaining sons of Secretariat, he was the sire of 10 stakes winners;
–The Wicked North (1989-2011), a California superstar, he was named Eclipse Champion Older Male in 1994;
–Polish Navy (1984-2011), a great son of Danzig and multiple GR1 winner;
–Bonnie’s Poker (1982-2010) one of Old Friends’ mares, she was the dam of 1997 Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes winner Silver Charm;
–Glitterman, (1985-2011) a world-record-setting sprinter and sire of four millionaires, including Balto Star;
–Jade Hunter (1984-2011), a GR1 winner and sire of Horse of the Year, Azeri.

Continue reading Old Friends to Hold Memorial Day Service for Departed Champions

Who Is Your Horse’s Advocate? by Geoff Tucker, DVM

Some of my clients don’t realize that I am a veterinarian. They think that I just float teeth.

Do you remember 1973? Many of you reading this were not yet born. Thanks to the movies though, many now know that 1973 was the year Secretariat won the Triple Crown. Here is an interesting fact many of you don’t know.

In the annual issue of Time magazine in 2000 where they usually announce the “Man of the Year”, the magazine decided to announce the “Event of the Century.” (As I write this, I am getting goose bumps!). Think of ALL the events from 1900 to 1999 – World Wars, the great depression, assassinations, The Beatles, and more. You have one guess what Time Magazine listed as the NUMBER ONE EVENT OF THE CENTURY….

Secretariat!

That same year I had quit college and landed a job in Delaware, Ohio on a Saddlebred farm. It lasted for 3 months but I learned a lot. For instance, I learned how to treat colic.

Continue reading Who Is Your Horse’s Advocate? by Geoff Tucker, DVM