Tales from the Meadow
Here you can read our family’s stories, recollections, and other information about the Chenerys’ Meadow Stud breeding operation, the life and history of Meadow Farm, and the racing careers of Secretariat, Riva Ridge, and our other champion horses. From time to time we will be posting photos and videos as well. We’d love to hear your reactions and answer your questions!
Remember Mom, by Kate Tweedy
Remembering Mom, by Kate Tweedy
Every year on this day, I bring roses to my mother’s grave. It has been seven years since she died, but it seems like yesterday. She lies in the Chenery plot in Ashland, VA, with her parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins.
The Sanford Stakes, Saratoga, Saturday, August 16, 1972, as told by Kate Tweedy
Written by Kate Tweedy
When Mother invited me to come to Saratoga to stay in Granddad’s cool and airy villa on North Broadway, I welcomed it as a break from studying in steamy Yellow Springs, Ohio.
Happy Birthday, Ron Turcotte!
Written by Leeann Meadows Ladin
Our dear friend, Ron Turcotte, won 3,032 races during his 18 years as a jockey. Three of those races propelled him and Secretariat into the realm of legend. Of course, we’re referring to the 1973 Triple Crown races – the Kentucky Derby, Preakness and Belmont, whose track records still stand today.
A New Generation Celebrates Big Red
Written by Kate Tweedy
In the years after 1973, long before the internet, fans of Secretariat could only relive his astonishing races by talking about them with relatives and fellow fans. When YouTube appeared in the early 2000s, they could finally watch his races and feel the goosebumps once again.
Secretariat’s First Race
Written by John Tweedy
On July 4, 1972, Mom and I didn’t go to see fireworks. We went to the racetrack.
We had moved from Denver to Long Island in early 1972. Everything about New York was new and exotic to me – its racetracks especially so.
Riva Ridge and His Remarkable Belmont of 1972
Written by Kate Tweedy
Secretariat’s legendary Belmont of 1973 is indelibly etched in horse racing history. But on June 10, 1972, his stablemate Riva Ridge became the first horse of Meadow Stable to win the mile-and-a-half test of champions. And he accomplished it under very challenging circumstances.
Secretariat Belmont Remembrance
Written by John Tweedy
I was 12 years old on Secretariat’s Belmont Day, 51 years ago, I recall the crowds, the warmth of the day. I remember the deference and adoration the fans had for my mother -- and in a weird undeserved way, for me.