BIG RED IMMORTALIZED: Belmont Park Renamed in Honor of Legendary Secretariat
In a move that has stirred pride and nostalgia among horse racing fans worldwide, the New York Racing Association (NYRA) has officially renamed Belmont Park after the legendary racehorse Secretariat, famously nicknamed “Big Red.” The announcement, made at a press event held at the historic track, marks a monumental tribute to one of the greatest athletes in sporting history. The renamed venue will now be known as Secretariat Park at Belmont, cementing the Triple Crown winner’s legacy at the site of his most iconic performance.
Secretariat’s name is synonymous with dominance, grace, and heart-stopping speed. His 31-length victory in the 1973 Belmont Stakes remains one of the most jaw-dropping moments in sports. It was only fitting that the racetrack where he shattered records and redefined greatness now bears his name. NYRA officials said the renaming was part of a broader initiative to celebrate the sport’s heritage and inspire future generations of racing enthusiasts.
“Secretariat didn’t just win races — he became a symbol of excellence,” said NYRA President David O’Rourke. “Renaming Belmont Park in his honor is a recognition of his unmatched legacy, especially on this very track where he achieved the impossible. His story still resonates with millions.”
The unveiling ceremony featured racing legends, industry stakeholders, and fans, with a larger-than-life statue of Secretariat also revealed at the entrance of the newly named park. Cast in bronze, the statue depicts the champion mid-stride, muscles tensed, mane flying — capturing the sheer power and spirit of the horse that captured America’s heart.
Fans in attendance were visibly emotional, many wearing Secretariat-themed merchandise and sharing memories of the iconic 1973 race. Some described the renaming as overdue recognition of a horse whose impact transcended sports and touched the cultural fabric of the nation. Others praised the educational programs and exhibits that will be launched alongside the renaming to teach new fans about Secretariat’s story.
The move comes as Belmont undergoes significant renovations, with plans to modernize facilities and enhance the racing experience. NYRA believes that tying these changes to Secretariat’s legacy will elevate the park’s profile and attract a broader audience. “It’s not just about the past,” said O’Rourke. “It’s about using that legacy to inspire the future.”
Racing historians applauded the decision, noting that few figures in horse racing have achieved the level of global fame that Secretariat did. “He was the ultimate champion,” said writer and historian Bill Nack, who authored a biography on the horse. “This renaming enshrines his memory in the place where he gave us his greatest gift — the 2:24 Belmont that no one has come close to.”
As the gates of Secretariat Park at Belmont officially open under its new name, fans and newcomers alike will walk into hallowed ground — a place where history galloped into legend, and where the thunder of Big Red’s hooves will echo forever.
Leave a Reply