“Secretariat Racing Into History”
Located in the “Center of the Universe” - Ashland, Virginia
The Back Story
SECVA was fortunate to receive an impressive donation from the Reynolds Family Foundation that got the ball rolling for the creation of the monument. The philanthropic family has a strong connection to Secretariat through his grandson Tabasco Cat, who won the Preakness and Belmont in 1994. The Bishop Family added to that momentum with their generous gift, as did other DONORS, in-kind contributors, and loyal Secretariat fans.
The plaza project benefited immensely from the Dream Team of talented SUPPORTERS and CONTRACTORS who envisioned and then executed the perfect setting to honor America’s favorite racehorse. From the groundbreaking on February 7, 2024, to the Secretariat Day Celebration on March 30, 2024, this modest plot of land was transformed into a breathtaking tribute to the legendary champion.
Jocelyn Russell Creates the Bronze Monument
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![woman standing next to large horse statue]()
Jocelyn Russell
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![statue of a jockey]()
Jockey Ron Turcotte
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![multiple pieces of a horse statue on the ground]()
Piecing him together
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![close up of a horse monument in a workshop]()
Look at the detail!
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![Woman working on a horse sculpture]()
Jocelyn Russell in the Studio
The Triple Crown Tour 2023
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![bronze statue of a horse on flatbed]()
Touring near the countryside
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![bronze monument on flatbed in front of town hall in Ashland Virginia]()
Town hall in Ashland, Virginia
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![3 woman standing in front of Secretariat monument in Ashland]()
Jocelyn Russell, Kate Tweedy and Jill Byrne with the Secretariat monument
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![2 couples in front of statue of racehorse]()
Meadow Stable grooms Larry Tillman and Alvin Mines with their wives at the Secretariat Reception at the Governor's Mansion in Richmond
Reynolds Family Plaza
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![large plaque with names in front of brick wall at Randolph-Macon College]()
Donor Plaque install
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![Secretariat statue at night with lights]()
Lighting install
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![Group of people in front of racehorse statue]()
James River Nursery applied the sand from the Triple Crown tracks and the meadow
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![Large bronze monument of a racehorse on top of sand]()
Sand install
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![people installing Secretariat statue at Randolph-Macon College]()
Install on March 25, 2024
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![Crane with horse statue in mid-air]()
Flying over on March 25, 2024
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![Reynold's family plaza with pavers]()
Cleared with pavers
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![construction equipment in a plaza]()
Plaza construction begins in February 2024
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![Group of people with shovels]()
Groundbreaking February 7, 2024
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![Group of people with shovels]()
Groundbreaking February 7, 2024
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![shovels, podium, framed pictures]()
Groundbreaking February 7, 2024
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![miniature statue of a racehorse and jockey]()
Groundbreaking February 7, 2024
R-MC President Robert Lindgren addresses the crowd on Secretariat Day on March 30, 2024.
Secretariat Day March 30, 2024
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![man in red jacket playing the trumpet]()
Call for Secretariat Day 2024
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![2 Woman at Secretariat Day 2024]()
Fans
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![people enjoying lunch outside in Ashland Virginia]()
Blue & white checkered flags in Ashland Virgina
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![2 woman at Secretariat Day]()
Fans
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![3 woman at Secretariat Day 2024]()
Fans
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![Woman in blue shirt behind a podium]()
Joceyln Russell speaks
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![Large family at Secretariat Day 2024]()
Family fans
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![Woman in blue top behind podium]()
Kate Tweedy speaks
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![large group of people behind blue ribbon]()
Ribbon cutting
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![people singing]()
Second Mt. Zion Baptist Church Gospel Choir
