Taken October 5, 2009, this photo shows a film crew and extras,
including horses, in a Churchill Downs paddock filming a portion
of a Disney movie about Secretariat. (AP Photo/Michael Clevenger)
Monday, November 2, 2009, was “promo day” for extras recruited for Walt Disney Pictures upcoming movie Secretariat. The film, slated for an October 2010 arrival in theaters, is being directed by Randall Wallace (The Man In The Iron Mask and We Were Soldiers) and stars Diane Lane and John Malkovich.
Based on the remarkable true story, Secretariat chronicles the journey of the legendary horse that in 1973 became the first U.S. Triple Crown champion in 25 years. In the process, he set records that still stand today for two of the three series events (the Kentucky Derby and the Belmont Stakes).
The film will also recount the equally remarkable story of Secretariat’s owner, Penny Chenery Tweedy (Lane’s character), a Denver housewife who stepped in for her ill father and turned around his struggling Virginia thoroughbred horse farm. Against all odds, Chenery – assisted by veteran trainer Lucien Laurin (Malkovich) – succeeded in superlative fashion in this male-dominated sport.
Secretariat began filming in Kentucky in October 2009 (at Churchill Downs in Louisville and at Keeneland in Lexington), and the production has now moved to Louisiana. Richmar Stables in Opelousas has been transformed into Meadow Farm (the Chenery family farm), and Evangeline Downs will be used to recreate the Triple Crown series infields of Churchill Downs, Pimlico and Belmont Park.
For the November 2 Promo Day, production assistants instructed extras to come dressed in their “best 70s outfit” and to report to the Evangeline Training Center in Carencro. The training center is the former site of the Evangeline Downs Racetrack, which relocated to Opelousas, Louisiana in 2005.
If you have never seen Secretariat’s Belmont Stakes performance – or if it has been a while since you watched it – prepare to be impressed by this video…
Comments
I loved Secretariat, I'll have to plan to see the movie. Thanks for sharing.
The call went out for extras when they filmed in Kentucky. They got a huge response.
It will most likely be good with John Malkovich in it.
Horse stories are always popular, and this horse is so well known and loved.
we have been busy renting to the 70's extras for the movie and even had kevin collonley come in and shop!!!!
I had a small part in this movie, played a horse handler, it was a great experience, everybody who likes movies should try it at least once. The director Randell Wallace and his crew were wonderful. Got a chance to talk to Diane Lane, she came over and wanted to know about the race horse I was working with, couldn't have been nicer.
Cool beans John and Old Vogue Costumes! I'm eager to see this film. It's a great story, and it sounds like folks are putting a lot of "heart" into creating the film. Thanks for stopping by and commenting!
Are they going to the belmont to recreate the triple crown win?
@Shari -- No, actually the Evangeline Training Center is being used to recreate all three Triple Crown series infields... with the help of a little "movie magic," of course. Follow the "Louisiana" link under the video to read a bit more about how they're making it happen.
Got something to say?
Examiner.com is looking for writers, photographers, and videographers to join the fastest growing group of local insiders. If you are interested in growing your online rep apply to be an Examiner today!