On DVD or VHS: Picture above is of SIR IVOR

 

A fascinating and in-depth look at the history, breeding and training of the Thoroughbred - the aristocrat of racehorses, the maker of fortunes, the personification of speed and power, and an international currency. Yet it is not only the lure of such amounts of money and the social value which fascinates the public, owners, and horseman - it is the horse itself. It is almost as if man found a part of his poetic spirit - a connection with the freedom of nature in the Thoroughbred and the excitement that it brings.

Millions of people attend race meetings each year and you'll see great racing footage from all parts of the world at the most prestigious racetracks and talk with famous trainers and owners; covers the great international races such as the Prix de L'Arc de Triomphe, Epsom Derby and Melbourne Cup. Billions of dollars are spent within the Thoroughbred industry, so how does the Thoroughbred world operate? How do you breed a winner and where does this horse come from?

The speed, spirit and temperament of the Thoroughbred has its origins in the deserts of Arabia; its heritage is the pure breeding of the Arab horse - the Arab was the strongest genetic influence in the creation of the Thoroughbred; here swift steeds with stamina were needed to cover the vast plains carrying warriors and nomads who depended on skill, agility and speed for survival. These qualities coupled with spirit and intelligence were the basis for the Thoroughbred. It's an extraordinary fact that every Thoroughbred horse today can trace its male ancestry in an unbroken line to one of three Arab stallions: the Byerly Turk, the Darley Arabian, and the Godolphin Arabian. You'll hear names like MATCHEM, ECLIPSE, SIR ARCHIE and understand the profound influence these stallions had in shaping the bloodlines of living descendants of the original three Arabians - the internationalism of the Thoroughbred had begun!

You'll visit internationally respected breeding farms from Kentucky to England to Ireland (standing DANZATORE and SIR TRISTRAM) to New Zealand and finally to Japan and a piece on our very own Claiborne Farm situated right in the middle of the Bluegrass - the optimum breeding environment with generous footage of NIJINSKY II, SIR IVOR and the great SECRETARIAT all then-current residents at stud at the Hancock-owned farm. Watch as SECRETARIAT is shown being walked out of his stall en-route to his paddock where he is promptly turned out and then proceeds to rip it up and frolic much to the viewers' delight - see for yourselves why "BIG RED" has always been referred to as a, "big playful ham", for the camera with his legendary and amusing antics!

Several different theories of breeding are explored and top international breeders and genetic experts reveal the most widely used methods from traditional to computer science to produce a racing champion and you'll lastly visit yearlingsales around the world and see how marketing, commercialism, and fashionable bloodlines are increasingly becoming bigger factors in Thoroughbred selection than sheer track performance - a trend that many feel will lead to the deterioration of the breed.

A terrific piece that gives a great overview of the international racing and breeding industry. Any lover of horse racing will truly appreciate this powerhouse piece that thoroughly educates as well as entertains.

 

 

70 Minutes.

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