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Horse racing fans have something to cheer for.
After a long time, we got a full horse racing documentary series that is actually good. Horse racing is one of the oldest sports in the world, and it was a shame that it wasn’t covered by a high-production team in a series. But that’s not important at the moment. The important thing is that we got a Netflix horse racing documentary series called Race For The Crown, just before this year’s Kentucky Derby, and it is something that every horse racing fan should watch.
The series includes six 45-minute episodes and dives deeper into the 2024 Triple Crown season. It features the same concept as F1’s Drive to Survive series, and it is made by the same team.
Judging by the trailer, the series looks incredible. It includes a lot of behind-the-scenes action, we can spot many horse racing legends like Bob Baffert, and it gives us a unique perspective of the sport, which is something we haven’t seen before.
Why a Horse Racing Documentary in 2025?
The truth is, we needed one. When it comes to horse racing, TV series, and movies, we don’t have much. Most other sports are covered with high-production teams, but not horse racing—well, not anymore.
After the success of the Drive to Survive series on Netflix, which covers Formula 1, they’ve wanted another challenge. And what’s the most similar thing to F1 racing? Well, of course, horse racing—especially the highly prestigious Triple Crown races.
Race for the Crown aims to do the same for racing. It captures the 2024 season’s drama, from Churchill Downs to Belmont Park, featuring some popular names from the industry like trainer Kenny McPeek and jockey Katie Davis.
But the question is, is it any good?
Well, let’s analyze it.
Production Quality
The first and most important thing to look at is the production quality of a series. After all, this is what makes it watchable and enjoyable.
The good thing is that Race for the Crown is made by the same team that covered Drive to Survive, and we all know that the F1 series had some impressive production quality.
Race for the Crown is filmed in 4K, and the production level is unlike anything we’ve seen before in the world of horse racing. It is directed by Tim Stemper, who is a veteran of Box to Box (the company behind it), and includes some impressive drone action and slow-motion cameras to capture the true spirit of the Triple Crown races.
So, the visuals are on the spot—but what about the sound?
The sound design is equally impressive. It covers every part of the sport that makes it exciting to watch, from the hoofbeats thunder, to how crowds erupt as horses approach the finish line, and even the quiet stable moments where you can almost hear the tension before the race.
Most people call it world-class in terms of editing and production level, and we couldn’t agree more.
Characters Who Carry the Story
The heart of Race for the Crown beats through its human cast, a vibrant mix of dreamers and egos chasing Triple Crown glory.
Billionaire owner Mike Repole, ex-baseball star Jayson Werth, and rising jockey Katie Davis anchor the series, their stories woven with raw interviews and fly-on-the-wall footage.
Repole’s brash ambition, Werth’s rookie zeal, and Davis’ battle for respect in a male-dominated field create compelling arcs, while trainer Kenny McPeek, behind 2024 Derby winner Mystik Dan, adds warmth and grit.
The verité style—no narration, just real voices—lends authenticity.
After watching the series, you’ll feel hyped to watch a horse race. Maybe you can use the insightful information from the series to make an accurate bet on an upcoming race. But of course, it is always good to check for online tips and predictions 👉 TwinSpires Best Bets
The Horses: Stars Without Stories
Horses are racing’s beating heart, and Race for the Crown captures their majesty in fleeting, awe-inspiring moments—sweat-drenched flanks, powerful gallops, and Mystik Dan’s Derby dash steal the screen.
Yet, the series frustratingly skims their narratives, treating horses more as props than protagonists. Unlike human stars, whose backstories dominate, equine details—breeding, training, quirks—are barely explored, a flaw Reality Blurred flagged as a “narrative void.”
The show dodges racing’s darker side, like injuries or euthanasia.
When horses shine, like in slow-motion sprints, they’re magnetic, but their sidelined stories leave fans hungry. For casual viewers, the equine absence doesn’t sting, but for racing purists, it’s a glaring misstep in a horse-driven tale.
Accessibility
Race for the Crown excels as a beginner’s guide to horse racing, demystifying the Triple Crown with zero jargon and clear stakes.
It breaks down the Kentucky Derby, Preakness, and Belmont Stakes’ significance, tracing the season from Breeder’s Cup qualifiers to Belmont’s finale, making the arc easy to follow.
Charismatic figures like jockey Frankie Dettori, with his infectious charm, reel in non-fans.
Stay in the saddle and race ahead with more deep dives into the world of sports and stories at Land of Geek Magazine!
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