When I was a little girl, my parents would take me to the horse races at Santa Anita or Del Mar. The ironic part of those trips was that they didn’t gamble. It was simply for the entertainment factor.
Last week, Walt Disney Pictures released Secretariat. Based on the true story of “the greatest racehorse of all time,” Secretariat follows the true story of the 1973 Triple Crown winner. With a phenomenal cast (Diane Lane and John Malkovich) and a compelling story, Secretariat will change the way you perceive horse racing.
Here is a brief synopsis (courtesy of Walt Disney Pictures):
Based on the remarkable true story, “Secretariat” chronicles the spectacular journey of the 1973 Triple Crown winner. Housewife and mother Penny Chenery (Diane Lane) agrees to take over her ailing father’s Virginia-based Meadow Stables, despite her lack of horse-racing knowledge. Against all odds, Chenery—with the help of veteran trainer Lucien Laurin (John Malkovich)—manages to navigate the male-dominated business, ultimately fostering the first Triple Crown winner in 25 years and what may be the greatest racehorse of all time.
The movie is visually stunning and gives you a unique perspective on the art of horse racing. The audience pauses to hear Secretariat breathe…hearts pound as he gallops around the track. Virginia provides a beautiful backdrop for the film with it’s lush greenery.
The story itself is moving and I cried at the end. Since I don’t want to spoil the movie for you, I’ll leave you with an interesting fact about this incredible horse.
In 1973, Secretariat became the first U.S. Triple Crown champion in 25 years, setting race records that still stand today in the Kentucky Derby and the Belmont Stakes.
Secretariat is in theaters now. If you’re in Southern California, you can see it at the El Capitan through October 20th. Be sure to take a look at the props and costumes from the movie and historic memorabilia from the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame.
No compensation was received for this post. I attended a media screening which helped facilitate this review.
- Discover Luxury at Sonesta Irvine: Your Ideal Staycation - August 8, 2024
- CHOC Walk Returns to the Disneyland Resort – Special Events and Ways to Support - June 28, 2023
- Beastly Ball Returns to the Los Angeles Zoo - May 8, 2023
Leave a Reply