There are few sports that are capable of walking the line between drama and surreal achievements being achieved than horse racing.
Every year, stories that defy belief are recorded on track, with these narratives able to shape the lead up before some of the biggest races on track to captivate the mainstream attention. That is likely going to be the case once again in 2026, as the build-up to the opening leg of the Triple Crown at Churchill Downs comes into focus.
You can find out more about the 2026 Kentucky Derby entries and top horses here. But, what are some of the most iconic movies about the sport that will get fans into the mood before the race in Louisville this year?
Secretariat (2010)
There are potentially few more iconic horses in history than Secretariat, meaning that the movie focused on the life of the thoroughbred ranks among the most popular. The film was released in 2010, and is based on the book ‘Secretariat: The Making of a Champion’, released by William Nack in 1975.
This film stars a talented cost, with Diane Lane playing the legendary horse’s owner Penny Chenery. Secretariat follows Chenery’s journey with the horse after being forced to take over the stable with limited racing knowledge. However, alongside Lucien Laurin, played by John Malkovich, she is able to navigate the male-dominated world of racing.
The story remains as prominent as ever in this modern day, with Secretariat being a horse that is synonymous with the Triple Crown, winning all three legs in record times. His romp in the Belmont Stakes remains one of the most impressive displays ever seen on a race track.
Seabiscuit (2003)
It could be argued that the greatest horse racing movie ever released is ‘Seabiscuit’. The film was acknowledged for a number of major awards, including being nominated for seven gongs at the 76th Academy Awards.
This film features an A-List cast, with Tobey Maguire starring as legendary jockey John Pollard. It follows the struggles that both horse and jockey were forced to overcome to reach the pinnacle of the sport, with both Pollard and Seabiscuit dismissed as leading figures in the early history in the sport.
However, under the training of Tom Smith, the thoroughbred becomes one of the most dominant in history, famously winning a match race against War Admiral, which remains one of the most viewed events in racing history.
National Velvet (1944)
One of the most successful early movies focused about horse racing was released in 1944, with ‘National Velvet’ becoming a cult classic. The movie is based on the 1935 novel with the same name by Enid Bagnold, and follows the story of a young girl in England who dreams of one day winning the Grand National.
The girl, named Velvet Brown, trains a horse that she wins in a raffle with the ambition of winning the world’s most famous race at Aintree. Brown must overcome huge challenges to achieve her dream, with the sport in the era not being as accepting of females competing in one of the world’s most dangerous races. Its cultural importance was reflected in 2003 when it was selected for preservation in the United States Film Registry.
The movie also made the headlines once again in 2021, as Rachael Blackmore became the first woman to win the Grand National when aboard Minella Times.
Champions (1984)
There are few races that are capable of throwing up major stories like the Grand National. The iconic race at Aintree delivered one of the most emotional stories in racing history in 1981, which is the narrative followed by the 1984 release of ‘Champions’.
The film follows the career of legendary jockey Bob Champion, played by John Hunt. Champion’s life is thrown into doubt after being diagnosed with testicular cancer, before fighting back from life saving therapy to compete in the 1981 Grand National.
The jockey is partnered by Aldaniti, who is also forced to overcome major challenges throughout his career, having been close to retirement after a career-threatening injury. The story of the success is one of perseverance and always believing in achieving your dreams.
Phar Lap (1983)
Horse racing is also one of the most followed sports in Australia, and few stories are as fondly remembered as Phar Lap’s. A movie in his honor was released in 1983, starring Tom Burlinson.
Unlike other films, the movie begins at the end of Phar Lap’s life, as he collapses while in California in 1982. The remainder of the film is a flashback of the horse’s legendary life on career, becoming one of the most successful equines in racing history during his time in Australia.
His underdog status saw him gain the attention of the nation, exceeding all expectations to win the Melbourne Cup, the Australian Derby, and two editions of the Cox Plate.
