Penny Chenery Relives Secretariat's Belmont

Penny Chenery, the 91-year-old owner of Secretariat, granted an exclusive interview last week to Arapahoe Park, the racetrack near where she lives in Boulder, Colorado, in honor of the 40th anniversary of Secretariat's Triple Crown. In the interview, she reviews Secretariat's 31-length victory in the 1973 Belmont Stakes and provides commentary and perspective while watching the race won in a time that is still the world record for 1 1/2 miles on dirt. She reflects on her role as Secretariat's owner and discusses the opportunities available to women today at horse racing's highest level.
The interview of Penny Chenery with Jonathan Horowitz, the racetrack announcer at Arapahoe Park

[@krazy8chris670]

At Belmont they added a blue and white pole to Mark Secretariat’s margin of victory of 31 lengths over his competitors. What a great tribute to a great horse

[@maryanneevans9563]

Secretariat's Belmont time is still unbroken. The best racehorse who ever lived.

[@srsh12345]

He still holds the record for Kentucky Derby & Preakness. Sham was timed to have the second fastest Derby & 5th fastest Preakness.

[@billyboblillybob344]

As the announcer said after the race, when given the official time that it is a record that may never be broken. He was right. It won't be broken.

[@michelemoore8951]

This horse was immortal and I don’t believe until I die I’ll see another record set. God bless him and all who believed in him. Thank you Penny for bringing us greatness. RIP

[@jeanday9747]

It's sad to see some people disliked this video. I'll always love Secretariat who still remains the best.

[@sherriscook3674]

Really??? How could they…it’s Secretariat!!!!💜💜💜💜

[@richardbramley5794]

No horse to date, could beat Secretariat. He is the Greatest race horse who ever lived.

[@atomexpires]

He was beaten during his career... I don’t mean to sound rude. I’m sure if you meant any horse today couldn’t beat him or if you meant during his time but,he was beaten during his career by other horses.

[@mplum4796]

@@atomexpires As any horse enthusiast knows, he lost because the riders had him into trouble each time. His glory isn't because he was UNBEATEN, his glory comes from his natural build and ability which was only hindered by people. Look at his PREAKNESS race and you see a horse taking off for glory as he rounds a turn and passes all of the horses in the field to take the lead and win. In addition, when allowed to RUN, Secretariat's times were faster than other horses, notably in the triple crown. Many actors have been "beaten" in the academy awards...it doesn't make them bad actors or their performances bad...all things should be taken in perspective.

[@gargould7186]

Put that in your pipe and smoke it!!! 😡

[@teresahall7469]

I never tire of hearing Penny Chenery relate the incredible story of Secretariat from her perspective. Fascinating anecdotes and woman!

[@tlelliott-nc2384]

His entire racing career: magnificent. All the legendary horses of the past (Seattle Slew, Seabiscuit, Affirmed, Native Dancer, Bold Ruler, Whirlaway, Man O' War, Tim Tam, many others) had their moments, but there's never been a horse even close to SECRETARIAT.

[@utasajaia5681]

Man O'War was arguably not only close but better. Secretariats entire career is - "every time Secretariats looked immortal, he would lose". That is one big draw back that made Secretariat lose the title of the horse of the century.

[@JRobbySh]

Timing is everything. That day the horse was really feelings his oats and enjoying every minute. He had as much fun as we did and THAT is saying something. The country was inedespefrated need for something good and what we got was something PERFECT!

[@jm1657]

@@JRobbySh Penny C. reflected that, on the day which Secretariat felt the best in his life, he happened to run in the most important race of his life. (cosmic forces at play, for sure! how lucky for all of us that it was captured on film)

[@adamfigueroa8208]

@@utasajaia5681you can’t compare horses that are 50 years apart man o war times is so slow he had no competition for secretariat to lose a race there had to be something wrong with the horse. Secretariat is way faster than man o war

[@utasajaia5681]

@@adamfigueroa8208 there are couple of factors that should not be missed. 1. Tracks having more sophisticated drainage systems, and overall more technologically advanced, makeing it possible to run faster. 2. Secretariat had modern alloy shoes while Man O'War had cast iron, which were much heavier. And having to carry heavier weight on your toes slows you down significantly more then carrying even much more weight on your back. Now, I don't say that Secretariat would lose for sure, but track times don't show the full story.

