In 2010, the horse racing world buzzed with anticipation of the release of Disney Pictures’ Secretariat. Based on Bill Nack’s book Secretariat: The Making of a Champion, the motion picture told the story of Secretariat’s historic 1973 Triple Crown campaign and starred Diane Lane as Penny Tweedy Chenery and John Malkovich as trainer Lucien Laurin and featured other Hollywood notables as well as Ms. Chenery and Mr. Nack in cameo roles.
October premieres were held in both Hollywood and the heart of horse country in Lexington, Ky. A radiant 88-year-old Ms. Chenery was the belle of both celebrations, relishing every moment on the red carpet and stealing the show from her co-stars.
Ms. Chenery always made a point to dress in blue for her beloved Meadow Stable, and this stunning St. Jean baby blue sequin jacket is characteristic of her great style and refined taste, sparkly but not too showy for one of the most enjoyable occasions in her long and colorful life. Although this jacket was one of her favorites, it was all but retired following the movie premieres in reverence to its special history.