Guest Author - Susan Hopf
Big Red, aka Secretariat, was a phenomenon the likes of which we will probably never see again. Power, grace and heart combined to produce more than a horse – this animal was nothing less than the Hippoi Athanatoi returned to earth. The Hippoi Athanatoi are the immortal horses of the gods. Known by many names these horses breathed fire, moved as if carried by the four winds and were often winged – without question Secretariat embodied these ethereal traits. Also touched upon with subtle but effective innuendo was the horse’s great intellect and empathy for his owner’s (Penny Chenery) current life dilemmas.
“Run your own race” a line quoted by Penny Chenery and passed down from her father is more than just a racing tip it is a lifetime challenge that we all must face and one that is dealt with extremely well. Without the Jerry Springer-like drama we have grown accustomed to in far too many films these days, this movie centers on Penny’s struggles to gain respect in the racing industry, which was predominantly male, at a time when all of our society was engaged in the same. Women’s (personal) rights were just coming into their own at this time, not in a flurry and roar, but in whispers and small steps forward. Penny’s grace and willingness to make the tough decisions were an enlightened example from which we can all learn.
The journey to the Triple Crown crossed many paths. Penny’s family, a husband and four children, learned to achieve personal goals without her physical presence – something many families were struggling with as women entered the work force. The woman, known for most of her adult life as only Mrs. Tweedy, came from a family that bred racehorses. The farm was in shambles due to her father’s failing health. With the death of her mother Penny found herself bound to a destiny (to honor her father) by restoring the farm’s good name. There was only one hope and that burden was laid at the feet of a yet to be born foal. Sired by Bold Ruler – an amazing horse in his own right but not a distance runner – and carried by an aging dam, Somethingroyal, who was known to produce horses that never quit – the foal was to be the savior of all.
Once born this innocent being, a colt, stood faster than most, grew faster and stronger than many and slowly and steadily ate himself into a huge mass of muscle. Many horses that grow in such a manner find themselves uncoordinated and clumsy – and Big Red was no exception. He proved to be slow out of the gate, if he made it out at all and was quite content to run behind the pack. However with a change of jockey and some serious discussions between the horse, his owner and his groom when he finally did decide to run – run he did and faster and stronger than any have ever run before him (and since).
The movie ends with the winning of the Triple Crown. Setting track records for speed in the first two legs of the brass ring of racing, the last race, The Belmont Stakes, is the longest of the three. Lagging behind for longer than usual the Triple Crown, the farm and many futures were thought to be lost to a horse that seemed to lack motivation – yet again. Surging forward in the last quarter mile the horse defied nature by increasing his speed and power to a degree never before witnessed and, as we all know, this grand equine won by 31 lengths. This is where we leave the film.
In the real world the horse went on to live as a stud and produced many good quality offspring – none, however, shared such a destiny. Dreams of all kinds drift among the scent of grass, sweat and horse – some are fulfilled, many are lost forever. The difference often comes down to faith – faith in those around you but mostly faith in oneself – and sometimes faith that comes packaged in four legs, soft eyes and heart big enough to embrace the world.
