Secretariat's Foaling Shed

On March 30, 1970, shortly after midnight, a legend was born at The Meadow. Secretariat, sired by Bold Ruler and out of Somethingroyal, entered the world in a small wood frame foaling shed near the broodmare barn overlooking the Cove. His 18-year-old mother needed some help delivering her large colt. Farm manager Howard Gentry and Raymond Wood assisted her, with Howard exclaiming "There's a whopper!" as Secretariat emerged. Dr. Olive Britt, veterinarian, commented after she arrived, "He was beautiful...and as red as fire." Penny Chenery, arriving later from Denver, reacted with "Wow!" Then she fretted, "He's too pretty to be any good." 

Happily her big red colt proved otherwise. Secretariat truly had it all: arresting good looks, perfect conformation, blazing speed, deep stamina, and a sheer love of running. In 1973, he became the only Triple Crown champion inhistory to break all three track records. To date, those records are still standing. 

Secretariat's iconic foaling shed originally was located on the north side of The Meadow, but was moved to the south side after the old broodmare barn fell down. It was carefully restored and today is visited by fans from all over the United States and abroad. 

The Foaling Shed is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and the Virginia Landmarks Register.