“‘Big Red’ Rises Again: Giant Statue of Secretariat Unveiled at Belmont Park”

“‘Big Red’ Rises Again: Giant Statue of Secretariat Unveiled at Belmont Park”

In a grand tribute to the greatest racehorse in American history, a towering statue of Secretariat—affectionately known as “Big Red”—was unveiled today at Belmont Park. The ceremony drew thousands of fans, horse racing enthusiasts, and dignitaries, all eager to pay homage to the legendary Triple Crown winner. Standing over 21 feet tall, the bronze monument captures the raw power and grace of the champion in full stride, immortalizing the horse whose name is synonymous with greatness.

Belmont Park, the site of Secretariat’s record-shattering 31-length victory in the 1973 Belmont Stakes, was chosen as the home for the statue to mark the 52nd anniversary of that iconic performance. The sculpture, commissioned by the New York Racing Association and designed by acclaimed artist Nina Kaiser, now stands at the entrance to the paddock area—a fitting location for a horse that changed the history of the sport.

“Secretariat wasn’t just a horse—he was a phenomenon,” said NYRA President David O’Rourke during the unveiling ceremony. “This statue ensures that every visitor to Belmont Park remembers what true greatness looks like.” The unveiling was accompanied by a live orchestral performance of “Fanfare for the Common Man” and included remarks from members of the Secretariat Foundation, jockey Ron Turcotte, and Penny Chenery’s family.

Fans of all ages marveled at the statue’s lifelike details—from the chiseled muscles to the distinctive white blaze on his face. Secretariat is depicted mid-stride, with his mane and tail flowing in motion, evoking the unforgettable power and speed he displayed in his historic races. At its base, a bronze plaque recounts his Triple Crown triumph, and an eternal flame honors his enduring legacy.

The project took nearly three years to complete and was funded by a combination of private donations and support from the thoroughbred racing community. “It’s more than art,” said Kaiser. “It’s a tribute to excellence, a reminder that the bar was once set by a horse whose heart literally outgrew the expectations of everyone around him.” Secretariat’s actual heart was found to be more than twice the size of a normal thoroughbred’s—symbolic of his boundless spirit.

Visitors to Belmont Park will now have a permanent reminder of one of the most exhilarating moments in sports history. The statue is expected to become a major attraction, drawing racing fans and tourists alike, especially during the Belmont Stakes and other key racing events. Nearby interactive displays are also planned to educate visitors on Secretariat’s legacy, complete with videos, memorabilia, and archival footage.

For those who witnessed Secretariat’s dominance firsthand, the statue rekindled powerful memories. “Watching him in ’73 was like watching a myth come alive,” said longtime racing fan and former trainer Ed Moreno. “Now that spirit lives on in bronze. It’s emotional, really.” A few fans were even seen shedding tears as they laid flowers at the base of the monument.

The unveiling of the Secretariat statue not only honors an equine legend but also signals a revival of passion for the sport of kings. As horse racing faces modern challenges, the image of Big Red charging forever forward serves as both inspiration and legacy—reminding all that greatness, once achieved, never fades.