Secretariat Festival 2023
SECRETARIAT FESTIVAL 2023 – NOVEMBER 10-12
We are delighted to announce that this year the Secretariat Festival will return to its Bourbon County roots during the weekend of November 10-12 as part of the inaugural Legends of Bourbon County celebration taking place in downtown Paris, Kentucky.
This year’s gathering will feature a wide variety of fan-favorite experiences and offer the addition of several new events to enhance the Festival experience. This Bluegrass gathering will host the official unveiling of the Secretariat Park, and will offer specialty tours of Claiborne Farm and other famed horse farms, celebrity guest appearances, “Welcome Home” Main St. Parade, Friday evening kick-off party, Saturday evening gala, 10K run, live and silent auctions, Thoroughbred Marketplace featuring an array of equine-related products and much, much more. Make your plans now to attend this family fun-filled Fall Festival in the heart of horse country! Be sure to Bookmark this Festival Page, more information to be announced…
The Secretariat Festival, which celebrates the life and legacy of the 1973 Triple Crown champion, launched in 2008 in Paris, Kentucky. In the years since, thousands of attendees have gathered in the heart of the Bluegrass to toast the sport of racing and one of its most beloved champions. Proceeds from the event have benefited the area charities as well as the Secretariat Foundation, which is committed to funding equine-related causes that enhance the welfare of the Thoroughbred community. Updates for this year’s festivities and future announcements will be posted on the Secretariat Festival’s Facebook and Instagram feeds.
SECRETARIAT FESTIVAL FARM TOURS TICKETS AVAILABLE NOW!
Make your reservations now for our eagerly anticipated 2023 Secretariat Festival Farm Tours taking place Nov. 10-12.
BREAKING NEWS: Due to the overwhelming demand, Lane’s End Farm Tour tickets are currently sold-out. We are in the process of sourcing additional space. For those interested in being placed on our waitlist, please email your contact info and the potential number of tickets requested to information@secretariat.com.
Friday’s offerings include a visit to Lane’s End Farm for a very special expanded tour of the prestigious breeding operation. The tour includes a viewing of the roster of superstars in the stallion barn including 2022 Horse of the Year Flightline and a rare opportunity to see “The Queen” — multiple champion and 2010 Horse of the Year, inaugural Vox Populi Award winner and supermare – Zenyatta!
Saturday’s motorcoach tours departing from downtown Paris include a morning excursion to nearby Hill ’n’ Dale Farm for an expanded tour of the spectacular farm’s historic hidden gems, and the mighty stallion roster featuring the famed sire Curlin and exciting new prospect Good Magic; while Saturday’s afternoon tour offers a visit to the renowned Spendthrift Farm, home to leading sire Into Mischief, 2020 Horse of the Year Authentic, and newcomers Jackie’s Warrior and Cyberknife.
Sunday’s farm tours include another opportunity to see Lane’s End (sold-out) or a visit Old Friends and see the oldest Kentucky Derby winner Silver Charm and Groundshaker, the last horse bred by Penny Chenery to race in the Meadow Stable colors. Sunday’s culminating option is an expanded tour of Claiborne Farm where Secretariat is buried and a rare visit to the farm’s historic Marchmont cemetery, the final resting place for Ruffian and many other equine racing luminaries.
Directions: Paris, Kentucky is located just north of Lexington. Driving east or west on I-75/64, take Paris Pike Exit 113 heading north on US Highway 27/68 approximately 18 miles to downtown Paris.
Nearby Accommodations: A diverse selection of hotels can be found in Lexington including Best Western Paris, Clarion Hotel Lexington, Griffin Gate Marriott, Embassy Suites Newtown Pike, Ramada Lexington North Hotel, and the Fairfield Inn Lexington North. Lexington’s Blue Grass Airport, located across the road from Keeneland Race Course, is serviced by Allegiant Air, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines and United Airlines.