Horse racing is one of the oldest sports in the world that dates back centuries and it is one of few sports that has a big impact on our culture and tradition. That’s why it shouldn’t be surprising to see horse racing movies.
Horse racing as a sport is filled with incredible moments and stories that will live on forever. Underdog horses that went against all odds are quite popular movie genres.
Although, we have to say that there aren’t many movies about horse racing. At least not as much compared to other genres.
Horse racing movies are usually inspired by horse racing events from the past, but highlighting those events in a modern movie has an impact on the entire sport.
How? Let’s find out.
Reaching New Audience
It is safe to say that the influence of horse racing movies goes well beyond the screen. Just take a look at movies like “Secretariat” or “Seabiscuit”. They’ve had an important role in expanding the horse racing fanbase.
Movies like The Secretariat will give people more insights into the sport and highlight the incredible story of a horse that has set a record fast time at the Kentucky Derby that still hasn’t been broken.
For more information on previous Kentucky Derby winners and their times, check the link below: https://www.twinspires.com/kentuckyderby/winners/
Being blockbuster movies, they were often watched by people who didn’t know much about horse racing. And the stories about the Secretariat or Seabiscuit are the perfect ones to highlight the thrill of the horse racing industry.
After watching these movies, a lot of people will become interested in horse racing. The horse racing world is full of stories, and each race is a new chapter in the ultimate horse racing book.
These movies only highlight the stories and make them available to a wider audience. With more horse racing movies, the popularity of the sport will continue to grow since it is a great way to reach non-horse racing fans.
Teaching People About the Sport
Not many people know about horse racing, and some of them also have the wrong picture of the sport. Some people even consider horse racing to be unethical towards the animals, which is definitely not true.
However, these movies are designed to teach people more about the sport. Most horse racing enthusiasts will agree that horse racing isn’t only about the thrill of the races. It’s also about betting, fashion, class, status, and the bond between humans and horses.
Movies are the perfect way to showcase horse racing in the right way. Some movies offer behind-the-scenes look, giving insights that even horse racing enthusiasts didn’t know about.
Once people will have a deeper understanding of horse racing, they will start to appreciate the sport more.
Breaking Stereotypes
As we mentioned before, horse racing is a sport filled with misconceptions. People often see horse racing as a betting machine, where the animals are treated poorly, which is not the case.
Horse racing movies can show the true side of horse racing. The love, the passion, the thrills of the races, and the amount of work and dedication that goes into ensuring the safety of both jockeys and horses.
By showcasing the care and respect that trainers and jockeys have for their horses, movies like “War Horse” and “Seabiscuit” have dispelled myths about the treatment of racehorses and emphasized the ethical standards upheld within the racing industry.
Celebrity Endorsements
Celebrity endorsements also play a crucial role in the growth of the horse racing industry. Many actors and filmmakers who have already made movies about horses have shown their interest in these incredible creatures, and some of them even became racehorse owners.
When people see celebrities attending horse racing events or investing in horse racing, the entire perspective is changed. Obviously, celebrities have a big following base and loyal fans and supporters who follow their passions closely.
When they share an interest in a sport like horse racing, there is a good chance that many people of their loyal fan base will do the same. It also improves the public opinion of horse racing, and this celebrity involvement develops a feeling of social responsibility.
Economic Impact of Movies on the Horse Racing Industry
The success of horse racing movies extends beyond box office receipts; the racing business is impacted economically.
Famous racetracks that are portrayed in movies see an increase in tourism as people go there to see the actual sites of their favorite movies’ scenes. This influx of visitors not only boosts local economies but also generates revenue for racing organizations and venues.
Merch Opportunities
Furthermore, successful racing films often lead to a merchandising boom, with a wide range of products catering to avid fans and collectors. From merchandise featuring racing heroes to memorabilia celebrating iconic races, these products contribute significantly to the racing industry’s financial stability.
The global reach of streaming platforms has also expanded the audience for horse racing movies, introducing the sport to diverse markets and paving the way for international collaborations and partnerships within the racing community.
Youth Engagement
There is no doubt that horse racing is facing a big problem at the moment. Statistics suggest that younger people (Millennials and Gen Z) are not really interested in the sport. And in order for horse racing to survive in the future, we need younger people that will carry the industry forward.
Since younger people are more interested in watching movies and social media, these films can inspire young viewers to explore the world of equine sports. Movies open the door for younger individuals to get to see the true side of horse racing, and hopefully, they will get interested in the sport.
