Secretariat's Birthplace Named 'Historic'

With American Pharoah attempting to make history June 6 by becoming the 12th Triple Crown winner, another bit of history was taking place in Doswell, Va., as the birthplace of 1973 Triple Crown winner Secretariat, located in The Meadow Event Park in Caroline County, was named to the National Register of Historic Places by the National Park Service May 28.

It was on those hallowed grounds in 1970 that the son of Bold Ruler—Somethingroyal, by Princequillo, was born, and with his foaling came the birth of a legend, that would inspire a media craze unlike anything seen before in the world of Thoroughbred racing. Even today, 45 years later, the name Secretariat evokes images of greatness. The colt they called "Big Red" still is the standard by which all others are measured.

On ESPN's list of the top 100 athletes of the 20th century, Secretariat is ranked No. 35.

As stated in a press release: "Known as the Meadow Historic District, the designation includes the foaling shed where Secretariat was born on March 30, 1970; his training barn, where he wore his first saddle and bridle; the yearling barn where he stayed as a colt; and a yearling barn annex, stallion barn, horse cemetery, well house, and pump house. The Meadow Historic District was named to the Virginia Landmarks Register March 19. The property, which dates back to 1805, is owned by the Virginia Farm Bureau Federation."

"I am thrilled that the birthplace of Secretariat is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places," said Penny Chenery, who owned and raced Secretariat. "The timing of the announcement could not be better, as everyone is hoping for a Triple Crown winner at the Belmont Stakes." 

American Pharoah's dam, Littleprincessemma, traces to Secretariat, who broke a 25-year Triple Crown drought, becoming the first winner since Citation in 1948.

Leeanne Meadows Ladin, Secretariat tourism manager at The Meadow Event Park and co-author of "Secretariat's Meadow—The Land, the Family, The Legend," coordinated the research and documentation for the nomination process. Instrumental in the two-year effort were the George Washington Regional Planning Commission, planners Diana Utz and Danny Reese, historic preservationist Eden Brown, the Virginia Department of Historic Resources and the Caroline County Department of Economic Development and Tourism.

Ladin gives the "Hoofprints of History" tours of Secretariat's birthplace year-round by appointment. For more information, see http://www.meadoweventpark.com/hoofprints-of-history-tour.