Racing History Kept Alive with the Help of The Finishing Touch of Kentucky

Secretariat and Penny Chenery

There is no horse as famous as Secretariat – 1973 Triple Crown record-setting winner and winner of multiple track records and WORLD records. Even more compelling is the story and legacy of Secretariat.

Secretariat was owned by the "Mistress of the Meadow," Penny Chenery. Chenery's ancestral farm in Virginia, Meadow Stud, was re-established by her father, the late Christopher T. Chenery. Mr. Chenery and Meadow Stud became well known among the highest circles of the sport and big business of Thoroughbred racing.

May of 2013 marked the 40th anniversary of "Big Red" (Secretariat's original name) winning it all. Ninety-one year old Penny Chenery, as the owner of the greatest champion of all time, is still being honored today by racing clubs and enthusiasts for her accomplishments and contributions to the racing world.

Chenery's relationship with her father, the farm, and the story of her beloved Secretariat is immortalized in the Disney movie so named Secretariat.

The Golden Pin

Playing heavily into the movie's plot and precious to Chenery is a piece of her grand heritage – her mother's favorite brooch, given to Chenery upon her mother's death. Recreated exclusively for the movie to be worn by renowned actress Diane Lane, the Secretariat Golden Pin was cast by Kentucky artist Salina Ramsay. In the Disney movie, the pin represents Secretariat owner's irrepressible spirit and dedication to family, as the legend of Secretariat unfolds.

Artist Salina Ramsay

Popular American artist Salina Ramsay specializes in portraiture and equine art. The owner of Equine Fine Art, Ramsay's works are shown at galleries including the Kentucky Derby Museum and Frost and Reed of London. As well as having some of her pieces auctioned at world-famous Sotheby's, Ramsay is among the few artists who are officially licensed by Keeneland Race Course. Her pieces are available at Keeneland Race Course and the Kentucky Horse Park.

Regarding the Secretariat Golden Pin, Ramsay's 14k solid gold masterpiece – modeled after Secretariat himself – features horse and rider in spotless stride form with all four feet off the ground – completely capturing the magnificence and speed of the Triple Crown champion.

The solid gold pin is limited to just 73 numbered pieces and is available from Ramsay through her website for $3,000.

The Finishing Touch of Kentucky

With the decision to have an affordable version of the pin made available to all the fans who love Secretariat and the winner's moving story, Salina Ramsay requested The Finishing Touch of Kentucky's Mary Holman to become the exclusive producer of the pin for sale through Disney and on Secretariat.com.

The Finishing Touch of Kentucky exclusively produces the pin in a lead-free base metal plated with 18k gold, and Holman treasures the opportunity to contribute to the Secretariat legacy and Chenery heritage.

When Ramsay contacted Holman to inquire about The Finishing Touch of Kentucky playing a role in history and producing the pin for Disney and Secretariat.com, "I was just floored that she called me. Of course we were thrilled," Holman said. "In fact the day she called, I was on my way to Indiana to visit a friend and I just couldn't focus on anything but the fact that Salina had called me."

Holman was stunned when she saw Ramsay's model for the pin the first time, "It was the most elegant wax model I had ever seen."

Holman and her family are proud that their company's production of the Secretariat pin lends a helping hand to preserving a remarkable part of racing history.