The Vault
Virtual Showcase of Original Secretariat Artifacts and Rare Memorabilia
For the most discerning Big Red fans, Secretariat.com is proud to introduce the Vault, showcasing a selection of the rarest and most historic items associated with Secretariat. The Vault collection includes a number of artifacts emanating from the personal collections of Ron Turcotte, exercise riders Charlie Davis and Jim Gaffney, Penny Chenery's sister Margaret Carmichael and other key figures.
Several of these items can be described as literal museum pieces, having previously been loaned for exhibition at the Kentucky Derby Museum in Louisville and the National Museum of Racing in Saratoga Springs, New York. Purchase inquiries are welcome on all items. Please bookmark this page for more information and artifact postings.
Original Secretariat Exercise Saddle, Personal Collection of Jim Gaffney
This original exercise saddle worn by the 1973 Triple Crown champion emanates from the private collection of Meadow Stable exercise rider Jim Gaffney. The custom-made leather saddle features the rider's name hand-tooled on the flaps and straps. The saddle has been photo-documented being worn by Secretariat during morning gallops at Belmont Park (circa 1972-73). Inquiries welcome.
Public Exhibition - National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame, Saratoga Springs, New York. (2023-2024)
Original Secretariat Sanford Stakes Race-Worn Winning Horse Shoe
This original Thoro'Bred aluminum racing plate was worn by Secretariat during his first stakes victory in the Aug. 16, 1972 Sanford Stakes during his juvenile championship season. The shoe originates from the personal collection of exercise rider Jim Gaffney who acquired and catalogued the shoe following the race. Mounted on a distinctive walnut plaque crafted and signed by Gaffney. Inquiries welcome.
Public Exhibition - National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame, Saratoga Springs, New York. (2023-2024)
Inaugural Eclipse Awards Attendees' Bronze Medallion
This exquisite solid bronze medallion emanates from the inaugural 1971 Eclipse Award dinner ceremony held at New York City's Waldorf-Astoria Hotel. Secretariat’s older stablemate Riva Ridge became Meadow Stable's first Eclipse champion being named 1971’s outstanding Two-Year-Old Colt. A very rare piece as the medallion was only made available to event attendees. Inquiries Welcome.
1973 Eclipse Awards Trophy Secretariat Horse of the Year
This is the big one! Secretariat’s 1973 Horse of the Year trophy is perhaps the most valuable Eclipse Award ever presented. The prestigious gold-plated bronze Award atop its mahogany base represents the pinnacle of achievement for the Meadow Stable colt that included his 1973 record-breaking victories in the Kentucky Derby, Preakness and Belmont Stakes to win the Triple Crown. Inquiries Welcome.
Public Exhibition - Presently on display at the Kentucky Derby Musuem, Louisville, KY.
1972 Eclipse Awards Dinner Attendees' Secretariat Folio
This elegant 16" x 20" folio was the complimentary gift provided to attendees of the 1972 Eclipse Award evening ceremony. The impressive gold-foil stamped display contains a rarely seen Daily Racing Form photograph of the evening’s guest of honor — Secretariat, who was named Champion Two-Year-Old Colt as well as the 1972 Horse of the Year, an unprecedented honor for a juvenile. Inquiries Welcome.
Original $10 Denomination 1973 Kentucky Derby Winning Pari-Mutuel Ticket
This extremely rare, original $10 pari-mutuel uncashed winning ticket wagered on Secretariat in his May 5, 1973 Kentucky Derby is one of the very few known to be in existence. The distinctive blue PSA graded ticket represents Secretariat's historic victory at Churchill Downs, where he established a new and still-existing track record of for the 1 ¼ mile distance. Inquiries welcome.
Original $10 Denomination 1973 Preakness Stakes Winning Pari-Mutuel Ticket
This vintage and intact original $10 winning pari-mutuel ticket wagered on Secretariat in his May 19, 1973 Preakness Stakes is one of the very few still in existence in this denomination. The rare blue ticket represents Secretariat's historic victory at Pimlico Race Course, where he established a new and still-existing stakes record for the 1 3/16-mile distance. Inquiries welcome.
Original $10 Denomination Belmont Stakes Winning Pari-Mutuel Ticket
This distinctive green and pink $10 winning pari-mutuel ticket for the June 9, 1973 Belmont Stakes might be considered an absolute unicorn! According to the New York Racing Association's official ticket redemption figures in 1973, it is one of only 121 total $10 tickets that remained uncashed, and could be the only one in existence signed by jockey Ron Turcotte. Inquiries welcome.
Original Meadow Stable Exercise Helmet, Collection of Charlie Davis
This original period riding helmet emanates from the private collection of Charlie Davis -- Meadow Stable exercise rider for the majority of Secretariat's 1973 Triple Crown championship season. The well-worn helmet with its distinctive, hand-sewn blue and white panels adorning the cover fitting was Davis's most prized possession from the Secretariat era (circa 1972-73). Inquiries welcome.
Public Exhibition - National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame (2023-2024)
Eddie Sweat Hand-Signed Photo, Additionally Signed by Turcotte, Gaffney
This vintage 5" x 7" photograph featuring Secretariat during a morning workout at Belmont Park contains the rare hand-signed signature of groom Eddie Sweat, along with those of exercise rider Jim Gaffney and Ron Turcotte. One of less than a dozen authenticated Eddie Sweat signatures known to exist, and boasts an impeccable provenance direct from the Gaffney family. Inquiries welcome.
Original Chenery Family Race-Day 1973 Preakness Admission Ticket
This is the vintage original 1973 Preakness Stakes track admission ticket used by the Chenery family while witnessing Secretariat's victory at Pimlico Race Course for their famed Meadow Stable. The impeccable provenance and specific history associated with the ticket inspired its public display as part of the Secretariat 50th Anniversary Exhibition at the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame. Inquiries welcome.
Public Exhibition - National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame (2023-2024)
Ron Turcotte's 1973 Kentucky Derby Winning Jockey Trophy
This original sterling silver 1973 Kentucky Derby winning jockey trophy was awarded to Ron Turcotte after his record-breaking victory aboard Secretariat in the 99th Run for the Roses. The trophy was presented to Mr. Turcotte by Churchill Downs as part of the official winner's circle ceremony following the historic race. The trophy sits atop its own black and gold marble base. Inquiries welcome.
Meadow Stable 1950 Preakness Stakes Winning Trophy for Hill Prince
This is the original 1950 Preakness winning owner's trophy presented to the Meadow Stable following the victory of their homebred champion Hill Prince in the second jewel of the Triple Crown. The hand-tooled sterling silver trophy is considered one of the most beautiful and valuable trophies in horse racing. From the personal collection of Penny Chenery's sister, Margaret Carmichael. Inquiries welcome.
Public Exhibition - Presently on display at the Kentucky Derby Museum, Louisville, KY.