Watch The First Saturday in May

The First Saturday in May is a captivating documentary about the highly competitive world of horse racing. Directed by John and Brad Hennegan, the movie follows six horses and their trainers and owners as they prepare for the 2006 Kentucky Derby, one of the most prestigious horse races in the world. The film takes us behind the scenes, showing us the intense training, preparation, and emotions that go into getting a horse race-ready for the Derby.

The movie captures the spirit of the race and the excitement surrounding it. We get to know the horses and their trainers intimately, seeing the bond that they have developed over years of training and racing. The horses featured in the movie include Barbaro, Showing Up, Brother Derek, Sweetnorthernsaint, Lawyer Ron, and Steppenwolfer, all of whom are favorites to win the race.

The movie starts by introducing us to the horses and their owners and trainers. Each one has a unique story, and we get a glimpse into their lives and the effort they have put in to get to this point. We see the horses training, and the trainers work with them, getting them used to the track and the conditions in Kentucky.

As the big day approaches, the pressure mounts on each of the horses and their teams. There is a lot at stake, and the trainers and owners know it. They are all vying for the coveted Kentucky Derby trophy, and they have put everything on the line. The movie does an excellent job of conveying the sense of anticipation and nervous energy that envelops the horses and their teams in the lead up to the big race.

When the day finally arrives, the atmosphere in the stands is electric. Thousands of people have gathered to witness the race, many of them dressed in their finest attire. The movie beautifully captures the pageantry and spectacle of the Kentucky Derby, showing us the elaborate outfits and hats worn by the attendees.

As the race commences, we are on the edge of our seats, rooting for our favorite horse to win. The camera follows the horses as they thunder down the track, the excitement mounting with each passing second. We get a sense of the thrill and adrenaline that the jockeys and horses experience as they race towards the finish line.

The movie never loses its focus on the horses and their teams, even as it captures the excitement and drama of the race. We see their reactions as they cross the finish line, the elation and disappointment evident on their faces. The emotions are raw and unfiltered, and the movie brings it all to the forefront.

Overall, The First Saturday in May is a brilliant documentary that captures the essence of horse racing. It takes viewers on a journey, showing the incredible work that goes into preparing a horse for the Kentucky Derby. The cinematography is superb, and the soundtrack perfectly complements the visuals. Whether you are a horse racing enthusiast or not, the movie is a must-watch, and it will leave you with a newfound appreciation for these magnificent animals and their dedicated trainers and owners.

In conclusion, The First Saturday in May is an excellent documentary that showcases the highs and lows of the horse racing world. It is a poignant reminder of the hard work and dedication required to succeed in this industry, and it will leave you feeling inspired and uplifted.

The First Saturday in May is a 2008 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 36 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.9 and a MetaScore of 58.