Secretariat's story heading to big screen

[October 09, 2009]  DOSWELL, Va. (AP) -- A movie about the thoroughbred who won the Triple Crown in 1973 has begun filming in Kentucky.

Diane Lane is portraying "Secretariat" owner Penny Chenery and John Malkovich is trainer Lucien Laurin.

In an era defined by a dispiriting war and a surreal Washington scandal, Secretariat gave Americans and their bruised psyche something to cheer about.

Now the racehorse considered by many as the best ever and the housewife-turned-breeder who soared in a male-dominated sport are coming to the big screen.

Randall Wallace, who directed "We Were Soldiers," is directing. A fall 2010 release is expected.

Unlike the 2003 movie "Seabiscuit," "Secretariat" will focus partly on Chenery's improbable success in the old money, bourbon-sipping world of horse breeding.

[Associated Press; By STEVE SZKOTAK]

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