Netflix Presents: Secretariat – The Heart of a Legend
Premieres April 2026
In the vast, thunderous world of horse racing, few names echo through history with the same resonance as Secretariat. Nearly five decades after his breathtaking 1973 Triple Crown victory, Netflix brings his story back to life in a powerful, emotionally charged documentary titled “Secretariat – The Heart of a Legend.” More than just a sports film, this is a journey into legacy, courage, and the unbreakable bond between human and horse.
The film opens with a cinematic sweep of the early 1970s — a time when America was hungry for hope and inspiration. In this world stepped Penny Chenery, a determined woman who defied the expectations of her era. Played through intimate interviews and dramatized reenactments, Penny’s story forms the emotional backbone of the film. With her father’s racing stable on the brink of collapse, she took control of Meadow Stable and made a bold gamble: to nurture a colt she believed could change everything. That colt was Secretariat.
Through a blend of archival race footage, restored interviews, and modern-day reflections from racing experts, historians, and the Chenery family, the documentary paints a vivid picture of Secretariat’s rise from an unproven foal to a living legend. Netflix’s signature cinematic touch gives every stride, every heartbeat, and every victory a sense of grandeur. The camera lingers on the legendary moment at the 1973 Belmont Stakes, where Secretariat didn’t just win — he shattered records by 31 lengths, running as if chased by destiny itself.
But the documentary isn’t just about speed or trophies; it’s about heart — both literally and metaphorically. The film dives deep into the mystery of Secretariat’s extraordinary physiology. After his death, it was discovered that his heart weighed an astonishing 22 pounds, nearly twice that of an average horse. Scientists, veterinarians, and historians interviewed in the film explore how this enormous heart might explain his unmatched endurance — and how it became the symbol of something far greater: his passion and will to run.
What sets Secretariat – The Heart of a Legend apart is its human touch. Netflix’s narrative doesn’t just idolize the horse; it celebrates the people behind him. Penny Chenery’s leadership is shown not as blind optimism, but as unwavering belief in a time when women were rarely given a voice in professional sports. Trainer Lucien Laurin, portrayed through vivid storytelling, emerges as both mentor and maverick — a man whose unconventional methods perfectly matched the fiery spirit of the horse he trained. Jockey Ron Turcotte recounts his firsthand experience of what it felt like to ride a creature that seemed almost otherworldly.
The documentary also explores the cultural impact of Secretariat. His success transcended racing — he became a symbol of American perseverance, a reminder that greatness can rise from the most unlikely places. In the years following his Triple Crown, he appeared on magazine covers, inspired children, and even gave hope to a country worn down by political scandals and social change. Netflix captures this aura beautifully, weaving in rare footage of cheering crowds, news clips, and letters from fans who saw in Secretariat something timeless: courage.
Behind the camera, the documentary’s production team includes award-winning filmmakers known for blending emotional depth with historical storytelling. The score, composed with sweeping orchestral power, mirrors the pulse of the racetrack — slow and steady in the buildup, then wild and unstoppable when the gates open. Every visual moment feels alive: the glint of sunlight on Secretariat’s copper coat, the pounding rhythm of his hooves against the dirt, the thunderous applause that followed him wherever he went.
As the documentary closes, Netflix brings viewers into the present — exploring how Secretariat’s bloodline continues to influence modern racing, and how his story still inspires athletes, dreamers, and storytellers today. Interviews with contemporary jockeys and breeders reflect on how the spirit of that great horse continues to shape their own pursuit of excellence.
“Secretariat – The Heart of a Legend” ultimately becomes more than a documentary. It’s a love letter — to sport, to belief, and to the timeless connection between human ambition and the wild heart of nature. It reminds audiences that some stories never fade; they gallop forward, generation after generation, inspiring everyone who dares to chase the impossible.
When the credits roll, you’ll be left with the same feeling millions had on that June day in 1973: awe. For in the story of Secretariat, Netflix finds not just the heart of a champion, but the soul of a legend.
Streaming exclusively on Netflix, April 2026.
