U of Kentucky Honorary Secretariat 1A Basketball Jersey with Big Blue Lanyard from Penny Chenery (2 pieces)

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U of Kentucky Honorary Secretariat 1A Basketball Jersey with Big Blue Lanyard from Penny Chenery (2 pieces)

Not only was Secretariat the fastest horse to win the Triple Crown, with record-breaking victories in each of the three classic American races, he also was a cultural icon and a source of Bluegrass pride as evident with this coupling that identifies the champ with the  vaunted University of Kentucky men’s basketball program. In the fall of 2008, the NCAA’s winningest basketball program set out to develop a uniform both unique and motivational. Drawing inspiration from Meadow Stable’s distinctive silks and Kentucky’s entrenched love affair with Thoroughbred racing, the new uniforms featured the muted checkerboard pattern designed to evoke images of Secretariat’s blue and white checkered blinkers and racing silks. Created by the global sporting goods company Nike, the new uniforms were unveiled to the public in conjunction with the festivities surrounding the Oct. 9 "Big Blue Madness" -- the Wildcat’s first official practice for the season.   The debut was the perfect prelude to the hoops hype later that evening when nearly 33,000 fans in attendance were delighted when Ms. Chenery and Secretariat were recognized at mid-court and presented with an honorary Secretariat basketball jersey. The distinctive Nike jersey features Kentucky on the front and Secretariat on the back in arched embroidered lettering. However, it is the unique 1A designation, representing Secretariat's entry and saddle cloth number in the historic 1973 Kentucky Derby victory that truly distinguishes this piece.. Ms. Chenery, a resident of Lexington at the time as well as a long-time supporter and avid fan of University of Kentucky athletics, held the specially made jersey in a special place in her heart and in her personal collection until her death at the age of 95 last year. The jersey is offered along with Ms. Chenery's official Big Blue Madness credential from the evening, which features an image of Secretariat. A very special offering for both horse racing and Wildcat fans.