[@katerossi5432]

“He was cruising”- that’s putting it mildly. Love that horse.

[@maryannmcqueen2101]

omg JUST THE MOST INCREDIBLE HORSE OF ALL TIME !!! i watched him win and was yelling and crying and now all these years later ... HE STILL IS THE ONE AND ONLY AMAZING HORSE EVER !!

[@patriciaymontagnelazarecky3119]

Secretariat, and owner Penny Cheney will forever be remembered.

[@georgiagirl1961]

Such a classy, lovely person. May she RIP.

[@j20tower]

I still get tears in my eyes when I see this race.

[@georgiagonzales3769]

Me too, and I still watch it often. Choke up every time 😂

[@rociodanforth1712]

Likewise❤ all the time. An inspirational story❤

[@johnforeman634]

Haha. Me too. I can’t watch it around other people.

[@christinematton4125]

@@johnforeman634 same here 😭

[@Mrbigp59]

Penny is and was an inspiration to all of us

[@jessicas6586]

I'll never forget Secretariat. I was very young. We were all jumping up and down. He was a superstar. And all these years later, HE IS STILL THE GREATEST RACE HORSE OF ALL TIME.

[@utterlynice1]

He still amazes me today. I have the movie and every time i watch it i get excited, wanting him to win, loving Secretariat more and more. Wish i had understood about him growing up. He raced here in Saratoga. What a horse. And Mrs. Cheney was such a roll model and shows when you believe wholeheartedly and work hard you can do anything and win!!

[@vista806]

After Secretariats triple crown win I went out and purchased a brand new 1973 Ford Mustang, last of the fastbacks, in his honor. What an awesome horse.

[@jm1657]

What a tribute! I hope your Mustang had a good long life ☺️

[@ronnie6508]

I remember that race well in 1973 and I've seen videos of it countless times. I don't believe a horse will ever match strides with Secretariat, the best of all time. Rest in peace Big Red!

[@BeveC21E]

And I believe, no other horse shall ever duplicate that record nor run that's held by that magnificent equine! Love him still and always!

[@janetgallo5720]

50 years later and secretariat is still the king. He is perfection and there is nothing more than perfect,so there you have it.

[@larrysluss737]

As a 74 year old sports fan, Secretariat’s 1973 Belmont race is the greatest athletic achievement I have ever seen. I’ve watched it hundreds of times and it never fails to give me chills and bring tears to my eyes. Athletic perfection.

[@lynfoster2484]

I love everything about this story, the movie, Penny, and Big Red.

[@MrLew1965]

Penny Chenery is a very special kind of a lady !! Secretariat and Penny are a match made in heaven !!

[@nancy6160]

And she bred him!

[@mjcamck]

Yes, a treat indeed. The running of the 2013 Belmont a couple of weeks ago included, naturally, a tribute to "the mighty Secretariat." Even better, the movie has introduced a entire new generation to that magical Spring in 1973 when we call got to see a horse with wings. Thank you, Ms. Penny Chenery, for bringing us the majesty of the horse also known as "Big Red." Best Wishes to you.

[@rivaridge7211]

I have watched the 1973 Belmont Stakes race no less than 100 times over the years - and have never failed to tear up. My favorite quote from the lovely Penny Chenery (Secretariat's owner) said something along this line, "Secretariat is a horse and can't talk - so I will do the talking for him." A bright and funny thought from a very astute business-woman. Secretariat was the most classy horse ever - and his Penny fully matched him in this regard.

[@lessadepern5126]

Walked hots at Belmont during college summers. I walked hots for Lucian Laurin and Mrs. Tweedy then. Ms. Chenery now. It was an honor and there was always an extra hop in my step because I knew I was working for a class outfit. Saw Mrs. Tweedy every day and she was always gracious and polite to all.

