Malkovich to star in 'Secretariat' racing drama

Malkovich, 55, whose recent films have included "Burn After Reading" and "Changeling," will play Lucien Laurin, the Canadian former jockey who trained Secretariat to glory in 1973, Daily Variety reported.

The Triple Crown is made up of the three most prestigious races on the US calendar -- the Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes and Belmont Stakes.

Only 11 horses have ever won all three races in the same year, with Affirmed the last horse to win the coveted treble in 1978.

Variety reported that the film would focus on the relationship between the horse and its owner Penny Chenery, to be played by Diane Lane.