Monday, October 5, 2009

Hollywood Lands in Bluegrass Country

One of the greatest thoroughbreds to ever live was Secretariat. He won the Kentucky Derby in 1973 (one month before I was born), setting a track record there. He then went on to win the Triple Crown, setting a world record at Belmont. Disney is now making a film about this incredible animal, starring Diane Lane as his owner, Penny Chenery, and John Malkovich as trainer, Lucien Laurin. (I haven't heard who will play jockey Ron Turcotte.)

Filming begins today at Churchill Downs. Other locations include horse farms throughout Central Kentucky and likely locales outside of the Commonwealth. It’s fun to know that a film is being made right in your backyard. I wonder how they’ve been able to find a number of horses that even compare to Secretariat’s physical stature. That horse was massive – like no other.

Apparently, there’s an open call today for extras (other casting calls took place several weeks ago at Keeneland and Churchill). Just don your best 1970s garb and head out to the track if you’re in the area. Filming at Churchill is expected to run through Friday.
Image: "The Great Secretariat" by LeRoy Neiman.

2 comments:

Samma said...

How fun! Are you going to the casting call?

JMW said...

No, too much going on this week at work. But, it would be fun to be a part of it!