Despite being over 50 years since Secretariat’s historic Triple Crown win, the legendary racehorse continues to be talked about in the horse racing world. Secreteriat, also known as Big Red, holds the fastest times for all three Triple Crown races – the Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes, and Belmont Stakes. Penny Chenery, the owner of Secretariat, played a pivotal role in the horse’s success. She was able to save her father’s struggling farm, Meadow Stable, which later became the birthplace of the record-breaking racehorse. Chenery’s impact on the horse racing world was significant, even beyond Secretariat’s reign on the track.
Secretariat, owned by Chenery, was widely regarded as the best racehorse of all time. With his jockey, Ron Turcotte, Secretariat made history by winning the Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes, and Belmont Stakes in 1973. To this day, no other horse has been able to surpass Secretariat’s speed in all three Triple Crown races. Chenery’s dedication to the horse racing world was evident as she continued to be involved in the industry long after Secretariat’s triumphs. Her influence extended to becoming the first female president of the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association and founding the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation.
Penny Chenery’s ownership of Meadow Stable in Virginia was crucial in Secretariat’s remarkable career. Chenery took over the struggling farm when her father fell ill in 1968, and she was determined to save it from financial ruin. Secretariat was born on the farm in 1970, following the success of another horse bred at Meadow Stable, Riva Ridge. Chenery’s tenacity in keeping the farm afloat and arranging Secretariat’s breeding set the stage for the legendary racehorse’s future success. Even after Secretariat’s reign on the track, Chenery remained dedicated to the horse racing world and worked towards promoting the welfare of retired racehorses.
In 1973, Secretariat was syndicated for a record-setting $6.08 million, thanks to the efforts of 23-year-old Seth Hancock of Claiborne Farm. The decision to syndicate Secretariat was a strategic move by Chenery to keep Meadow Stable afloat after her father’s passing and a substantial tax bill. The high price paid for Secretariat’s syndication proved to be a wise investment, as the horse went on to achieve legendary status in the world of horse racing. Through Chenery’s foresight and determination, Secretariat’s legacy was secured, ensuring his place as one of the greatest racehorses of all time.
The legacy of Secretariat and Penny Chenery was further immortalized in the 2010 Disney movie “Secretariat,” with Diane Lane portraying Chenery on the big screen. The film depicted the inspiring story of Chenery’s journey with Secretariat and the impact they had on the horse racing world. Despite their passing, the memory of Secretariat and the legacy of Chenery continue to live on in the hearts of horse racing enthusiasts around the world. Their story serves as a reminder of the power of determination, passion, and belief in achieving greatness in the face of adversity.
