Chenery to receive Eclipse Award of Merit

Helen "Penny" Chenery, owner of 1973 Triple Crown winner Secretariat,

will be honored with the Eclipse Award of Merit for her lifetime of outstanding achievement

in Thoroughbred racing.

"I am just tickled to win this award," Chenery said. "I've had a wonderful

time in racing, with the fans, my peers, and of course, the horses. The greatest

sight in racing is seeing your horse with your silks on coming down the stretch

in the lead. The second greatest thing is seeing a foal born. That's God's gift

to us."

The unofficial "First Lady of Racing," who recently relocated to Boulder,

Colorado, will receive the honor at the 35th Annual Eclipse Award ceremony on

January 23 at the Regent Beverly Wilshire in Beverly Hills, California.

In 1973, Secretariat was one of the biggest sports and news stories of the

year. "Big Red" of Meadow Stable gave the nation an unexpected lift, becoming

the first Triple Crown winner in 25 years, when he swept the Kentucky Derby

(G1), Preakness (G1) and Belmont S. (G1). Secretariat's photo appeared on

covers of Time, Newsweek and Sports Illustrated during the

same week.

Chenery, who took over the Meadow Stable operation for her ailing father,

Christopher, embodied grace and elegance in the spotlight.

Secretariat's 31-length victory in the Belmont is forever linked with the image

of Chenery, arms held high in triumph.

Meadow Stable also won two of the three Triple Crown races the year before

when Riva Ridge captured the Derby and Belmont. Nearly two decades later,

Chenery bred Saratoga Dew, who was named champion three-year-old filly in 1992.

Chenery has been active in many organizations related to

Thoroughbred racing and breeding. She served as president of the Thoroughbred

Owners and Breeders' Association from 1976-1984. She was also president of the

Grayson Foundation in 1985-86, and was elected to membership in The Jockey Club

in 1983. A leading advocate for the heath and welfare of retired Thoroughbreds,

Chenery helped launch the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation 25 years ago.