Secretariat

Secretariat

Year: 2010

Runtime: 123 min

Language: English

Director: Randall Wallace

Budget: $35M

DramaHistorySportFamily

This inspiring true story follows Penny Chenery, a determined housewife who rises to become an unlikely horse owner and trainer. In 1973, she guides her champion colt, Secretariat, through the Triple Crown, defying conventions and challenging the male-dominated world of horse racing. With the help of veteran trainer Lucien Laurin, she overcomes numerous obstacles to achieve an unforgettable and historic victory.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – Secretariat (2010)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Secretariat (2010). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

1969–1973

The story unfolds from 1969 through 1973, tracking Penny Chenery's return home, Meadow Stable's revival, and Secretariat's rise to supremacy. It captures a pivotal era in American horseracing, highlighted by breakthrough performances and record-setting feats. The timeline centers on Secretariat's triumphant 1973 Triple Crown campaign.

Location

Denver, Colorado, Meadow Stable, Virginia, Claiborne Farm, Kentucky, Aqueduct Racetrack, Queens, New York, Churchill Downs, Louisville, Kentucky, Pimlico Race Course, Baltimore, Maryland, Belmont Park, Elmont, New York

Set across several iconic American racing locations: Penny's Denver upbringing, Meadow Stable in Virginia, and the major tracks of New York and Kentucky (Aqueduct, Churchill Downs, Pimlico, Belmont Park). Claiborne Farm in Kentucky is shown as the breeding cornerstone behind Secretariat's bloodline. The journey climaxes at the era-defining Triple Crown races in Louisville, Baltimore, and Elmont.

🏙️ Urban 🐴 Horse racing venues 🗺️ Racing locales

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 08:09

Main Characters – Secretariat (2010)

Meet the key characters of Secretariat (2010), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Penny Chenery

A Denver housewife who returns to her childhood roots after a family tragedy and leads Meadow Stable back to profitability. She makes bold business decisions, including firing a trainer and syndicating Secretariat, while balancing pressures from family and finances. Her steady resolve propels Secretariat from an underdog to a legendary champion.

💪 Determination 🧠 Leadership 👩 Family

Lucien Laurin

A seasoned French-Canadian trainer who initially declines Penny's offer but later forms the core training philosophy for Secretariat. He helps refine Secretariat's development and imposes a disciplined approach to racing strategy.

💡 Strategy 🧭 Experience

Bull Hancock

Owner of Claiborne Farm who offers guidance and resources to Penny, bridging the gap between Meadow Stable and the broader racing establishment. He provides mentorship and support during the transition.

🤝 Mentorship 🐎 Breeding

Hollis Chenery

Penny's brother who informs her of the problematic sale and becomes part of the ongoing family and estate decisions. He embodies the family’s concerns, support, and practical involvement in Penny's plans.

🏠 Family 🗣️ Decision-making

Ron Turcotte

A Canadian jockey whose experience and skill ride Secretariat to many victories, contributing to the horse's performance at the top level.

Pancho Martin

Trainer of the rival Sham who provokes competition and pressures Secretariat, adding tension to the Triple Crown pursuit.

Sham

Rival horse that provides the challenge and context for Secretariat's rise, serving as a foil during key races.

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 08:09

Major Themes – Secretariat (2010)

Explore the central themes of Secretariat (2010), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

💪 Perseverance

Penny Chenery defies expectations to save Meadow Stable and push it toward profitability. She navigates financial risk, skepticism, and tough decisions to hire a trainer and secure Secretariat's future. Setbacks are met with resolve, turning obstacles into groundbreaking wins.

🧬 Legacy

The alliance of Bold Ruler's bloodline with Somethingroyal seeds Secretariat's remarkable potential. Penny's strategic choice to syndicate Secretariat funds the family estate and preserves Meadow Stable's future. Secretariat's record-breaking season cements a lasting imprint on racing history.

👨‍👩‍👧 Family

The narrative centers on Penny's balancing act between motherhood, marriage, and a high-stakes business venture. Family dynamics—her father, brother Hollis, and her daughter Kate—shape the pressures and choices she faces. The support system underlying Penny's drive helps translate on-track triumphs into real-world resilience.

⚔️ Rivalry

Pancho Martin's Sham introduces pressure and a tangible rival for Secretariat. The threat of match races and strategic race politics heighten the stakes. The competition highlights the blend of skill, timing, and nerves that defines elite horse racing.

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 08:09

Unlock the Full Story of Secretariat

Don't stop at just watching — explore Secretariat in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Secretariat is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Secretariat Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Secretariat, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Secretariat Summary

Secretariat Timeline

Track the full timeline of Secretariat with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Secretariat Timeline

Secretariat Spoiler-Free Summary

Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of Secretariat that covers the main plot points and key details without revealing any major twists or spoilers. Perfect for those who want to know what to expect before diving in.

Secretariat Spoiler-Free Summary

More About Secretariat

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Secretariat: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About Secretariat

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