The International Equestrian Festival and Horze Present Walt Disney Pictures' 'Secretariat' Screening Celebration

LEXINGTON, Ky., Sept. 30 /PRNewswire/ -- In partnership with Horze, Europe's fastest growing outfitter for equestrian sports merchandise, the Pre-Vent Feeders International Equestrian Festival will host a series of events and activities to celebrate and promote Walt Disney Pictures' "Secretariat."  The film, which opens in theaters nationwide Oct. 8, chronicles the legendary racehorse's 1973 journey to win the U.S. Triple Crown of Thoroughbred Racing; there is a special advance screening in Lexington, Kentucky, on Sunday, October 3, 2010.  Attendees of the International Equestrian Festival have the opportunity to win tickets to the screening, see the film's stars, meet the Meadow Stable Secretariat team, and learn more about the horse many consider to be the greatest racehorse of all time.

Horze's exhibit at the International Equestrian Festival will be the central point for the Secretariat Celebration, featuring Secretariat merchandise and memorabilia, and celebrity jockey appearances.  Held at the Lexington Convention Center, the Pre-Vent Feeders International Equestrian Festival runs from 1 p.m. – 9 p.m. daily now through October 10.  

The "Secretariat" Celebration activities at the Festival planned include:

• October 2 – Walt Disney Pictures' "Secretariat" Day – includes movie poster giveaways and the chance to see one of the horses that portrayed Secretariat in the film.  People who attend the Secretariat Festival in Paris, Kentucky (held on the same day), can turn in their ticket stub for free admission to the Festival and a chance to win passes to the movie premiere on Sunday.  People can also sign up for a chance to win two tickets to the October 3 special advance screening and exclusive reception with the film's team and Kentucky dignitaries.
• October 3 –
  • Triple Crown winning Jockeys at 1:30 p.m. – Legendary jockeys Ron Turcotte, Jean Cruguet and Steve Cauthen will share with Festival goers reflections on their celebrated careers, and will be available until 4:30 p.m. for autographs and photo opportunities.
  • 2:00 p.m. – the winners of the "Secretariat" screening and reception tickets will be announced.  Two winners will receive two tickets each.
  • Pre-Red Carpet Walk of Fame – The public has the opportunity to star gaze as "Secretariat" film stars, including Diane Lane, stroll the red carpet of the 1/4 mile glass-enclosed corridor at the Lexington Convention Center prior to attending the film's premiere.
  • "Secretariat" Celebration Party beginning at 6 p.m.. – While tickets to the Lexington special advance screening are limited, the general public can enjoy footage of Secretariat's legendary races, as well as clips from the Disney film, and win "Secretariat" merchandise.  Following the screening the stars of "Secretariat" will again make an appearance at the Festival to address the fans.
• October 4 – Meadow Stable Day – meet the real-life Secretariat team including jockey Ron Turcotte, exercise rider Charlie Davis and Kate Tweedy, daughter of Penny Chenery, owner of Secretariat.

In addition to the "Secretariat" Celebration activities, additional special events and jockey appearances include:  "Secretariat's Meadow" book signing by Kate Tweedy on October 5, and autograph sessions with legendary jockeys Jean Cruguet and Pat Day on October 6, and Calvin Borel on October 7.  The Festival offers visitors an international shopping extravaganza, horse demonstrations, equestrian celebrities, educational seminars and a wide variety of entertainment options.  Tickets to the Festival are $5 for a one-day pass, or $8 for a multi-day pass and can be purchased at the door.  For a complete event schedule, visit www.internationalequestrianfestival.com.  

For more information about Horze, visit www.horze.com.  

ABOUT THE MOVIE

Based on the remarkable true story, "Secretariat" chronicles the spectacular journey of the 1973 Triple Crown winner.  Housewife and mother Penny Chenery (Diane Lane) agrees to take over her ailing father's Virginia-based Meadow Stables, despite her lack of horse-racing knowledge.  Against all odds, Chenery - with the help of veteran trainer Lucien Laurin (John Malkovich) - manages to navigate the male-dominated business, ultimately fostering the first Triple Crown winner in 25 years and what may be the greatest racehorse of all time. Directed by Randall Wallace from a screenplay written by Mike Rich. For more information check out Disney.com/Secretariat, like us on Facebook: Facebook.com/Secretariat, and follow us on Twitter: Twitter.com/SecretariatFilm.

The 2010 Pre-Vent Feeders International Equestrian Festival presented by HRTV (September 25 – October 10, 2010), is a Horse Capital Productions event sponsored by Pre-Vent Feeders, HRTV, ABC-36 television, The UPS Store, Nutrena, Hollywood Casino, Bayer Animal Health, Martin Collins International, Spoga Horse, Kraft Brothers Inc., Segway of Paducah and Julie Goodnight. Horse Capital Productions, LLC and the International Equestrian Festival are not sponsors or affiliates of the 2010 Alltech World Equestrian Games.

SOURCE International Equestrian Festival