Secretariat – The Movie
Secretariat, sired by Bold Ruler out of the dam Somethingroyal, was foaled in the year 1970 and became one of the most legendary horses in the history of horse racing. His is the story of love, dedication, sacrifice and triumph, and still warms the hearts of everyone who learns about the life of this amazing horse. But together with the races he won and the name he made, comes a tale of passion and belief from his owner Penny Chenery of Meadow Stables. On 8 October 2010, the movie Secretariat will be released to the public, capturing the essence and emotion of this magnificent true life story.
For those who are unfamiliar with the life of Secretariat, his racing career began as a two-year-old under the guidance of trainer Lucien Laurin and regular jockey Ron Turncotte. Eddie Maple, however, rode him in his last race. He was chestnut in color and stood sixteen hands and two inches high. He won races such as the Arlington Invitational, Man O War Stakes and Marlboro Cup, but it was his Triple Crown Campaign of 1973 that skyrocketed him to stardom and into history.
Everyone remembers the 9th of June 1973, as Secretariat, My Gallant, Private Smiles, Twice A Prince and Sham entered the starting gates for the Belmont Stakes. A crowd of more than sixty-seven thousand gathered to witness this momentous occasion. As Sham and Secretariat left the field behind, Chic Anderson, the commentator, bellowed into the microphone that: “Secretariat is widening now! He is moving like a tremendous machine!” Secretariat became the ninth horse to capture the Triple Crown. He won his last race, the Canadian International Stakes in spectacular fashion, completing his career with sixteen victories, over $1 million in earnings and a legacy that lives on till today. At the age of nineteen Secretariat was euthanized due to laminitis on 4 October 1989, and on necropsy it was found that he literally had the largest heart ever found in a racehorse. He is immortalized through awards and honors, and now through the movie Secretariat.
Even though some of the facts have been exaggerated a little, or left out, for entertainment purposes, the movie still highlights the wonders and talent of this amazing horse and those connected to him. It is a movie that will warm the hearts of fans and those who have never heard of Secretariat before, as he left behind a tale of love, achievement and triumph.
