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Disney’s “Secretariat” celebrates the horse that in 1973 won the Triple Crown of horse racing – after a 25-year drought for a winner – and gave Americans a hero despite the nation’s agony over the war in Vietnam.

Diane Lane plays Penny Chenery, who owns the horse that would become a legend. Her father is a well known horse breeder and owner of Meadow Stables in Virginia.

When her father’s health fails, she takes his place in the business, despite her lack of knowledge about horse racing and despite advice that she sell.

But when a horse with lots of potential is born, Penny decides to hire Lucien Laurin (John Malkovich) to train the colt. The horse is Secretariat.

Despite a plot that everyone knows, the movie is truthfully worth seeing, especially the horse’s march to the Triple Crown. The racing is spectacular.

The last three races in the film are among the most famous horse races in American history.

When Secretariat makes his name in the Kentucky Derby, then wins the Preakness Stakes and the Belmont Stakes, viewers’ hearts might even beat as fast as the hooves of the racing horses.

Malkovich is great at being goofy, while Lane wonderfully portrays a woman who refuses to quit. Penny’s husband Jack (Dylan Walsh), and her brother Hollis (Dylan Baker) provide some good moments, but the horse is the real scene-stealer.

Any Disney fans will love this movie, but they will not be the only ones.

“Secretariat” has a lot to look forward to, even in the scenes outside of the races. However, the last race will be enjoyed by everyone.