The importance of horses in film productions is undeniable. From their starring roles in Westerns to the most passionate arguments, such as the scene between Denzel Washington and Gene Hackman in Crimson Tide (1995), where they debated the Spanish or Portuguese origin of the Lipizzaner breed.
But horse races have also had a special place in cinema. This is hardly surprising; after all, these events can provide an interesting backdrop for the plot, as well as plenty of material for intrigue and action. Today we’ll delve deeper into the examples of some films that have become classics and are strongly associated with this theme.
Seabiscuit (2003)
This is probably the most well-known horse racing film ever made. Directed by Gary Ross and starring Tobey Maguire and Jeff Bridges, it was nominated for seven Academy Awards (including Best Picture and Best Original Screenplay). Many will already be familiar with the story of this horse and John “Red” Pollard, and the significance of their victories during the Great Depression in the United States.
Secretariat (2010)
Another great classic representing horse racing. Its plot revolves around this legendary thoroughbred, who just over 50 years ago won the American Triple Crown (Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes, and Belmont Stakes), setting some records that still stand today. The Disney film starred Diane Lane and John Malkovich and grossed over $60 million.
The Sting (1973)
Robert Redford and Paul Newman collaborated on two legendary films. One was Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (1969), and the other was the unforgettable The Sting. Although the story doesn’t take place at a racetrack, horse racing betting plays a central role in the plot. Besides winning seven Academy Awards (out of ten nominations), it left us with memorable scenes and perfect dialogue, and a melody that’s almost impossible to get out of our heads.
A Day at the Races (1937)
Another of the Marx Brothers’ wonderfully absurd comedies, and like the rest of their productions, a collection of situations that will have viewers laughing non-stop. This time, a racehorse (along with a veterinarian posing as a doctor) is the only hope for a hospital to stay open. Directed by Sam Wood, it was nominated for an Academy Award.
(Unsplash photo)
The Killing (1956)
Now let’s turn to one of the greatest film directors in history: Stanley Kubrick. His filmography is diverse and encompasses all kinds of themes and genres. The Killing revolves around the planning and execution of a heist at a racetrack. Besides being a near-perfect thriller (worthy of this brilliant director), it contains some of the most iconic horse racing scenes ever seen on the big screen.
Champions (1984)
Stories of overcoming adversity are common in sports films. Horse racing is no exception, and that’s precisely what happens in Champions, directed by John Irvin. In this film, John Hurt plays Bob Champion, a hockey player who, despite a serious illness, manages to win the 1981 Grand National with his horse Aldaniti. Pure emotion and feeling.
National Velvet (1944)
Starring Mickey Rooney, Liz Taylor, and Angela Lansbury, National Velvet tells the story of a veteran jockey who trains a young woman to compete in an English Grand National. While this plot may sound similar to that of A Star Is Born, the film is actually based on an original novel by Enid Bagnold. It was nominated for five Academy Awards, winning two.
Kentucky Pride (1925)
It’s essential to include a John Ford film in this selection. Kentucky Pride belongs to an early stage (he hadn’t yet begun working with John Wayne) in his prolific career as a director, which encompasses almost 150 films and 4 Academy Awards. What’s truly curious about this production is that it’s filmed from the point of view of a mare; but it serves perfectly to introduce the recurring themes in Ford’s filmography that defined his cinematic style.
The Quiet Man (1952)
In contrast, in The Quiet Man, John Ford and John Wayne did seal one of their many collaborations. Although we won’t find racetracks in this film, one of its most famous scenes involves a horse race; specifically, on the seashore. There, Sean Thornton (John Wayne) tries to win over Maureen O’Hara’s character.
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