[@jm1657]

Thanks for sharing such a happy memory 😀

[@atomicfusionvideo]

what a wonderful example and role model for all women . a great story and a great horse

[@julieenslow5915]

Penny Chenery was Secretariat's voice at that time. She speaks for women in horseracing in this interview. And she encourages us all - to strive to be our own best. It's clear to me why she was the one speaking for Secretariat when he needed someone to look out for his best interests. This was as much of a blessing to us in some ways as Secretariat himself was to horse racing.

[@susiejett5606]

A great woman with the greatest horse of all times, who loved to run and smile for that camera. It is so emotional to watch the Belmont I cry for the horse that God gave us all. And the woman who brought him to the track, where he did what he wanted to do, Win.

[@teddylopez747]

You must not much about the great kelso. Here's a start for you, in 50 stake races kelsowas passed at the stretch just once!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! For a horse today to come close to the great kelso they would have to win 5 breeders' cups!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Kelso broke 2 records on sloppy tracks and, some horses can't even run in a sloppy track. Beat more champions, more international championsm more hall of famers than any the racehorse in history. He only weighed 900 and, carried12pct of his body weight. Set records at 3 and, was still setting records at 7!!!!!!!!!!!!!! His timings would have been even faster had he ran more at belmont than at aquduct!!!!!!!!!!! He mostly ran at aquaduct which has tighter turns. He won more multiple major stake races than any other horse of all-times!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Only 3 horses ever won the whitney, the woodward and, the jockey gold cup in ine year, kelso is the only horsey to pull that stunt twice!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Set a record on dirt for 2 miles on a sloppy track when he did 3:19 1/5 and, then just 11 days later breaks the record on grass for 1 mile and a half at 2:23 4/5 and, that was on 3 tight turns which are way harder than the two huge sweeping turns secretartriat had at belmont when he was right by the rail from the start!!!!!!!!!!!!! There were no starting gates at the dc international for kelso or, gun bow his speedball cousin, the other american horse, which also made it harder for the american horses, kelso did the last quarter faster than the first quarter and, he was not by the rail frm the start and all the way like secretariat was at bekmont. You just must not know a hint about the great kelso, he was the best there's even been and, it's not even close. Gee, but that's ok I talk to many who just don't know much about the great kelso. Neither secretariat or, man of war who was kelsos' great grandfather, set a record on a sloppy track, again kelso did the first 3 and, then at 7!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! So go look up the great kelso and, make sure you're sitting down and, take a deep breath. You'll be mind boggeled like I still am and, I'm kelsos' biggest fan. I'm still finding out things abiout kelso. During the 5 years that he was horse of the year he was being voted over those horses in the triple crown races for horse of the year and, beating younger and, older horses giving away weight to horses that were in triple crown races those 5 years!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! By the way kelso holds the 3 fastest timings for the 2 mile jockey gold cup!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! He's the only horse to do under 3:20 for that and, broke the record 2 times on sloppy tracks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Prove out who beat secretariat holds the 4th fastest timing for it and, is the secound fastest horse ever to run the 2 mile jockey gold cup which isn't even 1 mile and, a half now, I think it's 1 mile and, 1/4 now. You just don't know much abut 'KING KELLY' the great kelso. Amazing cause he was only 16 hands and, had a shorter stride than secretariat or his great grand father man of war yet look at his timings!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Go look up kelso and, see how he carried and gave away so much weight and, still did so well Eddie Arcaro said that at the begiinning , he would hold kelso back a bit so that they would out even more weight on him, Now imagine how many more records kelso would have set and, how many more races he would have won by double digits!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! He won many by double digits as it was!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! But, then they would have killed hum with more extra weight. That's why they din't have that many handicap races anymore once you give away weight to any horse, common sense is you're giving that horse the advantage to kick your ass. Especially if it's a really good horsey! Somebody said these horses are a bunch of ounks compared to kelso and, those great horses back then. Kelso wasn't just good at sprinting he was great at all distances!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Funny the horse racinbg sciectists have said that the real great horses and, the horses that are bound to win are the horses that come from behind and, oass you at the stretch. Now I see what Eddie Arcaro meant when he said if there were 220 yards left, you weren't gonna beat kelso. In 50 stake races he was only passed at the stretch just once!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Beat carry back who had won 2 triple crown races and, anther horse who had won 2 triple crown races. He beat 5 horses 12 times that had won triple crown races!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I think you a big picture now of the great kelso who looked like a deer and, still carried so much weight for size!!!!!! Get back to me, This better be good buddy! KELSOS' BIGGEST FAN.

