Horses for Courses

Hello Everyone. This week was the week in which a race which stops a nation was held in Melbourne. For those familiar with it, it was of course, the Melbourne Cup which is an annual race held at Flemington Racecourse in Melbourne on the first Tuesday in November and is the Australian racing equivalent of The Grand National or the Kentucky Derby.

That fact has inspired today's post which is about films that feature race horses.  One of my personal favourites is Phar Lap - a film released in the 80s about an Australian (or NZ depending on where you are from) racehorse that was something of an Australian legend. Thinking about the film still brings a tear to my eye. It was really well done and is definitely worth a watch.

Other horse films that are worth a watch include:

National Velvet - featuring a very young Elizabeth Taylor. The film won two oscars and is definitely worth a watch.

International Velvet - the sequel to National Velvet as it were. The cast is very good and it is very much a feel good movie.

Seabiscuit - Toby Maguire is quite good in this film

Sylvester - a cute family movie - not difficult to watch but it is good for a family to enjoy

Shooting Fish - not strictly a horse movie - more of a British romantic comedy but it does include a horse race that is integral to the plot so I have included it here. It is definitely worth a watch.

Broadway Bill (aka National Confidential) - This Black and White Frank Capra movie was made during the golden age of Hollywood and while it is not well known is definitely worth a watch. It has a great cast, director and script. For lovers of racing movies - this is well worth a watch.

Let it Ride - not strictly a horse racing movie it is more about gambling but I have included it here anyway. Richard Dreyfuss is wonderful in this film. I enjoyed it but I know that it is not for everyone.

Anyway, that's the list for today. It doesn't include all the horse movies out there. If there are some that you think should be on this list, let me know.