RacingBetter News
	Monday 8th January 2024

The Best Horse Racing Movies to Watch This Winter

The winter has come round quick for many of us this year, and for horse racing fans that means a temporary break in the racing calendar until the spring rolls back around and the Grand National kicks off the racing season once again. There are plenty of ways to stay entertained during these chilly months though, horse racing themed games at Limitless Casino are a favourite, re-watching old events and old races is a great way to get your fix, or how about some exciting movies based on true stories? We’ve taken a look at some of the best horse racing movies to watch during the off-season.

(Image from filmthreat.com)

Seabiscuit:

Seabiscuit is a classic that portrays the essence of tenacity and triumph. It is based on the true story of the small depression-era racehorse and his remarkable journey to renown. The film not only shows the thrilling races but also goes into the lives of the people associated with Seabiscuit. It’s no surprise that it’s a go-to watch for many fans of the history of horse-racing, but if it’s one that’s went under your radar then it’s certainly worth giving a watch.

Secretariat:

This film chronicles the extraordinary journey of the famed racehorse Secretariat and is a captivating story of tenacity. Diane Lane plays the owner of Secretariat, Penny Chenery, and John Malkovich plays the eccentric trainer Lucien Laurin. Secretariat's races, including his historic Triple Crown win in 1973, are brilliantly shown in the film. "Secretariat" is more than just a racing film; it's an homage to a true champion's unbreakable spirit.

Dreamer:

The inspiring story of a down-and-out racehorse named Sonador and the family determined to bring her back to health is told in Dreamer. As father and daughter, Kurt Russell and Dakota Fanning give heartfelt performances, and the film tackles themes of hope, atonement, and the transformational power of self-belief. Whilst many viewers will turn to this movie for the emotional performances given, there are some fantastic scenes of racing within the movie that can help stave off the winter offseason blues.

Ruffian:

Ruffian is a gripping choice for anyone who enjoy an excellent racing drama based on true events. This made-for-TV film tells the tragic story of Ruffian, an undefeated filly whose unrivalled speed captivated racing fans in the 1970s. As the horse's trainer and jockey, Sam Shepard and Frank Whaley deliver strong performances. Ruffian delves into the darker side of horse racing, highlighting the risks and sacrifices that come with striving for greatness.

These are just a few of the greats to get through and there are many others that can fit into this bracket too, for racing fans it’s unfortunate that there haven’t been more racing related movies released over the past few years, but that isn’t to say there isn’t potential promise for the future. With a huge amount of interest being generated in similar markets like motorsports with new F1 movies and documentaries, perhaps interests could tip back towards horse racing once again, and a wave of new exciting movies too.