[@stevek8829]

​@@teddylopez747Kelso's sire has an interesting story as well. He came to stand stud in my NJ town. We were proud that Kelso's dam came to our town to be bred, so Kelso started with us. Your Host had a full grave on the farm, which lasted till a few years ago. Now it's a gated development and I don't think that piece of history was preserved. Kelso was an amazing force of nature. As a gelding with a long track career, he can't really be compared to a blue blood colt destined for breeding. It would have been interesting seeing Secretariat as a four or five year old, but he was assigned other duties. It would have been tragic of he were lost from the gene pool due to accident. Secretariat was a master. His move around the clubhouse turn at Pimlico was one of a kind, like an express train passing hobos. They're both legends that occupied different niches. Both the best. And that 5x horse of the year won't ever be equaled either. It's probably a major tragedy that Kelso was gelded. It helped his running, but the world lost his potential. I wish Chris Chennery lived longer. He seems to have been a master breeder, our American Tessio. Little Meadow Farm got two Derbies in a row--and two Belmonts.

[@marshallgralla9294]

Love Mrs Chenery. Every time I see video or pictures or an interview like this it makes my heart happy. I'm 60 and remember exactly where I was when big red won the triple crown. Thank God for Mrs C and the greatest horse of all time Secretariat.

[@norbertgonzalez8393]

There will never be another horse like SECRETARIAT.

[@karolinesmail489]

I definitely cry watching 😭 RIP BIG RED N PENNY🏇🏇

[@tboudreau5239]

Most Amazing athlete EVER!!!!!!

[@salicemccool9268]

Penny Chenery ; a great woman. She gave kick-ass interviews back then. Smart as a whip!

[@jonisoma5726]

...Penny is sharp, girl's got a mind of her own...kinda like her horse.

[@paulyarek]

Secretariat was easier to love than most winners because his owner was so wonderful.

[@twobefree3262]

I remember this! I was a junior in high school at that time. I turned the TV on, and could NOT believe what I was watching. All that you could do was watch, while not even being aware that you were not even breathing!!! Yes, the world stood still. It was phenomenal! I had no idea that I was watching history unfold before my own eyes. And, has forever been etched in my head... thankfully. It's still so fresh in my head, it really seems like it was just yesterday. I just finished watching the movie on TV. As usual, it was AMAZING!!!👏👏👏💟

[@jm1657]

Wonderful post! I remember watching this Belmont race, too, in a breathless state. What a moment in time!

[@joellenjohnson4038]

Love Penny and Secretariat

[@scarletohara6263]

She seems like an awesome lady.

[@ponygals5709]

My whole family loves you penny!!! We watch the movie and KZbin video!!! Best horse in the world!!! I wish I could've met secretariat!!! Lucien Laurin is the worlds best trainer! Ron turcott is the best jockey and history and Penny, you are a strong fearless woman. Your my hero!!!!

[@Locademi3rda]

Is it so amazing that in world rule by man’s back in the 60’s and 70’s when the horse races circuit was almost exclusively for man’s, this woman, a house wife stand up for her horse, thanks Penny for never give up with Big Red and give to the world a legend.

[@christosspartos8583]

I love how Penny shows her humility

[@jm1657]

Yes indeed. She recognized & acknowledged the role of Luck in all of it. What a class act & great role model Ms. Chenery was!

[@evelynmills1836]

"..and he's gone up to engage .. ah... what's his name"... Sham" (after prompting of the name from the interviewer). That says it all. No one will ever say "ah.. what's his name" about Secretariat. The greatest horse that ever was!

[@Blue-rw9kj]

I watched on TV Secretariat winning back then, kept the Time magazine with Big Red on the cover, now have it framed. Great interview with Ms. Chenery.

