The Lelands' Master Auction, which closed Oct. 27 after 30 days, featured notable pieces from each of Secretariat's Triple Crown races, and sales from all Big Red-related items totaled more than $219,000. The blue presentation blanket that was donned by the champion after the Belmont Stakes and later became one of owner Penny Chenery's personal collection favorites fetched $88,810, setting the world record for a horse blanket sold at auction.
The original 1973 Preakness S. garland sold for $60,546 to benefit R.A.C.E. Fund Inc. Additionally, the iconic “1A” armband worn by Hall of Fame jockey Ron Turcotte during his historic ride aboard Big Red in the 1973 Kentucky Derby sold for $34,176.
“Mom had been planning for this auction for several months, wanting to ensure that these cherished pieces were available to Secretariat fans all over the world to appreciate and enjoy,” said Kate Tweedy, the late Chenery's daughter. “We know she would have been thrilled with the results of this auction and to see how popular Secretariat remains today.”
The auction also featured a single nail that exercise rider Jim Gaffney saved from Secretariat's shoes after the Belmont, selling for $28,558, as well as a bronze sculpture of the Triple Crown legend by Rene Williams that garnered $7,332.
“The likely world record prices established within several categories for racing memorabilia are testament that Secretariat's place in history is sealed as one of America's most celebrated athletes,” said Mike Heffner, Lelands president. “When we talk with collectors, they covet anything directly connected to a handful of sports icons: Ruth, Mantle, Ali – and Secretariat. So we were especially proud to work with Penny Chenery and the Secretariat team to include these items in a landmark auction.”
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