Events to commemorate the 40th anniversary of Secretariat's Triple Crown championship have been scheduled for the Baltimore, Md., area during the week leading up to the May 18 Preakness Stakes (gr. I).
It all begins May 14 at 6:30 p.m. (EDT) when ESPN's "In the Gate" Thoroughbred racing podcast series is taped live at the AFI Silver Theatre in Silver Spring, Md. Hosted by Barry Abrams, "Secretariat's 40th Anniversary" roundtable discussion will include Secretariat's owner Penny Chenery and jockey Ron Turcotte. Discussion will include an in-depth conversation about Secretariat and the now-settled controversy of his record-breaking race time in the Preakness.
The panel includes turf writer and author Bill Nack, who wrote "Secretariat: The Making of a Champion," journalist Steve Davidowitz, Maryland Jockey Club president Tom Chuckas, and members of the Maryland Racing Commission, among others.
At 7:30 p.m., immediately following the ESPN podcast, the National Film Board of Canada will present the documentary "Secretariat's Jockey-Ron Turcotte," directed by Phil Comeau and produced by Maryse Chapdelaine.
The May 14 events conclude with a reception at 9 p.m. that will include appearances by the Meadow Stable team and a roundtable panel, as well as the Maryland Horse Industry Board's presentation of its May "Touch of Class" Awards.
"It is a privilege to honor the greatness of the magnificent Secretariat at each and every one of his pivotal anniversaries," MJC's Chuckas said in a release. "The celebration of his 40th is even sweeter following the official confirmation last year that Big Red did, in fact, set a track record with his 1973 Preakness win. Secretariat's star power is timeless, as his legion of fans can well attest."
"The Maryland Jockey Club has been most gracious in pulling together such an enriching event," Chenery said. "I am very much looking forward to an engaging panel discussion hosted by ESPN, seeing the documentary film about Ronnie, and sharing this memorable occasion with friends and fans."
Tickets for the May 14 trio of events are $50 ($25 for children age 14 and under) and can be purchased through www.secretariat.com.
Members of the Meadow Stable team, including Turcotte and exercise rider Charlie Davis, and Nack are scheduled to host autograph signings at Pimlico Race Course on Black-Eyed Susan Day, May 17, and Preakness Day.