Image courtesy of IMDb
The world of horse racing is full of drama, thrills, and adrenaline-pumping action. Some would say that the thrills and excitement of the races are what make the sport, but I would say differently.
For me, it is all about the story, and horse racing is full of incredible stories that sometimes you ask yourself “How is this even possible”?
Even though there are many stories over the long history of the sport, some of them were covered by a movie that is definitely worth the watch. So, if you love true inspiring horse racing stories, here are some of them that became movies.
Seabiscuit (2003)
Seabiscuit was a little horse with a sluggish disposition. Early in infancy, he enjoyed sleeping and eating, and he was not very well-behaved.
That was before he met three men who would shape him into the best-loved sports legend of the 1930s: owner Charles Howard, who had a knack for spotting potential in outcasts, trainer Tom Smith, who was called a screwball for believing he could heal horses that other trainers would have shot, and jockey Red Pollard, who started out as an exercise boy and stable cleaner because he would settle for anything during the Depression.
Seabiscuit, based on Laura Hillenbrand’s best-selling novel, presents the story of three men and a horse against the backdrop of the times.
Toby Macguire, who played Red Pollard, performed an excellent job as Seabiscuit’s lead jockey. While observing, you could see he had a connection with the horse.
Seabiscuit has a steep disadvantage in his early races. Tick-Tock McGlaughlin (William H. Macy), a racetrack commentator, mocks the horse for having little chance until he witnesses it run.
The movie takes us on their journey of many wins, including a dramatic race against War Admiral.
Secretariat (2010)
Secretariat tells the story of possibly the finest racehorse to have ever lived. Knowing the conclusion ahead of time might make a movie less enjoyable, but in this case, knowing the outcome adds depth and direction to the film.
Following her father’s death, former housewife Penny Chenery (Diane Lane) takes over control of the horse farm, removing dishonest hired hands and arranging breeding agreements. Secretariat is born shortly after, and Penny recognizes it as unique from the start.
As the just foaled Secretariat staggers to his feet, one onlooker remarks, “No horse ever stands up that fast.”
Penny quickly realizes that a horse of Secretariat’s potential demands a skilled trainer and summons Lucien Laurin (John Malkovich in a surprisingly non-creepy part) from retirement. Together, they successfully shape Secretariat into a highly strong racehorse.
This video is about Secretariat, a great racehorse that won the Triple Crown and set records that have yet to be broken.
50 years after Secretariat’s victory in the Kentucky Derby (1973), the horse is still a reference to competitors. You can be sure that the horses who will show up in the 2024 Kentucky Derby results by TwinSpires will be aiming to replicate Secretariat’s success as their ultimate goal.
Champions (1984)
The film is based on the actual tale of Bob Champion, played by John Hurt, who was diagnosed with testicular cancer in 1979. Champion recovered from chemotherapy and a procedure to remove the diseased testicle before winning the 1981 Grand National aboard Aldaniti.
Champions is a story about defying the odds, as are most horse racing stories. It follows the life of Bob Champion, a British cyclist who won the Grand National in 1981 despite having testicular cancer.
It is a film about a passion for horse racing and how we can overcome obstacles if we have a clear objective.
Ruffian (2007)
Ruffian is a 2007 American television film about the U.S. Racing Hall of Fame Champion Thoroughbred filly Ruffian, who went undefeated until her death on July 6, 1975, when she broke down in a nationally televised match race at Belmont Park against Kentucky Derby winner Foolish Pleasure.
The film depicts a nation’s shock and mourning upon the loss of a champion. The creators cast four different geldings as Ruffian. The 2007 film’s locations included Louisiana Downs in Shreveport, Louisiana, and Belmont Park in Elmont, New York.
It is an excellent film that is well worth seeing, particularly for horse racing enthusiasts.
50 to 1 (2014)
Have you heard about Mine That Bird? Well, it was an impressive horse that managed to win the Kentucky Derby as an underdog.
Pure horse-racing drama inspired by the actual story of long-shot Mine That Bird’s unexpected triumph in the 2009 Kentucky Derby is quite similar to watching the original race—as long as you include around 100 minutes of pre-race television coverage. As in real life, the thrilling phase lasts barely a minute or two until it’s done. The remainder of the movie is filler (or perhaps foreplay).
Fortunately, the owners and trainer of the crooked-legged stallion had a tale as incredible as Mine That Bird’s historic Derby victory, and five years later, the uplifting, fact-based film “50 to 1” that you should definitely watch.
Dreamer (2005)
The film Dreamer is based on a true tale of a horse that shattered a bone and then returned to race. Mariah’s Storm won the 1995 Turfway Breeders’ Cup.
In the past, it was unusual for a horse to break a leg while racing. However, the ability to come back and win a race is genuinely impressive.
The film makes good use of common themes, such as a child’s attachment to a horse, which can be traced back to National Velvet (1944) and The Black Stallion (1979). Dreamer will be a thrilling experience.
