NEWS
Penny Chenery
Posted: Wednesday, June 30, 2010 2:40 PM
PENNY CHENERY
PhotosByZ.com/Thoroughbred Times
Meadow Stable
It is not surprising that many of the individuals selected for this feature identified Penny Chenery as a role model.
Her enthusiasm and sportsmanship as an owner of racing legends Secretariat and Riva Ridge and as an ambassador for the sport in the decades since has served as an example for Thoroughbred owners to follow. Chenery started to run Meadow Stable in Virginia in 1968 after her mother died and her father was hospitalized. She currently owns one broodmare and two foals.
While Chenery routinely attends the Kentucky Derby (G1) and other major races, she will receive another level of fame when the movie Secretariat is released this fall. Chenery is the central human figure in the movie and actress Diane Lane will portray her in the movie.
“Seeing yourself in a movie is really weird but I had such a beautiful person playing the role,” Chenery said. “I’ve adjusted to the revised version of my life.”
Chenery oversees the Secretariat Foundation, which supports Thoroughbred and equine-related causes, including veterinary research into lameness, Thoroughbred retirement, and therapeutic equestrian programs.
Chenery has enjoyed key leadership roles in the industry and she continues to be an ambassador for racing, meeting with fans at races, industry events, and even through new media by participating in events like web chats with fans.
“I wanted to be available to the fans,” Chenery said in 2006 in explaining her enjoyment as the unofficial “First Lady of Racing.”
Date of birth: January 27, 1922
Birthplace: New Rochelle, New York
Residence: Boulder, Colorado
Title: Owner, breeder
Company: Meadow Stable
Education: Bachelor of Arts, Smith College
Family: Four children
Favorite horse: “A lot of people would assume it’s Secretariat but Riva Ridge was very important for us.”
Other achievements: Campaigned Secretariat to 1973 Triple Crown and two Horse of the Year titles; campaigned two-time champion Riva Ridge; awarded Eclipse Award of Merit in 2005
What advice would you give other women interested in the racing industry? “You need to set your goals reasonably, aim for something you have a reasonable chance of doing, and then set out to do that. Ignore everyone who says you can’t do it.”
What women in racing do you look up to? Helen Alexander
Outlook on the industry: “We’re in serious trouble. We have to find a way to restore the fire that makes people want to breed and race the best horses. If you’re in it to make money, you’re in the wrong business.”
Return to Women of Influence
READER COMMENTS
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Posted by: Kathy, Askov, MN on March 28, 2011 at 07:05 PM
The Movie was THE BEST! I have watched it more times that I can count. For every Throughbred owner this is the true heart of why we raise these magnificant horses.I laughed and I cried. Everyone needs to win their race. Penny your phenominal - your the best!
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Posted by: magja, sa, TX on October 06, 2010 at 09:34 AM
http://www.miamiherald.com/2010/10/01/1851689/abandoned-champion-racehorse-needs.html#storylink=fbuser
Help Grandson of Secretariat!!!!!!!
Look at link please!!!!!!
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Posted by: Vera, Endicott, NY on September 09, 2010 at 05:45 PM
I am a great admirer of Mrs. Penny Chenery. All that
she accomplished in her life not only breeding and
racing the immortal Secretariat but also building a
family and raising four children. She has lived her
life with dignity and intelligence. She definitely
is my role model in addition to my mother. I think this is a great article.
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Posted by: JoAnn, Old Chatham NY, NY on July 20, 2010 at 06:50 PM
Nice profile. This is the Penny that I know.
Also, I am hoping to get back in touch with Penny and perhaps visit during Saratoga; would very much appreciate someone forwarding my contact info to her.
thanks-thanks -thanks from a displaced Kentuckian.
JoAnn Nard
PO Box 53
Old Chatham, NY 12136
518-755-0894
JtaylorN44@aol.com
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