So You Think You Know the Secretariat Story?

 

If you fancy yourself an expert on Secretariat, then you will not want to miss the new documentary DVD, Penny & Red: The Life of Secretariat’s Owner. This 2013 release was produced, directed, and edited by John Tweedy, the youngest child of Big Red’s owner, Penny Chenery.

 

This documentary offers racing fans a unique perspective, as Penny Chenery talks about her life growing up with thoroughbreds and her role as Secretariat’s owner during the turbulent 1970’s. During the interviews Chenery reveals information that up until now had never been told. In addition all of the racing scenes in the documentary were digitally remastered and we get stunning new looks at the 1973 Triple Crown, Riva Ridge, and Secretariat at Claiborne Farm.

 

Even though this video is about Ms. Chenery we get to hear plenty about Secretariat. Much of what we all grew to love about Big Red happened because Chenery thrust herself into the spotlight. She thought it was vital that racing fans felt that they were part of her inner circle with trainer Lucien Laurin, jockey Ron Turcotte, and the Meadow Stable. Chenery begins the video by saying that, “I always keep reminding myself that the horses can’t talk, so I can.”

 

 

Chenery discusses growing up in a “tough and ultra competitive family” and her struggles with what she felt was the restrictive roll of a mother and housewife. She very candidly reveals many of her deepest feelings. She is not bashful when talking about her marital woes and her own personal demons and shortcomings.

 

Chenery took the opportunity to run Meadow Stable as a way to reinvent her life, to go from housewife to national personality and a role model to women of the 1970’s. At that point she said that, “I liked my life. I was having a good time and I didn’t want people to get in my way.”

 

There are plenty of great images of the Meadow Stable stars spaced throughout Chenery’s dialogue, from the earlier days of Hill Prince and First Landing to the superstars, Riva Ridge and Secretariat. She talks about how early in his training, a skeptical Laurin said, “Your Bold Ruler colt, he’s just fat and lazy and he doesn’t show me anything.”

 

There are never seen before images of a blistering Secretariat workout and races spanning the upset in the Wood Memorial to his final start at Woodbine in the Canadian International.

 

One of her most revealing moments came when she talked about the extreme pressure, stress, and tension that had built up after Secretariat’s then record $6 million dollar syndication and during the run for the Triple Crown. She confessed that, “Lucien and I kind of became cohorts …” You may have already heard the conclusion to that statement, if not I will not spoil the amazing story that she goes on to tell.

 

The DVD is narrated by actress Diane Lane, who we remember played Penny in the 2010 full length Disney movie Secretariat. Fortunately, the only similarity between that disappointing movie and this documentary is the subject matter and Lane’s voice. Penny & Me goes a long way to help racing fans forget the contrived and self-indulgent story lines that director Randall Wallace forced into Secretariat.

 

Make no mistake about it that the star of this documentary is Penny Chenery, and thus it becomes clear that a lot of what we love about Secretariat is deeply entwined with the turbulent life she led as Penny Tweedy. This DVD left me with a deeper appreciation for Chenery while, at the same time, I learned new things about my favorite thoroughbred.