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Kentucky Horse Park Unveils Statue Honoring War Hero Sergeant Reckless

The Kentucky Horse Park has unveiled a statue of a horse that became a hero during the Korean War.  WUKY's Alan Lytle was on hand for Saturday's dedication and he files this report.

Sergeant Reckless, a small mare was purchased by the U.S. Marines to carry ammunition. In a 1953 battle, she carried more than 9,000 pounds of ammunition on her back and made 51 trips to gun sites. She was wounded twice, but carried on. She also helped evacuate dead and wounded soldiers.

The 1,000-pound statue was officially dedicated this past Saturday…more than two years after the Marine Corps veterans, including former Keeneland President and former Kentucky Horse Park Board Chairman Ted Basset began raising money for the project.

The statue of Sergeant Reckless, by monument artist Jocelyn Russell, was unveiled by four Korean War veterans who served with the horse.