There are some great horse racing movies out there. Most however are true stories just reenacted and you know how the ending unfolds. In a projected release date of April of 2023 there is a new documentary coming called Racing On The Brink.
It will be unlike any other where you will see the struggle of the backside of horse racing. People trying to become famous and successful who will do everything they can just to make ends meet.
Film Director JV Bilodeau says the inspiration for the film came from his work over the last 5 years as a finish line photographer for a couple of horse tracks in Nebraska.
Bilodeau explains more “The interesting thing is I actually lived in Kentucky for about 10 years prior but has scant involvement in the horse racing industry. My equestrian experience was limited to a visit to Churchill Downs during the off season to visit the Kentucky Derby Museum in the 80’s. I also managed a local band who put on a benefit show for a local blind horse rescue. It wasn’t until I moved to Omaha, and I started dabbling in local journalism that I stepped foot onto a horse racing facility.”
The fact that Bilodeau moved away from Kentucky then got involved with horse racing is definitely unique as usually it would happen the other way around.
Racing On The Brink Movie: Photo Credit: Running Giraffe Productions
“Over my 5 years as a winner circle photographer I got to meet hundreds of good people who are struggling day to day to live their dream. I have seen folks go from paddock girls to champion trainers. I have seen people come and go as well as horses do the same.”
“I have seen the love for the horses and the heartbreak when one breaks down or gets claimed. This is something 99% of people don’t get to see. I would even think that 70% of active horse racing fans are totally oblivious to the struggle in what I like to call the minor leagues of horse racing. My documentary seeks to show this side of the industry. The plan is to go across the Midwest as this is where I feel the industry is on the brink of potential collapse or a sprint onto a bright future.” says Bilodeau.
Filming will take place this year in Colorado, Nebraska, Iowa, and Kentucky. The movie will feature jockeys, trainers, breeders, grooms, etc. Looking on the movie’s Facebook page one of the grooms that will be featured had a baby at the end of last year. The film will feature her balance motherhood and her dreams in horse racing.
“The young lady with the baby was the first one to volunteer to be part of the film. We have known her for years.” Bilodeau said. He also mentioned they are still casting so if you are interested in being featured, please reach out to them thru their Facebook page (@racingonthebrink).
I personally am looking forward to this film to get to see a part of horse racing talked about a lot but not one that is shown very much. It’s not the glamorous part of the sport but it’s the part of the sport that makes everything else happen. I hope it’s a hit and there are plenty of successful stories that come from it with people finally getting to live out their dream after the day-to-day struggle to get there.
