I recently asked my Twitter followers, "What is your favorite horse racing movie?". Everyone had such good answers that I decided to compile all the movies mentioned into a list. These are movies that were mentioned multiple times!
You never know if you’ll find your new favorite movie in this list. Find one you've never seen before and sit back, relax, and enjoy the beauty of horse racing or the thrill of gambling!
Seabiscuit (2003): Seabiscuit is based on the novel Seabiscuit: An American Legend by Laura Hillenbrand. Gary Ross wrote the screenplay and directed this movie that stars Tobey Macguire, Jeff Bridges, and Chris Cooper.
50-1 (2014): 50-1, directed by Jim Wilson, tells the story of Mine That Bird and his connection’s unlikely win in the 2009 Kentucky Derby. Calvin Borel, jockey of Mine That Bird, plays himself in this film.
Secretariat (2010): Secretariat tells the story of one of the most-well known racehorses in history - 1973 Triple Crown winner Secretariat. This movie was directed by Randall Wallace and starts Diane Lane and John Malkovich. Penny Chenery herself even makes an appearance!
Ruffian (2007): Ruffian, directed by Yves Simoneau, details the story and tragedy of the great Ruffian. This movie stars Sam Shepard, Frank Whaley, and Laura Bailey.
Dreamer (2005): Dreamer was written and directed by John Gatins. It is based on the true story of the racehorse Mariah’s Storm, who was seriously injured but made a full recovery to race again. This film stars Kurt Russell, Dakota Fanning, Kris Kristofferson, and Elisabeth Shue.
Boots Malone (1952): Boots Malone tells the story of a jockey agent who takes a young, runaway boy under his wing to train him to become a jockey. Along the way there is race fixing, gangsters, and more. This film stars William Holden, Stanley Clements, and more.
Champions (1984): This film, directed by John Irvin, tells the true story of steeplechase jockey Bob Champion. He was diagnosed with cancer but overcomes that all to win a huge race on a horse named Aldanti.
Let It Ride (1989): Let It Ride is a comedy film written by Nancy Dowd and directed by Joe Pytka. It is based on the novel Good Vibes by Jay Cronley. It tells the story of a gambler who wins every bet he places that day. The movie is full of personality!
Phar Lap (1983): Phar Lap, directed by Simon Wincer and written by David Williamson, tells the true story of champion racehorse Phar Lap in the form of a flashback after the horse dies in his strapper’s arms. This film stars Tom Burlinson and Martin Vaughan.
The Longshot (1986): The Longshot tells the story of a group of regular racetrack gamblers who borrow money to bit on what they believe will be a fixed race. The screenplay for this film was written by Tim Conway. Paul Bartel is the director.
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Interesting list. One of these movies, unfortunately, reflects horse racing's total inability to market itself outside the sport. I am referring to 50 to 1. I saw this movie in a mostly empty theater in northern Kentucky. That I follow horse racing media is the only reason I even knew about the movie. Otherwise, it was crickets--nothing on TV, no internet advertising, no merchandising, nada. The shame is that it is a pretty good movie. It is cliched, but it is entertaining, with decent acting and good cinematography. One doesn't need to understand racing to enjoy it. It is too bad that no one saw it.
If I had a magic wand, I would want an English-subtitled version of Kincsem.…