In preparation for the shooting later this year of the Walt Disney Pictures’ movie Secretariat, Mayhem Pictures, producer of the film, will conduct an open, online “casting call” for horses to portray the legendary 1973 Triple Crown winner.
Interested horse owners may email photographs of their equine, big-screen hopeful to casting@secretariat.com. Applicants also must complete an online Secretariat casting form at www.secretariat.com, where additional information about the casting call can also be found.
All photographs will be personally reviewed by the lead wrangler for Secretariat, Rusty Hendrickson, who was in charge of horse selection for such recent major motion pictures as Seabiscuit and Dreamer.
“The three main qualities I’m looking for in a horse to portray Secretariat are looks, temperament, and soundness,” Hendrickson said. “A big flashy chestnut would obviously have an inherent advantage, but I’m going to need at least two main Secretariats and perhaps four stand-ins. I know that he was one of a kind, but we’ll do the best we can.
“A calm temperament is particularly key, especially when multiple takes are involved. But applicants need not feel that they must have an identical-looking horse to be considered. We can do wonders with equine makeup for the white facial markings and the three white socks.
“Our horses need to be sound — but racing experience is not a necessity. And Secretariat’s short back and round hip are somewhat reminiscent of American Quarter Horses, so owners of that breed should also feel free to make submissions.”.
