Secretariat

Secretariat

Today has been a miracle day with the rescue of the Chilean miners. It seemed fitting that I should see a film about another miraculous story. We all know the ending. Secretariat won the three horse races that are considered the most prestigious in the United States. No horse has since beat the record.

I like to see a film where I know what is going to happen. It is then interesting to look at the execution of the familiar story.

There was emotion and excitement. Diane Lane is one of my favorite actors and she did a fine job of playing the owner of Secretariat. She is so attractive and I enjoyed looking at all the lovely dresses she wore to the races.

We first meet Mrs. Penny Chenery in her family home. She has four children and life seems to be full. Her mother dies and later her father leaving her as the owner of the large family farm with many excellent horses. A new foal is born with great promise. Mrs.Chenery hires the best trainer and jockey. They groom the beautiful horse for the big races. The horse is named Secretariat. Secretariat goes on to make history in winning the three top races in the United States. She made record time and even won the Belmont over 30 laps ahead of the second horse. No horse has since beat that record.

There are problems along the way and there are other horse trainers and owners who are against her. Mrs. Chenery is one strong woman and she tirelessly fights to have her beloved horse a winner.

It was interesting at the end of the film to learn what later happened to the trainer and jockey. I was fascinated to learn that the jockey is from New Brunswick and still lives there. He is in a wheel chair as a result of an accident on a horse.

The story is historical. I found it better than I expected and even was emotional at certain aspects of the story.

If it is a rainy day and you have nothing better to do this film will keep you occupied.