There are few sports that are able to easily transition to the big screen than horse racing. That will come as no surprise to lifelong fans of the sport, as you can typically feel as though you’re living in a blockbuster movie when watching some of the biggest stories on track play out.
However, given some of the size of some of the achievements on track, it is no great shock that Hollywood movie producers have attempted to recreate the magic by re-telling the story in a feature length film.
So, what are some of the most inspiring horse racing movies that you should watch before looking at the 2024 Breeders’ Cup contenders?
Champions
When it comes to inspiring horse racing films, few can recapture the magic on track better than ‘Champions’. The film directed by John Irvin is based on the true story of Bob Champion, who battled back from a testicular cancer diagnosis to not only compete in the Grand National but win the famous race aboard Aldaniti in 1981.
The film tells the story from Champion’s perspective, following the jockey from the diagnosis up until his career-defining win aboard the eventual winner of the Grand National.
Irvin’s work was nominated for the Golden Bear Award at the International Film Festival in 1984, while John Hurt was recognised for his performance as Champion by winning an accolade at the Evening Standard British Film Awards.
Seabiscuit
There are few better sports films than ‘Seabiscuit’ as it shows that a sporting achievement can help improve the mood of an entire nation. The film, directed by Gary Ross, is based on the 1999 best-selling book called ‘Seabiscuit: An American Legend’. Tobey Maguire stars in the film as John Pollard, who is forced to live with a horse racing trainer after the impact of the Great Depression.
Pollard becomes a jockey, but his blindness in one eye leaves him at a disadvantage in races. However, Pollard would create a unique bond with Seabiscuit after being purchased by the yard, with the horse becoming a national icon following his performances on track.
The story shows the importance of loyalty and friendship. It was a hugely popular horse racing film among critics, which saw it dominated for seven gongs at the 76th Academy Awards, including Best Picture. However, it would come up short in six categories to The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King.
Dream Horse
The 2020 release of ‘Dream Horse’ deserves its place among the most inspiring horse racing films in history. The comedy-drama is directed by Euros Lyn, and shares the story of an unlikely hero in National Hunt racing, Dream Alliance.
It retells the true story of the Welsh Grand National winner, who is bred by a Welsh barmaid called Jan Vokes. The woman has little experience training a racehorse, and also has little money to help finance the care of the equine star, meaning that she turns to her neighbours for help financially, beginning a syndicate to help get the best of the horse.
This hard work eventually pays off, as Dream comes through the ranks to earn his place among the elite, eventually winning the Welsh Grand National with all syndicate members in attendance at Chepstow. The story also has its fair share of setbacks with Dream suffering injuries, before the syndicate is force to fight for the life of their horse. The film received largely positive feedback, averaging an 88% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
Secretariat
We have saved potentially the most inspiring horse racing movie until last. Secretariat is widely considered to be the greatest racehorse to ever lived, and a film named in honor of the legendary American star was released in 2010. The film is directed by Randall Wallace, and is co-written by Sheldon Turner and Mike Rich.
It is largely based on William Nack’s ‘Secretariat: The Making Of A Champion’ and follows the life of one of the most famous thoroughbreds to have ever lived. It shows his progressive rise through the ranks to win the U.S. Triple Crown, with a star-studded cast involved in the project. Diana Lane stars as Secretariat’s owner Penny Chenery, while John Malkovich plays the role of trainer Lucien Laurin. The story shows the trailblazing nature of Chenery, as she battled through the male-dominated sport to get her runner to the highest level of racing, becoming the first Triple Crown winner in 25 years.
Filming for ‘Secretariat’ took place in Lexington and Louisville, with other sequences shot in Carencro, Louisiana. The film was a massive hit among racing fans following its release after the a premiere in Hollywood, taking in over $60 million at the box office. Such was the positive feedback, the film would later win accolades at the Christopher Awards and MovieGuide Awards. Meanwhile, Lane was also nominated for the Best Actress Feature Film accolade at the Women’s Image Network Awards.