[@johnwalsh3215]

That magazine is priceless, cherish that

[@Blue-rw9kj]

@@johnwalsh3215 Appreciate that, also have Nick Glennie-Smith's Secretariat theme on my playlist, listen to it often in remembrance of that Great horse.

[@rociodanforth1712]

Such an inspirational story♡♡ I love watching this race, it always moves me with tears& excitement. I'm in my own race in this life& God has used this beautiful horse& the people to be an impact of my journey. To anyone that reads.... finish your race♡💪 We can do all things, in Christ who strengthens us♡Philippians4:13♡

[@cindyfletcher1684]

Penny Chenery is such an inspiration! :)

[@donaldcoday4765]

There is a record that will stand for eternity.this horse was a free spirit.there will never be another like it.

[@indychoate8350]

It really was the “perfect moment” as Penny said, and Haywood Hale Broun said “ it was more than life allows”; thank God He allowed it for us!

[@patriciasaudargas8679]

What a remarkable woman, without her secretariat might not have ever happened. She put the dream team together to support secretariat.

[@georgiagirl1961]

You can achieve anything you wanted to if you work hard enough at it.....Secretariat, the greatest ever. Such a beautiful tremendous machine. May he RIP. May Penny RIP and reunite with her dream horse she loved so much. Bless you for sharing.

[@karolinesmail489]

Amen her n red are together again RIP PENNY N BIG RED

[@hellolove1576]

Hats off to Big Red the best athlete of all time

[@michelinekribs9563]

Secratariets speed records still hold today. I was 12 years old when I watched Secratariet when the triple crown. It had been 25 years since that had been done. To me the most beautiful and greatest thoroughbred race horse of all time. Also my favorite horse movie. M. Kribs, Rolla,MO

[@janeypaul3172]

Ditto! I was same age! It was something to see!

[@conniecrawford5231]

Secretariat - please spell his name correctly!

[@allenhasenbuhler5884]

To watch this horse run in the Belmont stakes was privilege and a great honor and joy. Best Race Horse to Ever Live

[@milenekransen9426]

No athlete can beat my big boy secretariat

[@Johnny53kgb-nsa]

I was at the 1973 Ky. Derby. The greatest horse ever.

[@bogeysbaby]

This is a real treat. Thank you!

[@debbiebillings8192]

I remember watching the race with my mom

[@joannrosario9373]

He is the king....... The Best. Ever.....

[@lbl9066]

1.6.23, I watch this every change I can….

[@bethpeters3187]

She loved him so. May Penny RIP

[@boybye7986]

Kong of the track 👑👑

[@susancox1221]

One moment in time that was a perfect one

[@rmcfete]

All of them are still unbroken!!!! Fifty years later

[@tobylopez445]

AWESOME LADY WITH AN AWESOME HORSE.

[@ballyman12]

this is a true lady God Love her

[@andysolution62]

what a GREAT Lady she was - just i see the film the 1° one....

[@kimkelly5512]

Beautiful horse!!!!

[@BB_Axolotl]

She lost the coin toss but won a legend.

[@beabreeze8296]

Secretariat would beat all Triple Crown winners in a race because he had fastest time in all three, the Derby, the Preakness and the Belmont. He was red with white star and stripe on his face, wore blue, white racing silks, truly American and God's Horse.

[@salicemccool9268]

There's a statue of Secretariat at Belmont Park. Every year, on the day the Belmont Stakes is to be run, they drape a blanket of carnations over it, as there's no question; he will again "win" that race. (Thanks again to +sparklingmichele for this wonderful anecdote!)

[@johnhunter2294]

@@salicemccool9268 They put a pole on the rail 31 lengths from the finish and painted it in blue-and-white checkers, to show where the second-place horse was when Secretariat reached the wire. It's a nice tribute to the greatest racehorse of them all. Watch any race at Belmont and you'll see it, just inside the last sixteenth pole.

[@MarcelaR-dh1ok]

We all saw Penny at Belmont...she was sitting parallel to the wire about 5 rows back in the grandstand

[@justinemckenna8623]

What a beautiful and gracious lady. She and Secretariat was a match made by God.

