Randolph-Macon College will host Secretariat’s birthday on Saturday, March 31, 2012. The celebration will take place from 1-5 p.m. in
Andrews Hall, which is located on campus at 420 Henry Street.
The program will celebrate Secretariat’s birthday (March 30, 1970) and his 1973 Triple Crown victory. It will also pay tribute to his stable mate Riva Ridge, who in 1972 won the Kentucky Derby and Belmont Stakes. Together Riva Ridge and Secretariat gave Meadow Stable, under Penny Chenery’s leadership, the distinction of winning five of six Triple Crown races in 1972-1973, something no other stable had ever done. Chenery is the owner and breeder of Secretariat, and her story was featured in the Disney Film Secretariat.
Kate Chenery Tweedy (Penny Chenery’s daughter) and Leeanne Meadow Ladin, co-authors of Secretariat’s Meadow – The Land, The Family, The Legend, will give presentations on the history of The Meadow, Secretariat and Riva Ridge at 1 pm. and 3 p.m. The authors are also writing a new book about Riva Ridge, due out this fall.
Because of limited seating, advance registration is required for each session. Tickets for this event are $5.00 at the door and advance registration is required.
The birthday program will also include: the opportunity to meet former Meadow grooms and jockeys and to see Riva’s first training saddle; a discussion of historical preservation ideas for important structures at The Meadow such as Secretariat’s foaling shed; continuous showings of Secretariat’s and Riva’s most famous races; a book signing and a sale of Secretariat items; and, of course, cake.
Randolph-Macon College has longstanding ties to the Chenery family. Christopher T. Chenery, Penny’s father, was the founder of Meadow Stable in 1936, and he attended R-MC. Two of his brothers also attended R-MC, and a cousin, Dr. Alan J. Chenery Jr. ’58, served on the Board of Trustees for many years. In 2011 Randolph-Macon College awarded Penny Chenery an
Honorary Doctor of Laws Degree.
R-MC's Equestrian Club welcomes students from all equestrian disciplines and at every level of experience from beginner to advanced. Click on Equestrian Club for more information.