Few sports are able to successfully transfer over to the big screen as seamlessly as horse racing.
Some of the most iconic moments in the sport are typically too far-fetched for even a Hollywood direction to dream up, and that ensures that racing remains one of the most beloved sports across the world.
Due to the popularity of the sport and because there are always people looking for the best signup bonus for horse racing, there have been no shortage of excellent movies produced and released based on the action.
But, what are some of the most iconic racing movies that you should watch at least once?
Seabiscuit
One of the most popular horse racing movies remains ‘Seabiscuit’, which was released in 2003. The film is written and directed by Gary Ross, and it is based on the 1999 book ‘Seabiscuit: An American Legend’.
The movie is loosely based on the life of one of America’s most famous horses, as it follows a runner that is undersized and underrated by many.
However, he would go on to achieve memorable successes on track, cheered on by an adoring American public. The film was a huge success among critics, and received seven nominations at the 76th Academy Awards. It is a must-see racing film for fans of the sport, starring Tobey Maguire, Jeff Bridges, and Elizabeth Banks.
Secretariat
One of the finest recent horse racing films to have been released is the 2010 flick ‘Secretariat’. As the name suggests, it is based on the life of one of the world’s most famous horses, and it is largely based on the 1975 book ‘Secretariat: The Making of a Champion’.
The story follows the horse throughout his early career to the heights of his Triple Crown success in 1973. It gives a human element to the story, with Penny Chenery being played by the incredibly talented Diane Lane.
The film also stars John Malkovich, Dylan Walsh, and James Cromwell. Filming for Secretariat took place on location at Louisville and Lafayette. It was received excellently by critics, and took over $60 million at the box office.
Champions
One of the most heartwarming horse racing films was released back in 1984, as ‘Champions’ focuses on the remarkable rise back to the top of horse racing by two stars that were widely written off. It follows the life of Bob Champion, played by John Hurt, as he comes to terms with life after being diagnosed with testicular cancer.
After having an operation to remove the cancer, he would return to the saddle with a horse named Aldaniti, who is largely written off to gain success due to his injury issues.
However, the two would join forces in the 1981 Grand National, producing one of the lasting moments in the history of the race, overcoming all odds to claim an iconic success. The film won the Golden Bear award at the Berlin International Film Festival in 1984.
Let It Ride
While Let It Ride may not be one of the most inspiring horse racing films around, it is certainly one that has amassed a cult following among fans.
The 1989 comedy is directed by Joe Pytka and it is a screenplay by Nancy Dowd. It is based on the novel ‘Good Vibes’ by Jay Cronley, and follows an unsuccessful gambler (Richard Dreyfus) as he wins every bet that he places at a single day at the track.
The humorous film shows the highs, and eventual lows that all bettors will go through on a day at the track, and also stars actors such as David Johansen, Allen Garfield and Robbie Coltrane. Filming for the film took place at the iconic Hialeah Park Race Track, which was closed in 2001 before being reopened in 2009.
Ride Like A Girl
Ride Life A Girl is one of the most inspiring horse racing films around, as the 2019 release focuses on one of the most memorable modern day moments in horse racing history.
The Australian film is directed by Rachel Griffiths, and follows the true story of Michelle Payne, who’s sole goal in life was to win the Melbourne Cup. It follows Payne from her early childhood, and the obstacles that she needed to overcome in a male-dominated sport.
Of course, the film has the happy ending, as Payne rode the winner in the iconic race in 2015. It is one of the most heart-warming films, even for those that don’t have a passion for racing, with achieve footage of real-life Payne book-ended in the film.
Teresa Palmer is excellent as the riding superstar, while Ride Like A Girl also stars Sam Neill as Payne’s father, and Stevie Payne, Brooke Satchwell, and Sullivan Stapleton. The movie was positive received and picked up nominations at the 9th edition of the AACTA Awards, including Best Film, Best Actress, and Best Original Music Score.
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