Secretariat birthplace sells for $5.35 million

The Virginia State Fair and Meadow Event Park complex in Doswell, Va., including 1973 Triple Crown winner Secretariat’s birthplace, brought $5.35 million Tuesday at auction from a fair operator, according to local news reports.

Mark Lovell of Universal Fairs was the buyer. Universal Fairs is based in Tennessee and produces and promotes fair and expositions. The purchase includes both the Virginia State Fair’s intellectual property and physical property, including about 331 acres and fair buildings, as well as the main residence, stables, and training barn original to Meadow Farm, where Secretariat was foaled. The complex is located about 25 miles north of Richmond, Va.

The Virginia State Fair paid $5.3 million for the property in 2003 but it fell into foreclosure, prompting Tuesday’s sale.