Triple Crown Winner Secretariat's Preakness Garland Up For Auction

The garland is folded and mounted in a shadowbox measuring 41.5 by 49 inches. Credit: Robert Edward Auctions

The green flower garland draped over Secretariat in the Pimlico Race Course winner's circle after the 1973 Preakness Stakes is on the auction block.

The Triple Crown winner's garland was originally covered with hundreds of Viking poms and belonged to Secretariat's owner, Penny Chenery, according to auctioneer Robert Edward Auctions. It was first sold in 2017 for $60,546, with a portion of the proceeds donated to an equine welfare charity. That buyer has decided to auction it again.

While many believe the blanket draped over the Preakness victor is covered in black-eyed Susans, they are not in bloom when the Preakness is run, so Viking poms, a type of chrysanthemum, fill in for Maryland's state flower.

While all but one of the flowers have been stripped from the garland, a Preakness ribbon remains on the top.

After the Preakness, Secretariat went on to become the first horse in 25 years to win the Triple Crown. He did so emphatically, setting record times in the Kentucky Derby, the Preakness and the Belmont Stakes that still stand today. He won the Belmont by 31 lengths. Secretariat retired after that racing season with a lifetime 16-3-1 record and $1.3 million in earnings.

Just 13 horses have won the Triple Crown.

The bidding began July 26 at $10,000. No bids have yet been placed. Bidding is open through Aug. 18.