DVD - RACING HISTORY-MAN O'WAR Lengthy Segment (FUNERAL, etc), SLEW/Secretariat

On DVD or VHS: A classic, foundation horse racing feature for both new and seasoned racing fans alike! Rare MAN O'WAR footage!
 

They are the fastest horses on Earth...muscular and specially-bred...they are Thoroughbreds born to run on America's most celebrated tracks: Belmont, Saratoga, Churchill Downs....hallowed grounds where Thoroughbreds make their mark and a chosen few make history. The legends have names like MAN O'WAR, WHIRLAWAY, CITATION, SECRETARIAT and SEATTLE SLEW; they've ridden into the record books carrying their jockeys, trainers, and owners with them.

On race day a Thoroughbred's raw twitching power is harnessed inside the starting gate and released in a burst of awe-inspiring speed. These champions sprint for only a couple of minutes but their legacies can last forever!

This timeless documentary highlights the rich history of horse racing in the U.S. from its humble southern roots in the 1800's to the modern day. The stories of horse racing's greatest champions begin and end amid the rolling pastures, picturesque barns and endless miles of fence...at auctions like Keeneland and Fasig-Tipton, owners arrive by limo or private jet and bid thousands even millions of dollars for just one horse - the auctions are to the racing business as the NFL draft is to the NFL - that's where the young talent comes from.

It's a high-risk business - paying six figures for a horse doesn't guarantee racing success. Despite their expensive pedigrees, Thoroughbreds are not born winners - they must be trained to win; it's a difficult, time-consuming and highly specialized job and men like BEN and JIMMY JONES, WOODY STEPHENS and D. WAYNE LUKAS have become legendary for their ability to turn gangly foals into champions.

Being a jockey is just as demanding - steering a 1,000-lb. Thoroughbred through a thundering herd as it stampedes down the track takes incredible skill, strength and endurance - EDDIE ARCARO, WILLIE SHOEMAKER and PAT DAY are just a few riders who dominated the sport.

But, of course, it's the majestic horses that are the lifeblood of the sport who give their heart for owners, trainers and riders in a two-minute pursuit of glory.

SEE AN EXTREMELY LENGTHY, HISTORIC SEGMENT on the great MAN O'WAR shown at his owner, Sam Riddle's farm running free, being walked out of a barn to greet his loyal fans in retirement, touching scenes with his jockey and lifelong groom, Will Harbut, some racing moments and also clips at his funeral in 1947 - this film alone is worth its weight in gold!

Also included is a great piece on the Calumet Farm dynasty: it's golden era with trainers, BEN and JIMMY JONES; rider, EDDIE ARCARO; and horses WHIRLAWAY, COALTOWN and CITATION - see CITATION compete alone in the 1948 Pimlico Special.

In 1973, SECRETARIAT captivated the nation as the next and ninth Triple Crown winner after a 25-year drought - priceless footage of him in retirement at Clairborne Farm is shown plus highlights of his Triple Crown races narrated by his owner, PENNY CHENERY. SECRETARIAT brought racing back to the front page with his achievements and charisma.

SEATTLE SLEW, the bargain-basement colt, would thrill in 1977...the tenth Triple Crown winner - he's shown at the golden age of 26-years-old being exercised at Three Chimneys Farm plus various other footage of him in his prime.

WOODY STEPHENS and his string of five consecutive Belmont winners from 1982-1986 are showcased next: CONQUISTADOR CIELO 1982, CAVEAT 1983, SWALE 1984, CREME FRECHE 1985 and DANZIG CONNECTION 1986.

Like America, Thoroughbred racing has grown up a lot in the last 270 years - since the call to the post was first trumpeted in Charleston; but the sport hasn't abandoned its gallant sense of tradition and its rich history only adds to its modern appeal.

This film masterpiece - an instant classic saluting the, "Sport of Kings", can be yours! 




100 Minutes.

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