© 2024 Louisville Public Media

Public Files:
89.3 WFPL · 90.5 WUOL-FM · 91.9 WFPK

For assistance accessing our public files, please contact info@lpm.org or call 502-814-6500
89.3 WFPL News | 90.5 WUOL Classical 91.9 WFPK Music | KyCIR Investigations
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations
Stream: News Music Classical

Film Features Mine That Bird's Unlikely Kentucky Derby Victory

When the thoroughbred Mine That Bird entered the starting gate at the 2009 Kentucky Derby, the odds certainly were not in his favor.Being ridden by renowned jockey Calvin Borel, the horse was nearly eight lengths behind the field at one point of the race.  But, just as trainer Chip Woolley began losing hope, Mine That Bird made a move.Here is the memorable race:“It got better as it went along,” Wooley said.Mine That Bird went on to win the 135th Kentucky Derby as a 50-1 longshot.  Now, a film that tells the story of the improbably champion is set to hit select Kentucky theaters on Friday.Here's a trailer of the film:"50 to 1" was directed by Jim Wilson, a producer on the Academy Award-winning film "Dances With Wolves."Wilson said when he watched the 2009 Derby live on television, he knew it was a story he wanted to tell.“I love an underdog story and this isn’t one you have to make up, this isn’t one we had to stretch,” he said.  “This was just a natural, I had to make it.”Wilson said he has owned race horses for more than 20 years and spent three years working on this film.“I’ve been looking for two decades for a great horse story,” Wilson said.Mine That Bird, who was at Churchill Downs on Thursday along with others associated with the film, went on to finish second in the Preakness and third in the Belmont Stakes.Fans can see the horse at the Kentucky Derby Museum until May 10.

Jacob Ryan is the managing editor of the Kentucky Center for Investigative reporting. He's an award-winning investigative reporter who joined LPM in 2014. Email Jacob at jryan@lpm.org.