Secretariat's owner dies aged 95

Tom Walter - Monday September 18

Helen 'Penny' Chenery, who famously raced and bred 1973 Triple Crown winner Secretariat, has died at the age of 95 after complications from a stroke.

Advertisement
Secretariat.

A pioneer for women in the sport, Chenery was recognised as the 'First Lady of Racing' in America for her pivotal role in the life and career of Secretariat – widely regarded as one of the greatest horses of all time.

Chenery's role as a breeder and owner was in some ways thrust upon her when her father Christopher, founder of Meadow stable, became disabled before his death in 1973.

The family had planned to sell the operation but Chenery was determined to fulfil her father's dream of winning the Kentucky Derby and so the mother of four assumed control of the stables.

Only three years later, in 1972, Chenery achieved her goal in winning the Kentucky Derby with homebred Riva Ridge but it was the following year when a large chestnut colt named Secretariat captured the hearts of America.

Affectionately known as 'Big Red', Secretariat annexed the elusive US Triple Crown in a manner that defied belief. He set track records in all three races which still stand today, including a 31-length annihilation in the series finale – the Belmont Stakes.

US Racing's First Lady Penny Chenery relives Secretariat's Belmont Stakes win.

Following Secretariat's retirement, Chenery became an ambassador for racing and served as the first female president of the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association.

She was also one of the first women admitted to The Jockey Club, helped found the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation, and created the Secretariat Vox Populi Award – annually honouring racing's most popular horse, among many other contributions to the American racing industry.

"Whether as the owner of Secretariat, the brilliant Triple Crown Champion she campaigned nearly a half-century ago, or as a leader and ambassador for the sport she loved, Penny Chenery led an extraordinary life that touched Thoroughbred racing fans and others in a unique and personal way," Alex Waldrop, President and CEO, National Thoroughbred Racing Association, said in a statement.

"Thankfully, her legacy will live on for many generations to come."

Chenery is survived by four children: Sarah Manning, Chris Tweedy, Kate Tweedy, and John Tweedy; and by seven grandchildren: Elena Grath, Alice McGrath, Chris Manning, Amanda Tweedy, Paige Tweedy, and Marcus Tweedy; and one stepson Jon Ringquist.

Advertisment
More Reading...
Horse Trading Stock Issues to Avoid
One of the key areas in thoroughbred taxation is accounting for trading stock and ensuring the tax closing value is properly ascertained. You’d be quite surprised of the enormous difference to the tax position of any racing player where trading stock problems occur.
Charm Stone share sells for $310,000 ahead of G1 Manikato
A 10% share in G1-winning mare Charm Stone has topped the September (Late) Online Sale selling for $310,000, the second highest price for a racehorse share on the platform this year.
Inglis Confirm Skybird for Everest Slot
Inglis is thrilled to confirm G1 winner Skybird (Exosphere) as our representative for the running of the $20m The Everest.
La Dorada Chasing Redemption at Valley
Last season’s champion NZ two-year-old La Dorada will be out to prove her ability against her Australian counterparts on Friday night when she contests the Gr.3 Scarborough Stakes (1200m) at The Valley.
Stakes Potential for Talented Wootton Bassett Colt
The John O’Shea and Tom Charton stable produced Wootton Bassett (GB) colt Napoleonic to break his maiden at Wyong by five lengths at the start of the month and he made it back to back wins when scoring a stylish victory at Warwick Farm on Wednesday.
Angel Capital to Run for James Harron in Everest
James Harron Bloodstock is excited to announce a partnership with global thoroughbred powerhouse Yulong for The Everest 2025, with rising star Angel Capital today confirmed as the runner in the James Harron Bloodstock slot.
Breeding to Win - 2025 Manikato Stakes
Racing at The Valley on Grand Final Eve in Melbourne - the southern capital doing what it does best, bringing people together in celebration of sporting greatness!
Golden Rose Sires Where Are They Now?
Since the $1million Golden Rose was elevated to Group I status in 2009 it has been won in every single year bar one by a colt with the lone gelding to succeed being Manawanui in 2011 and winning this race is a passport to a commercial stud career, so we thought we’d take a look at the fortunes of the past winners who have gone to stud in Australia.
Half Yours Delivers Fee Increase for St Jean
The rise of Caulfield Cup favourite Half Yours as one of the most promising young stayers in the land has put the spotlight on his sire St Jean (IRE).
Sires With Winners - Wednesday September 24
Here is the full list of 47 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.