Update as of 4/28/2019
The free tour is not currently being offered, so there are now two options for logging requirements for those that take the tour and for those that do not. Please see the Logging Requirements section for more detail. Although the virtual can be logged without taking the tour, it is still highly recommended to get the intended experience of something unique to the bluegrass region of Kentucky.
Before you come for this cache, please note that this cache can only be accessed by those who have scheduled ahead of time to take the tour of Claiborne Farm. Walk-ups are not permitted. Please read the section PLANNING YOUR VISIT for further information.
BACKGROUND
As the bluegrass is known for its thoroughbreds and racing history, Secretariat stands apart as "Big Red" captured the hearts and minds of the world in winning the the 1973 Triple Crown by setting records in all three races. His win at the Belmont was by an astonishing 31 lengths. After a stellar racing career, Secretariat retired to stud at Claiborne Farm until his death in 1989 as a result of laminitis. The necropsy performed revealed Secretariat's heart to be at least twice the normal size.
The listed placed date of the virtual holds the following significance:
- 45th anniversary date of Secretariat's win at the Kentucky Derby
- Date of the 144th running of the Kentucky Derby
Please enjoy your visit to this area of bluegrass state.
LOGGING REQUIREMENTS
For those taking the tour, please answer the following:
- Post a photo of yourself (or some part of you) on the grounds of Clairborne Farm with some identifiable feature of the farm. Do not post photos from prior visits.
- What are the names of the horses listed on plaques at the number 1 stall, where Secretariat resided, and on the number 2 stall, across from Secretariat's stall?
- How many horses are buried in the cemetery where Secretariat rests?
- By date of death, what horse was the first and what horse was the last to find their final resting place in the cemetery?
- In the cemetery, who was the youngest horse to pass away?
For those not taking the tour, please answer the following:
- At the posted coordinates, please post a photo of yourself (or some part of you) with either stone column found on each side of the front gate. The name of the farm must be clearly displayed in your photo.
Please message me your answers through my profile to confirm your find.
Claiming a find without both answers sent AND a photo posted will result in your find being deleted at some point. A reasonable amount of time will be given to allow for answers and photo to be posted.
PLANNING YOUR VISIT
As of spring 2018, the farm is accessible via two tours per day 7 days a week with some exceptions. A paid tour is held at 10 am through a tour company, and a free tour is held at 11 am through the farm itself. Details on either tour are found on the interweb and it is up to you to find and make those arrangements in advance.
I participated in the free tour and have these recommendations.
- Arrive a few minutes early to avoid delaying the tour or possibly missing it altogether.
- Stay with the group as all information is provided along the path of the tour.
- Although free, it is custom to leave a tip but that is of course at your discretion.
Whatever way that you find your way here is completely your decision.
Virtual Reward - 2017/2018
This Virtual Cache is part of a limited release of Virtuals created between August 24, 2017 and August 24, 2018. Only 4,000 cache owners were given the opportunity to hide a Virtual Cache. Learn more about Virtual Rewards on the Geocaching Blog.