The Horse God Built

01The Birth and Early Signs of Secretariat: A Glimpse into His Breeder's Life

In the quiet hours of a March night in 1970, a foal was born that would change the world of horse racing forever. This foal, a chestnut colt with three white socks and a star on his forehead, was named Secretariat. From the moment he took his first wobbly steps, there was something different about him. He was larger than most newborn foals, and his eyes held a spark of intelligence that was impossible to ignore. This was a horse that was born to run, and run he did. Secretariat's birth was not an accident, but the result of careful planning and breeding by Christopher Chenery, a seasoned horse breeder. Chenery had a keen eye for horseflesh and a deep understanding of bloodlines. He knew that the combination of Secretariat's sire, Bold Ruler, and dam, Somethingroyal, had the potential to produce a champion. When Secretariat was born, Chenery was not surprised by the colt's size and strength. He had seen these traits in the foal's parents and knew they would be passed on to their offspring. However, it was not just Secretariat's physical attributes that set him apart. Even as a foal, he displayed a level of intelligence and curiosity that was unusual for a horse. He was quick to learn and eager to please, traits that would serve him well in his future career as a racehorse. While Christopher Chenery was the architect of Secretariat's birth, it was his daughter, Penny Chenery, who guided the horse to his greatest achievements. When her father fell ill, Penny took over the family's Meadow Stable and made the decision to keep Secretariat despite financial difficulties. She saw something special in the young colt and believed in his potential to become a champion. Penny's faith in Secretariat was not misplaced. Under her guidance, Secretariat won the Triple Crown in 1973, becoming the first horse to do so in 25 years. His victories in the Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes, and Belmont Stakes were not just wins, but record-breaking performances that still stand today. However, Penny's journey was not an easy one. As a woman in the male-dominated world of horse racing, she faced skepticism and doubt from those who believed she was not capable of managing a successful stable. But Penny proved them wrong. She was not just a woman in a man's world; she was a woman who changed that world. Secretariat was not just a horse, but a legend. His size, strength, intelligence, and speed set him apart from other horses. But it was not just his physical attributes that made him unique. It was his spirit, his will to win, and his ability to inspire those around him. Secretariat was a horse that was born to run, and run he did, straight into the hearts of millions. In the end, Secretariat's early life and the roles of Christopher and Penny Chenery in his career were instrumental in shaping the horse he would become. They saw his potential, nurtured his talents, and guided him to greatness. And in doing so, they created a legacy that continues to inspire and captivate the world of horse racing today. So, what does Secretariat's story tell us about the power of belief, determination, and the will to overcome obstacles? Perhaps, it's that greatness is not born, but built.