Bill McCuddy with wife Sue Kort and daughter Lily.

East Hampton - A screening of "Secretariat" was held last evening at Goose Creek in East Hampton.

The plush screening room held attendees who love horses, winners and applaud and respect one woman's indomitable spirit that led to greatness.

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 Virgina-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.

Among the notable attendees were Dick Cavett, Bill McCuddy with his family, painter Henry Koehler who painted Secretariat and was at the track when Secretariat won the Triple Crown, Stephanie and Chris Porterfield, Herb Sambol, and others.

Stephanie and Chris Porterfield, with Dick Cavett and Martha Rogers attended the film screening.

One attendee that created quite a stir, but couldn't quite fit into the screening room, was Rare Prince, a 13-year-old thoroughbreed, owned and bred by Maria Mann of Bridgehampton. Rare Prince is the great-grandson of Secretariat (grandmother's father). This magnificent animal tolerated photos and petting, and exhibited his royal air to the numerous oohs and aahs by the children and adults who attended the screening. As Mann explained "Rare Prince was bred in New York, and has run at Saratoga, Aqueduct, and Belmont Park, he never won - but did receive a check." Mann revealed "He's a jumper now and my most expensive lawn ornament."

Rare Prince nuzzles his owner Maria Mann.

The outcome is already well known, (Secretariat wins), however, the telling of the story that reveals the relationship Chenery develops with Secretariat, her trainer, her brother, her own four children and husband, and the racing world is relayed with such passionate assurance that you forget you already know what happens, and simply revel in the story of these real people whose extraordinary accomplishments are brought to life by the tremendous acting skills of Lane and Malkovich, as well as James Cromwell and Dylan Walsh. This film is aimed at the heart and it doesn't miss.

The relationship Chenery develops not only with Trainer Laurin, but Jockey Ron Turcotte and Groom Eddie Sweat (undoubtedly the original horse whisperer), is as fascinating as the speed which Secretariat runs.

Secretariat was born in 1970, and passed in 1989, having achieved the pinnacle of success for a racehorse and an owner, leaving a legacy of champions, as well as enthralled fans still uttering "What a horse!"

Bravo to director Randall Wallace, and someone start to polish an Oscar for cinematographer Dean Semler who created such visually stunning action footage that many viewers backed away from the screen for fear of being trampled. The music by Nick Glennie-Smith uplifts the spirits and voices of on high to accompany an absolutely heavenly film.

The film is scheduled for release in early October by Disney Studios. Gallop - do not trot - to this beautiful and touching film that not only addresses (wo)man's relationship to animal, but a woman's relationship to men.

For more information go to www.secretariat.com.