Our pick of the five best horse racing movies

By Swindon Link - 14 September 2018

Arts and CultureFamilySport

There's something very cinematic about the thrill of horse racing - the pounding of the hooves, the high stakes and the back room intrigue. Little wonder then that filmmakers over the years have turned to horse racing as the focus of some heart wrenching and inspiring feature length films.

We've put together a list of films which showcase some of the best horse races on the big screen, whether that be from the horses themselves, rookie jockeys, or Grand National trainers - these films will leave your heart racing.

Secretariat

Based on true events, Secretariat follows the journey of housewife and mother Penny Chenery when she takes over her father’s Thoroughbred farm. Overcoming sexism, financial strain and fierce competition in the horse racing world, Penny Chenery fosters a foal who will become the Triple Crownchampion in 1973 in 25 years. It’s a tear-jerker, emotional rollercoaster, but ultimately an inspiring family film.

Seabiscuit

Seabiscuit is one of those great inspiring American stories. During the Great Depression an against-the-odds racehorse and his jockey inspire their team of underdogs as well as a nation when the duo crosses the finish line as champions. Billed with an all-star Toby Maguire, Jeff Bridges, Chris Cooper and Elizabeth Banks) Seabiscuit is a classic depiction of never giving up on your dream.

50 to 1

50 to 1 is a heart-wrenching journey of a group of hilarious misfits (including the horse). When a group of cowboys find out their crooked-footed horse has qualified for the Kentucky Derby, their worlds are turned upside down. Filled with comical mishaps and life altering life experiences, this is a very unconventional hero story.

Dreamer: Inspired by a True Story

Staring a young Dakota Fanning, Dreamer is an American family drama which gives an injured racehorse a second chance at life and a little girl hope. After falling in a race, a man and his young daughter adopt a racehorse, Sonador,with a broken leg and rehabilitate her on their farm. Showing signs of perseverance and strength

Hildalgo

Hidalgo takes you on one of the most intense and dangerous horse races across the Arabian desert – the Ocean of Fire. Previously a dispatch rider for the U.S cavalry, Viggo Mortensen plays our protagonist cowboy, and best rider in the west, Frank Hopkin. He and is mustang, Hidalgo, are invited by a wealthy sheik to attempt the impossible against the finest Arabian horses ever bred, who will do anything to make sure this foreigner doesn’t cross the finish line.

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