America’s Greatest Racehorse is Memorialized in Ashland, Virginia, the “Center of the Universe”
Secretariat Day on March 30, 2024
After the 2023 Triple Crown Tour of 5,000 miles, the magnificent bronze statue was unveiled on March 30, 2024.
This day is officially known as “Secretariat Day.” His permanent location is along the tracks in downtown Ashland.
Why Ashland? Ashland was the childhood home of Christopher Chenery who founded Meadow Stable where Secretariat was born, raised, and first trained.
BIG Plans Ahead…
Kate Chenery Tweedy, Chair of Secretariat For Virginia, speaking at the dedication of the monument on March 30, 2024.
Secretariat for Virginia is busy planning lots of activities with the following goals:
PROMOTING regional tourism by showcasing the monument and other attractions.
EDUCATING the public about Central Virginia's rich horse racing heritage.
HOSTING special events, including the highly anticipated annual Secretariat birthday celebration.
ADVANCING plaza development with exciting enhancements as part of SECVA's Phase 2 plans.
What is Secretariat for Virginia?
SECVA is a 501c3 organization dedicated to preserving and promoting the legacy of the Triple Crown legend Secretariat in his home state of Virginia.
L to R: Jen Chambers, Lucy Lindsey, LuGay Lanier, Leeanne Ladin, Joy Howard, Cortne Lanier, Ann Martin, Julie Campbell, Karen Engel, Kate Tweedy, Wayne Dementi, Jeannie Welliver and Ned Henson. Not pictured: Anita Barnhart, Stephanie Nixon, Pam Sopall, Robin Hutton, Jocelyn Russell. Photo by Jacob Kroko.
Board Officers and Advisory Board
“Our magnificent Secretariat monument stands as dramatic inspiration for the goals of Secretariat For Virginia,” said Leeanne Ladin. “We will be promoting regional tourism, educating the public about our area’s illustrious horse racing history, and staging special events such as the annual Secretariat birthday celebration.”
Board Officers
Leeanne Meadows Ladin, President
Wayne Dementi, Vice President
Lucy Lindsey, Secretary
Ned Henson, Treasurer
Board Members-at-Large
Karen Engel
Cortne Lanier
Ann Martin
Pam Sopall
Jeannie Welliver
Advisory Board
Kate Chenery Tweedy
Anita Barnhart
Julie Campbell
Jennifer Chambers
Joy Howard
Robin Hutton
Lu Gay Lanier
Stephanie Nixon
Jocelyn Russell