Horse racing is one of the most popular sports in the world, with millions betting on the action on a daily basis.
However, research is a huge part of the sport, with bettors needing to put hours of work into finding winners and broadening their knowledge of racing, enjoying profitable horse betting promotions.
But, one of the most enjoyable ways to gain a better understanding of horse racing can be done by watching films. Fortunately for fans, there are a lot of high-quality horse racing films out there for viewers to get their teeth stuck into.
Secretariat
One of the most famous horses in the history of the sport was the center of his biopic in 2010, as Secretariat was released around the world. The film focuses on the life of the horse and the journey that Penny Chenery has following the death of her mother. The two are aligned with trainer Lucien Laurin, as they look to make waves in a male-dominated industry.
Of course, all horse racing fans are aware of the Secretariat story, as the legendary horse goes on to win the Triple Crown, but this film starring Diane Lane and John Malkovich is an excellent in-sight into the struggles that go with trying to nurture a superstar.
Dream Horse
Dream Horse was released in 2020, and is based on the true story of Dream Alliance. The horse was an unlikely alliance formed after a Welsh bartender bred a horse. The syndicate has very little knowledge of the racing industry, and the costs paid by the group go towards the training fees for their unlikely Grand National contender.
Dream Alliance later goes on to win the Welsh Grand National, achieving the biggest victory of his career, and a story that shows that the sport is capable of writing its own Hollywood scripts. Dream Horse stars a number of A-list stars, including Damian Lewis, Joanna Page and Toni Collette, and was greeted by favorable reviews following its premiere at the Sundance Film Festival in January 2020.
Let It Ride
One of the funniest horse racing films available to viewers is Let It Ride. This film stars Richard Dreyfuss, who plays an unsuccessful gambler. The story focuses on his unsuccessful nature with making wagers, until one day he goes to the track and can’t stop betting winners. After every winning bet, he continues to place the winnings on the next race, while also trying to navigate his wife from not finding out that he is at the track and also help his friends with their business.
In truth, it is a film about how not to bet for newcomers to the sport, but it is an enjoyable watch nevertheless. The film was shot at Hialeah Park Race Track, which was closed in 2001, but it was later re-opened in 2009.
50 to 1
Horse racing films based on true stories are typically most popular, and that is the same for 50 to 1. This film focuses on a misfit group of New Mexico cowboys, who find themselves on a journey of a lifetime when they undersized horse qualifies for the Kentucky Derby. The film follows the cowboys on their journey to Churchill Downs, as they face no shortage of misfortunate.
The horse finally arrives at the track as a massive outsider, before going on to win the Kentucky Derby in 2009 despite being set off at 50/1 odds. Mine That Bird was one of the most popular horses in training throughout his career, and the story tells the story of that unlikely feat at Churchill Downs.
