LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The Kentucky Derby Museum is building a brand new exhibit dedicated to Secretariat, which will open to the public ahead of the 149th running of the Kentucky Derby.
The exhibit, entitled “Secretariat: America’s Horse,” has been in the making for a year and a half.
“Kentucky Derby Museum is thrilled to honor Secretariat in such a unique way with this brand new exhibit,” said Pat Armstrong, Kentucky Derby Museum president and CEO. “The Museum has been working diligently for well over a year to build an exhibit that is worthy of America’s Horse and to create a truly memorable experience for all our guests — from the bucket list tourists to the Secretariat super fans.”
This year marks the 50th anniversary of Secretariat’s historic Derby win and Triple Crown sweep. The exhibit is designed to showcase Secretariat’s life, stardom and incomparable impact on horse racing, America, and the world.
The 1,000 square-foot exhibit will be permanently located on the second floor of the museum, and it will be over seven times larger than the current display on the first floor. A local design company, Solid Light, is designing the exhibit to incorporate unique technology, visuals and video that will create an immersive experience for guests.
"It is rare that the Kentucky Derby Museum dedicates a permanent exhibit to a singular Thoroughbred racehorse, but Secretariat merits that," said Chris Goodlett, Kentucky Derby Museum senior director of curatorial and educational affairs. “It will show our guests exactly why Secretariat has endured as a celebrity to this day. From the new artifacts to the advanced visual projections, we’re excited for the amazing story we get to tell and also the exciting new methods we’re using to tell it.”
In honor of the occasion, the Kentucky Derby Museum is also collaborating with Woodford Reserve to create a special commemorative bourbon to mark the occasion. The Woodford County-based distillery has created the Double Oaked Personal Selection for Secretariat’s 50th anniversary.
A limited quantity will be available and specially packaged in a custom display box, which will include a custom medallion, tac pin, Mint Julep cup and a brief history of Secretariat. The commemorative bottles will go on sale in March 2023.
The Secretariat exhibit will open in April 2023 to officially kickoff a new Derby season. The museum will also host a ticketed event for the grand opening celebration and ribbon cutting.