Author: admin
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Viva Riva! Celebrating the 40th Anniversary of Riva Ridge’s Derby Victory
In 1969, a muddy-bay colt with floppy ears would be saved from the floodwaters of Hurricane Camille at his Virginia farm. Later, he would rescue the same farm as it was sinking into debt and preserve it as the launching pad of its greatest champion. Though he would be swept aside in the…
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Happy Birthday Big Red!
March 30, 1970….a legend was born on a storied piece of land called The Meadow in Caroline County, Virginia. His fame would extend far beyond its pastures and paddocks. Decades later, his legacy and the loyalty of his legions of fans remains undiminished by the passage of time. Writers and commentators exhausted their adjectives in trying to describe Secretariat’s astounding career. …
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The Secretariat Birthday Party Goes On!
Some of you may have heard the sad news that The Meadow, which was owned by the State Fair of Virginia, has been closed to the public. The Fair (a private, not for profit organization) was forced into Chapter 7 bankruptcy on March 8 when the bank did not accept its plan to reorganize. This was heart-breaking…
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Risen Star, Son of Secretariat
In light of the upcoming Risen Star Stakes on Saturday, Feb. 25 at the Fairgrounds racetrack in New Orleans, we wanted to share a little something about its namesake. Risen Star (1985–1998) was one of Big Red’s best and biggest colts. He was a strapping 17-hand dark bay out of the mare Ribbon, who boasted the great Hail to Reason…
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Happy 90th Birthday, Penny Chenery!
We want to be the first to wish “The First Lady of Thoroughbred Racing,” Penny Chenery, a very happy 90th birthday tomorrow, January 27. In fact we will have the honor of relaying those wishes in person this weekend at a birthday party hosted by her family in Denver. Not only we will be wishing Penny…
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Secretariat’s Descendants – From the Homestretch to the Home Front: Good Showing at the Eclipse Awards
This continuing series looks at some of Secretariat’s most famous progeny and how the mighty stallion of Meadow Stable continues to fire the blood of some of the best racehorses on the track today. We will also look at the descendants whose most important contributions have been made, not on the homestretch, but on the…
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The Big Red Flame Keeps Burning Up the Track
(We’re a bit behind schedule because of the holidays but wanted to get in one more post before the New Year, so thanks for your patience.) In our last post we promised to write about all the Secretariat descendants who ran in the 2011 Breeder’s Cup races. That may have been a little ambitious, as one…
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Big Red’s Retirement…November 11, 1973
He pranced onto the track, copper coat gleaming in the sun that cold November day. At the sight of him, 33,000 fans burst into thunderous applause and cheers. He was keyed up, ready to race and no doubt wondering where the other horses were. But on November 6, 1973, there were no other horses, no…
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Secretariat’s Descendants – From the Homestretch to the Home Front: Little Red’s “Golden” Opportunity in the Rockies
This new series will look at some of Secretariat’s most famous progeny and how the mighty stallion of Meadow Stable continues to fire the blood of some of the best racehorses on the track today. We will also look at the descendants whose most important contributions have been made, not on the homestretch, but on the…
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October 4, 1989…Remembering Big Red
It’s hard to believe that 22 years have passed since Secretariat died on October 4, 1989. It’s hard to believe because, in many respects, his presence seems stronger than ever. Kate Chenery Tweedy and I see the unquenchable passion for this horse firsthand as we travel around the country doing book talks and signings for “Secretariat’s…