"Secretariat Racing into History"
Project Makes History in Ashland, Virginia
In Ashland, Virginia, a 3,800-pound bronze statue titled "Secretariat Racing Into History" now stands at Reynolds Family Plaza near Randolph-Macon College. Created by sculptor Jocelyn Russell, the 11.5 feet tall, 21 feet long statue is 1.5 times Secretariat's actual size and depicts him galloping with Hall of Fame jockey Ron Turcotte on a base that incorporates sand from Secretariat's birthplace and the Triple Crown tracks. Additional intricate details like Turcotte's signature in his boot and the saddlecloth marking his 1973 Belmont post position add to its authenticity. Unveiled during Secretariat's 50th birthday celebration in 2023, the statue symbolizes his legacy as one of the greatest racehorses of all time.
On March 30, 2024, the Town of Ashland celebrated Secretariat Day, dedicating Virginia's first monument to the legendary 1973 Triple Crown champion. This event marked the culmination of a two-year challenge to raise enough funds to purchase and install the magnificent "Secretariat Racing Into History" by acclaimed sculptor Jocelyn Russell.
The plaza features Jet Mist Granite Planks, a locally sourced material quarried in Virginia known for its deep charcoal color with white grains and mist-like swirls. These 6-inch wide, 36-inch long, and 4-inch deep planks were selected for their unique aesthetic appeal and durability. The concrete slabs have a 1-inch sand setting bed with poly sand joints and were laid in a running bond pattern to reflect Secretariat's incredible speed. The hardscape of the plaza was installed by John Guidon of James River Nurseries.
Placing Secretariat in a setting worthy of his stellar legacy was the primary goal in designing what would become the Reynolds Family Plaza on land donated by Randolph-Macon College.
Karen Engel of Old Dominion Lighting Associates designed the plaza and sculpture lighting to emphasize both the sculptor's detailed artistry and the statue's historic significance. The lighting features ten in-grade LED fixtures crafted from durable, die-cast aluminum with a compact, 5.4-inch diameter. These fixtures provide a striking yet subtle glow, ensuring the monument's grandeur is beautifully showcased.
The 3,800-pound bronze thoroughbred, ridden by Hall of Fame jockey Ron Turcotte, gallops across the Reynolds Family Plaza in downtown Ashland. At 21 feet long and 11.5 feet tall, it is considered the largest statue of the great horse. The sculptor added special touches such as Turcotte's own signature embedded in his right boot, along with the saddlecloth showing the number "2" for Secretariat's post position in the 1973 Belmont - his most memorable race.
The monument stands on a stabilized soil inset measuring approximately 9 feet by 42 feet. The existing brick wall, once bearing signage for Randolph-Macon College, was repurposed to display the name of the space: Reynolds Family Plaza. As a tribute to Secretariat's Virginia roots and his unbroken 1973 Triple Crown records, the sculpture's base incorporates sand from the training track at Meadow Stable - the birthplace of Secretariat located within a few miles of the plaza - as well as the Kentucky Derby, Preakness, and Belmont tracks. This sand was carefully mixed with a stone dust and polymer blend to create a stable, accessible surface that mimics the appearance of the racetracks.
Gifted by Secretariat for Virginia (SECVA) to the Town of Ashland, "Secretariat Racing Into History" now stands as a gleaming beacon for visitors flocking to the vibrant downtown. Situated adjacent to the north-south Amtrak railroad tracks, thousands of passengers admire the statue daily.
The design team - which included Jeannie Welliver, project manager with SECVA; Lu Gay Lanier, PLA; and Karen A Engel with Old Dominion Lighting Associations - desired that the Secretariat Monument be accessible to all and that visitors visualize the power of his 25-foot stride. As such, the monument is set flush with the grade, not on a pedestal. It was essential that the plaza function well for small groups as well as large celebrations.
John Guidon of James River Nurseries led the selection and installation for the plaza hardscape. Jet Mist Granite Planks with a thermal finish were selected for the hardscape due to their unique beauty. The Jet Mist is a locally sourced material quarried in Virginia and has a deep charcoal coloration, with white grains and swirls resembling mist. The pavers were laid in a running bond, emphasizing Secretariat's blazing speed.
As a tribute to Secretariat's Virginia roots and his still-unbroken track records in the 1973 Triple Crown, the sculpture stands on a base containing portions of sand from the original training track at Meadow Stable and from the Kentucky Derby, Preakness, and Belmont tracks. The mix creates a surface material that simulates actual track sand and meets all accessibility requirements. This mixture of stone dust and a polymer allows for a permeable but stable surface. The authentic sand was sprinkled in the 57 stone and fabric placed on top to create a vault-like separation.
Lighting "Secretariat Racing Into History" presented a daunting challenge, as Ashland is a "Dark Sky" municipality, allowing no upward throw of light. Engel took on the task, mindful of the exquisite artistry of the sculpture and its historic significance. She was determined to light the monument in such a way that it would revel in the darkness of evening hours. Her solution involves inground fixtures with adjustable rotation and optic features.
Engel selected fixtures that allow a 20-degree tilt, full rotation, drive over up to 4409 lbs., optics such as a hexagonal diffuser, and the proper beam spreads needed to illuminate the statue perfectly. Ten fixtures were required, five on each side of the statue, at 3000K. The fixtures were strategically placed in a semi-circle to direct the light throw toward the statue itself.
Two spot beam fixtures were situated at the head and tail area of the statue. A flood beam spread was then placed to illuminate his shoulders as well as the jockey's hands and face. Another flood beam was directed toward his belly and the jockey's stance. The third flood fixture was directed toward Secretariat's girth, and back legs. All fixtures were placed so the 20-degree tilt illuminated Secretariat and his jockey.
Angled, 1500 lumen fixtures in a matte black and platinum silver finish are wall mounted, enclosed in a 3-inch frosted dome, and positioned to throw a wash of light over the signage with no over-throw of light. The three angled fixtures use integrated LED arrays to illuminate the "Secretariat," donor, and history signs.
Currently, the Secretariat for Virginia team is planning to implement Phase II of the project - which will include seating, additional lighting, and other enhancements - prior to Secretariat's Birthday Celebration on March 30, 2025.
As seen in LASN magazine, February 2025.
