Did you know that the first-ever video depicted a horse? Exhibited as the Roundhay Garden Scene in 1888, the footage was the byproduct of Edward Muybridge’s research. He was not trying to revolutionise the future of media; he was actually attempting to answer a long-debated question: do all four of a horse’s hooves leave the ground at once?

Not only did his experiment prove that they do, but it also paved the way for your favourite films. There have been many great horse racing films since then. Let’s take a look at what’s out there.

…

.

1. National Velvet (Clarence Brown, 1944):

National Velvet is largely forgotten at this point. In 1944, it was a genuine classic, bringing horse racing into the mainstream.

It starred Elizabeth Taylor in what is now considered a breakout role. Her goal was an equally novel one: as a woman, she wished to ride her horse, The Pie, in an event known as the Grand National Steeplechase. The Grand National Steeplechase, for those who don’t know, is an actual event considered widely to be one of the hardest races in the world. Spoilers: she gets in and wins.

The story itself might not have much to offer a modern viewer, but it captures all of the genre-defining themes nicely: the bond between human and animal, the value of perseverance, and the excitement of an underdog who manages to triumph.

.

2. Seabiscuit (Gary Ross, 2003):

Arguably the most famous horse racing film of all time, Seabiscuit remains a cultural touchstone.

The real Seabiscuit lived in a time of uncertainty and desperation that would be difficult for modern audiences to fully understand. The horse achieved immortality in the 1940s during a period when American audiences desperately needed something they could believe in.

The world was at war, the economy was in bad shape, and people needed to believe in success against all odds. The 2003 film Seabiscuit captures all of these elements in a captivating story that remains a cult classic. Despite Seabiscuit’s spotty early record and ill temperament, he goes on to win the Triple Crown. The film culminates in an unforgettable match against a horse known as the War Admiral.

There’s no beating the drama, the history, or the perfect embodiment of the underdog mentality that makes horse racing the sport that it is.

Seabiscuit is pictured at the top of this article.

.

3. Secretariat (Randall Wallace, 2010):

Secretariat is arguably the second most famous horse racing film. Released in 2010, it tells the story of Secretariat, a horse that won the 1973 Triple Crown by setting records in all three of the events.

The Kentucky Derby is set to take place this May. If you’re interested in finding out more about the 2026 Kentucky Derby live odds by TwinSpires.com.

If Seabiscuit is an example of the triumph of an underdog, Secretariat is the story of excellence.

It’s kind of the difference between the “Miracle on Ice,” a scrappy team of unlikely victors, and The Last Dance, a documentary detailing the journey of the almost supernaturally talented 1990s Chicago Bulls team.

…

.

What makes a great horse racing film?

There are several common tropes that you’ll find in most of the best horse racing movies. Obviously, there are endless variations and exceptions, but here are a few things you can expect to see in a story that really resonates with a wider audience. Possibly the most widely circulated theme is that of the underdog story. This is not necessarily an absolute rule, but it is a very common component of the most popular horse racing stories. Audiences tend to resonate with an animal that has the odds stacked against it.

Not only does this reflect a general desire to witness success against all odds, but it also highlights one of the most appealing aspects of the sport itself. Horse racing takes place over 60 to 120 seconds – it’s incredibly volatile. All it takes is for a star to make a small mistake or an underdog to get an unexpected burst of energy, and the “impossible” can take place.

Many horse racing stories also demonstrate the value of human connection with an animal. The protagonists in these stories often come from a difficult personal space and find bravery and redemption in the form of a horse.

Finally, there are generally stakes that extend beyond the win-lose scenario. Sometimes a person is racing in order to save their family farm or to prove themselves to a parent. Other times, it’s out of some dire personal financial need. The point is that even though horse racing is the premise, the story is endlessly rooted in human nature and relatable worries.

Horse racing movies aren’t as popular as they once were. Maybe there’s not as much of a market for them in the Marvel era. Either way, equine-related cinema is a time-honoured tradition that dates all the way back to the earliest days of the medium.

What is your favourite horse racing movie?