Ahead of the official unveiling and dedication of the Secretariat Park on November 11th, the 50th anniversary to the day that Big Red arrived at Claibone, sculptor Jocelyn Russell flew from her home in Washington State to the Foundry in Utah so she could accompany the monument to Kentucky. The four day trip was special, thanks to a combined effort by local dealership Dan Cummins who sent a custom wrapped truck and trailer to bring Secretariat home.
Russell worked primarily from photos, particularly a Tony Leonard one that belongs to local photographer and gallery owner Bobby Shiflet.
Almost a year and a half since the idea to commemorate Secretariat in Paris was born, the park is a reality as is Russell’s stunning monument, basking underneath his giant mural and glowing golden in the early autumn sunshine.
The park and the monument will be officially opened and unveiled on November 11th as part of the Legends of Bourbon County Three Day Festival.
Russell jokes that as much as she loves each of her monuments, and likens the creative process to birthing and raising a child, equally she doesn’t want all her ‘kids’ still living at home with her
Russell created the Sgt Reckless monument at the Kentucky Horse Park and has also sculpted elephants, a giraffe, dogs and elk but for now, although she says it’s hard to pick a favourite child.
The Secretariat Park in on Main Street in Paris, Kentucky.
