Secretariat.com

In 1998, Sotheby’s of London conducted an auction to disperse a variety of racing memorabilia from the private collection of Penny Chenery, owner of the 1973 Triple Crown champion, Secretariat.

The auction was a resounding success providing revenue which assisted Mrs. Chenery’s efforts to benefit the Kentucky Horse Park
Foundation.

Now, in an effort to raise awareness for the sport as well as generate seed money for Mrs. Chenery’s forthcoming Secretariat Foundation, a new and important piece of thoroughbred racing memorabilia is being offered though the exclusive efforts of
Secretariat.com.

We are proud to announce the opportunity to acquire the original horse blanket worn by Secretariat from his final career start on October 28, 1973 in the Canadian International Championship at Woodbine Racetrack in Toronto.

Very rarely is an item of this stature available to the general public as similar items of this nature usually reside in museums. In addition to the blanket holding the special sentiment of being worn by Secretariat in his final start (and victory) of his fabled career, there are other factors which elevate the significance of this offering.

The Canadian International offered a homecoming of sorts to the original Secretariat team with both the trainer, Lucien Laurin and the regular jockey, Ron Turcotte having Canadian roots. It was the thought of Meadow Stable owner, Penny Chenery (then Penny Tweedy) to bring the champion to Canada to further his international appeal as well as reward the owner and jockey in front of their fellow countrymen for the successful efforts of a long and victorious racing campaign.

As the Canadian International was (and still is) one of the worlds most prestigious turf events, a victory in the race would only enhance Secretariat’s status as an accomplished runner on both dirt and grass once he was retired to the breeding shed. A final victory on the turf surface over the very talented and accomplished field assembled for the race would have far-reaching financial implications in terms of stud services and demand.

Providing an unusual twist to the event was the fact that jockey Ron Turcotte, who had ridden Secretariat in each of his starts since his third race as a two year old the year previously, would have to serve a suspension for a riding infraction committed earlier in the season. This meant a new jockey who had never ridden Secretariat previously would gain the mount, raising new questions among the handicappers and upset hopes among the connections of Secretariat’s competitors. The talented Eddie Maple, was chosen as the jockey who would face the incredible pressure and media attention that would be focused on  Secretariat’s participation in the race.

This attention precipitated the filming of a documentary entitled “Big Red’s Last Race” which was released immediately after the event in 1973. The documentary actually has several scenes showing Secretariat wearing the auction blanket. This archival footage further enhances the collectibility and value of the storied blanket, verifying its provenance and substantiating its importance. The documentary is part of the complete video, “The Life and Times of Secretariat” currently offered on the Secretariat.com website store.

The dual-sided blanket itself measures 80″ x 80″ made of white wool with red cotton trim and lettering saying 1973 Canadian International Championship. An amazing part of this offering is the condition of the blanket as it was taken off the back of the champion and immediately put into protected storage. Still embedded in the blanket are spots of dirt from the day as well as the actual hairs and perspiration of the stunning chestnut colt – an incredible find.

The blanket is now available by auction on the ebay website until Saturday, November 1 at 12:30 pm PDT. The winning bidder will receive a letter of provenance from Mrs. Chenery and will be responsible for all shipping costs including insurance and packaging.

If you have any questions please contact us at: llusky@secretariat.com