Secretariat Statue: Racing Into History

Officially titled "Secretariat – Racing Into History," this monumental bronze sculpture stands as a prominent landmark in Lexington, Kentucky. Located in the center of a traffic roundabout at the intersection of Old Frankfort Pike and Alexandria Drive, the statue serves as a symbolic gateway to the region's famous horse farms and thoroughbred industry.

Commissioned by the Triangle Foundation and dedicated in October 2019, the artwork depicts the legendary racehorse Secretariat and jockey Ron Turcotte in mid-gallop during their historic 1973 Kentucky Derby victory. Standing 11.5 feet tall and measuring 21 feet in length, the sculpture captures the power and stride of "Big Red" at 1.5 times life-size scale.

While positioned as a traffic feature, the site includes a dedicated viewing park for pedestrians, offering safe access for tourists and racing enthusiasts. The installation not only beautifies the roadway but reinforces Lexington's identity as the "Horse Capital of the World."

Key Facts

Location: 2450 Old Frankfort Pike, Lexington, KY 40510
Artist: Jocelyn Russell
Dimensions: 11.5 ft tall, 21 ft long, 3,800 lbs
Dedication: October 2019
Access: 24/7 Viewing Park
Material: Bronze

Notable Features & Attributes

Monumental Scale

At 1.5 times the size of a real horse, the statue's sheer volume (3,800 lbs) ensures visibility for motorists navigating the roundabout.

Dynamic Action

Unlike static poses, the sculpture freezes Secretariat and jockey Ron Turcotte in mid-gallop, specifically recreating their stride during the 1973 Kentucky Derby.

Pedestrian Infrastructure

Recognizing the site's popularity, planners included a small, elevated park area with parking and signage to allow for close inspection without disrupting traffic flow.

Artistic Lineage

This casting is part of a series by Jocelyn Russell, with sister statues installed in Ashland, Virginia, and Paris, Kentucky, connecting key sites in the horse's life.

Visitor Information

Getting There The statue is located at the roundabout intersection of Old Frankfort Pike and Alexandria Drive. Visitors should use the designated parking area adjacent to the roundabout rather than attempting to stop in the traffic circle.

Admission & Hours The site is a public space open 24 hours a day with no admission fee. Informative signage provides historical context about the Triple Crown winner and the statue's creation.

Nearby Amenities The location serves as a starting point for the Old Frankfort Pike Scenic Byway, offering a picturesque route past some of the world's most prestigious thoroughbred farms.