Bronze Dedication Event
A blast of rain and cold in north central Kentucky failed to dampen the enthusiasm of over 300 fans
of Secretariatand his human connections on a cold and windy April 8, 2006 when all gathered to celebrate
the formal dedication of the Secretariat Bronze in its newly landscaped location at the entrance to the
Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington.
In spite of tornado warnings and severe thunderstorms Friday night, people flocked to the
event Saturday morning to cheer Penny Chenery as she headlined the ribbon cutting ceremony along
with family and friends from across the country. Team Secretariat was in full force with Hall of
Fame jockey Ron Turcotte, exercise riders Jimmy Gaffney and Charlie Davis, and the Bronze's
sculptor Ed Bogucki all attending. |
 |
 |
After remarks by John Nicholson, Executive Director of the Horse park, Penny addressed the
large crowd, her only concession to the elements a bright red parka. She spoke for several
minutes, thanking each of them for sharing the day and the achievement with her. Acknowledging
all the hard work, dedication and love that had gone into making her dream of creating a lasting
tribute to Secretariat's legacy a reality, Penny also thanked all the contributors to the
Secretariat Foundation through the Inner Circle Paver Program - whose participation was reflected
in the custom pavers encircling the statue's base. Afterwards, she and the other remaining
members of that storied 1973 Triple Crown team graciously remained at the statue for photo
opportunities for the fans, newspapers and film crews.
|
|
Following the dedication, attendees enjoyed the warmth of the Park's visitor center, where
the Meadow Racing Stable team signed autographs, posed for additional pictures and chatted
with fans. A surprise and thrill to the long line of people waiting for autographs was the
appearance of recently retired Hall of Fame jockey and Racetrack Chaplaincy ambassador Pat Day,
who talked shop with Turcotte and shared with Penny his own memories and feelings about Secretariat
and his timeless contribution to racing.
|
Many who attended the dedication took advantage of a rare group tour to Claiborne Farm in Paris, KY. Participants had the opportunity to see predominant sires such as Pulpit, Seeking the Gold and South African Triple Crown winner Horse Chestnut as well as the famed stallion cemetery - where Secretariat and other legends of the turf are interred. At the tour's conclusion, each tour participant received a commemorative gift of the day. The Secretariat Bronze, a gift Penny Chenery envisioned as a gift for all who loved her Big Red, is located at the main entrance of the Horse Park, directly across from the famous Man O War statue - a location befitting the two greatest thoroughbreds ever to set foot on a track. There they will remain to welcome all who love horses - two enduring symbols of the best of what was, is and continues to be.
|
|
|
