"First Saturday in May" - documentary

There is no image in sports as beautiful as a field of thoroughbred racing horses in full stretch, neck and legs extended, flying above the dirt in a blaze of color and glossy skin. Fast and sleek, they’re the most powerful athletes in existence.

John and Brad Hennegan’s joyful documentary THE FIRST SATURDAY IN MAY is about “the most exciting two minutes in sports”—the Kentucky Derby. It follows six of the horses, including the tragic Barbaro, who sought a spot in the 2006 gate, and their trainers. The film follows their emotional investment, and the upheaval of winning and losing. Trainers and grooms, jockeys and owners—everyone has a job to do, but the race for the Derby is more a passion than a job.

But the Hennegans are horsemen as well as filmmakers, and they capture a side of racehorses you don’t often see on WIDE WORLD OF SPORTS: the affectionate, playful, “personalities” of these elite athletes. Nipping at a trainer’s gold watch, smiling at the camera, skittishly waiting for a child to conquer his fear of touching—these horses are intelligent, lively creatures at the peak of their game.

Out of 40,000 thoroughbreds born in the US alone, only half become racehorses, and there are only 20 spots in the starting gate at the Kentucky Derby. Get an inside look at how they get there and the people who’re along for the ride.

-Caroline Small

http://silverdocs.com/festival/films/first-saturday-may/