[@lessadepern5126]

My friends are shown @ 4:33 . I walked hots Lucian later next summer and met all these folks. It was like a beautiful dream yet it happened.

[@danielnagle8338]

Secretariat was a once in a lifetime Horse 50 years later all records stand and no 2023 triple crown winner makes the 50th anniversary all the better no horse in 50 years can top Big Red

[@anitapraass6804]

Two very special individuals.

[@hksunchaser1]

CLASS IS PERMANENT!

[@wombathappinessgirl7563]

Amazing 🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽

[@deseretladync]

I wonder what it is like owning a wonderful horse like that. It had to be amazing.

[@OfficialMuffiin]

All the people around Secretariat said being associated with Sec was very stressful as the media were all over them.

[@jm1657]

@@OfficialMuffiin Yes; I bet they weren’t able to really enjoy Secretariat’s achievements until his last race was over.

[@jm1657]

@@OfficialMuffiin Between the Preakness & Belmont Stakes, Secretariat was on the cover of the 3 major magazines... Talk about PRESSURE TO WIN THE LAST LEG!!!!! I can’t really imagine how his humans handled that stretch (were they able to get any sleep?). But we do know that their fabulous equine athlete wasn’t bothered a bit. 😀❤️

[@user-qj5yb3rc1g]

I saw when I was 13 my dad said son sit and watch greatness and he was right

[@katharinewalker332]

Secretariat could probably have beaten War Admiral, with or without the gear. We speak about a sports figure, human or animal having a lot of heart, meaning spirit. In this case, Secretariat had, in fact, a heart larger than most horses. He could oxygenate and pump more blood faster and was in fact "a tremendous (breathing) machine!" As for Mrs. Cheney, I met her once about 8 years ago, and she was as nice then as she always was.

[@johnwalsh3215]

Katharine Walker secretariat had the largest heart they ever seen in a thoroughbred

[@katharinewalker7295]

@@johnwalsh3215 Yes, I did know that.

[@lynnew7569]

Beautiful.

[@lisakane6708]

if you watch the movie about this horse she is up in the stands as a spectator

[@christhompson9486]

He was perfect that day.

[@davogt6514]

So sweet....idk if this lovely old lady is alive but if she is...hope she can reply to me..I would love to meet her I have tried so hard just to get a chance for a picture of secretariat's last home or pic of the owner's yard..so plz

[@johnwalsh3215]

Davo GT Penny past away a couple years ago, she was class all the way and was called the First Lady of racing

[@davogt6514]

@@johnwalsh3215 damn...thanks for the info. Those were the days eh

[@robertfkoolman1646]

Pero q caballo el mejor de mundo no quen lo compare

[@tomault3063]

"He's gone up to engage, 'what's his name?" Sham." Brutal.

[@anibalmontero3473]

Q urbano películas

[@rubytroy7756]

❤

[@myrthacasas426]

Es correcto seguir llamando "owner" o dueña de Secretaríat,a Helen Chennery??? Vendió al caballo a finales de 1973 ? O no fue así?

[@Gloria_Marie]

Just let him run

[@chrispham6599]

Penny Chenery is a sort woman who you don't fuck around with. Like, seriously! You try and shit-talk her and you're gonna get roasted like Thanksgiving chicken. I'm looking at Sham's owner! All that sexist talk wouldn't fly in today's industry. But Now how many times he tried to put her down, he ends up shooting himself in the foot.

[@donaldmassaro7276]

Secretary and I always was the last and he had to run further because he had to run around all the other horses in the Belmont stakes he was on the rail therefore he didn't have to run is hard and when I did run he just smoked there but

[@johnford5568]

He had to slip in his identity politics, oh Lord God, please come quickly and out an end to this madness.

[@jesselivermore2291]

only horse capable beating sec. was man o'war, who had 63 kg gear more then sec. and won 19 of 20 races

[@lired70]

However, Man o' War never raced the TC! His owner didn't like the temperature In Kentucky, nor did he like the track conditions??

[@stevek8829]

Why is the video so blurry? It's pathetic, like Vaseline on the lens. This is way worse than TV ever was.

[@SueKinDik]

Bro she didn’t need to disrespect the others like that lmao