Secretariat's Birthday Bash

If you love Secretariat then maybe you should consider a trip to Virginia later this month to celebrate his birthday at his birthplace, here in Virginia.

EVENT AT A GLANCE:
11 am  – 5 pm:  Birthday Celebration day program
5 pm – VIP reception
6 pm – Ron Turcotte movie
8 pm – Champagne Toast at Foaling Shed

The annual Secretariat Birthday Celebration at The Meadow in Doswell, Virginia will offer fans a triple treat on Saturday, March 29, reuniting the three men who rode “Big Red” at the peak of his spectacular racing career. Slated to appear at the event are Hall of Fame jockeys Ron Turcotte and Eddie Maple and exercise rider Charlie Davis. It will be the first time all three men have been together at Secretariat’s birthplace in Virginia.

Turcotte piloted the legendary Thoroughbred to his unforgettable Triple Crown victory in 1973, breaking the track records in the Kentucky Derby, Preakness and Belmont Stakes. He also guided Meadow champion Riva Ridge to glory in the 1972 Kentucky Derby and Belmont.



Maple rode Secretariat to victory in his final race, the Canadian International at Woodbine Racetrack in Toronto. He also was aboard Riva Ridge in a second place effort to Secretariat in the prestigious 1973 Marlboro Cup.
 


Davis exercised Secretariat during his morning gallops and developed his own close relationship with the great horse.

Joining the gathering will be Kate Chenery Tweedy, daughter of Penny Chenery and co-author of the award-winning Secretariat’s Meadow – The Land, The Family, The Legend and Riva Ridge – Penny’s First Champion.

The Meadow Birthday Celebration has become a tradition and anticipated occasion for Big Red fans who travel from across the country to enjoy the many festivities held in the historic and pastoral setting of Secretariat’s birthplace. The day program will begin at 11 a.m.

 

At 5 p.m., the Secretariat team will be on hand for a VIP reception in Meadow Hall mansion.  At 6 p.m., there will be an exclusive screening of the film “Secretariat’s Jockey – Ron Turcotte,” followed by Q&A with the team. Capping off the festivities at 8 p.m. will be the first-ever Champagne Birthday Toast, which will take place at Secretariat’s original foaling shed with Turcotte, Maple, Davis and Tweedy.