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.
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.
