On November 11, 1973 the most famous racehorse of the day was led off the van and began another stage in his career. This racehorse was the Triple Crown Winner, Secretariat. Fifty years to the exact date of his arrival in Bourbon County, the small town of Paris, Kentucky will celebrate all that was and still is Big Red!
Secretariat Park will be dedicated at Noon on November 11, 2023, in the center of historic downtown Main Street. The park is the crowning jewel for this community’s efforts in raising the $500,000 needed, and in just over a year. Not only generous donations from local private citizens, horse farms and industry, but from all over the USA, this park was built with love for a horse that seems to have transcended all time… all spearheaded by the dedicated and passionate members of the Secretariat Park Foundation. Visit here to learn more.
Secretariat Park is designed to celebrate the “life of the legend.” The largest mural of Secretariat in the world looms over the grounds. Painted by renowned equine artist, Jaime Corum, it depicts “the big red machine” breaking through the red brick wall, racing to the finish line. Storytelling pillars rise from the ground to tell the life story of Secretariat, a limestone wall of honor stands in the back of the park, benches, light posts, and pavers have been named in honor of donors… but the unforgettable attraction is a life size bronze statue of Secretariat. This statue created by the famous equine sculptor, Jocelyn Russell, depicts Big Red, as the people in Paris knew him, in his paddock at Claiborne Farm. Created from a photo taken by equine photographer, Tony Leonard.
Secretariat lived the remainder of his life standing stud at Claiborne, and to this day over 10,000 visitors a year still come to visit his grave. Now they have a place to make memories with their family and friends, in a small park, on an historic Main Street in a small town that loves Secretariat.
In addition to the opening of Secretariat Park, several community events are planned around this historic event, including the Legends of Bourbon County Festival! LEARN MORE
Make your plans today to visit us for this incredible event!
Contact the Paris Bourbon County Tourism office if you have any questions.
Paris Bourbon County Tourism Commission
806 Main Street
Paris, Kentucky 40361
859-987-8744
tourism@parisky.com