The documentary tells the stories of people like Dan Hendricks, a California-based trainer struggling with paralysis as he works to get Brother Derek to the Derby. And there’s Dale Romans, the Kentucky-bred son of a trainer trying to qualify for his first Derby with the horse Sharp Humor. The film also features Kiaran McLaughlin who trains horses for the royal family of Dubai.

Read it here.

Posted on Apr 09 2008    
Filed Under: News

Three more blogs recommend the film!

One is written by author Kit Ehrman, author of the Steve Cline mystery series.

One is written by self-proclaimed Kentucky Culture Vulture Rich Copley.

And one is written by Horse Race Handicapping College.

Posted on Apr 09 2008    
Filed Under: News

In the April 5th, 2008 edition of Bloodhorse (No. 14), Lenny Shulman describes the film as first class.

After the soaring shots of Churchill Downs during Kentucky Derby time that begin the documentary The First Saturday in May, the scene suddenly shifts to Aqueduct on a bitterly cold, gray day as assistant trainer Frank Amonte yells at workers from a neighboring barn for dumping their trash in the wrong manure pile.

The skill inherent in such a transition could only come from filmmakers who are intimately associated with their subject matter, and that familiarity is on display throughout the 97 minute film that successfully humanizes the often intimidating sport of horse racing.

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Posted on Apr 07 2008    
Filed Under: News

Indie Derby documentary offers insight, entertainment, enlightenment to all - from newbie to veteran.

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Posted on Apr 07 2008    
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Composers The Ryan Brothers discuss scoring of the film.

One of our goals musically was to give each team, (horse, trainer, jockey, owner), a voice. For example, there was a trainer named Frank, who was a New York guy and he had very NYC blue collar characteristics, so we gave him some Rap and Hip Hop. On the opposite end of the spectrum, there was Bob from Arkansas who was the oldest trainer in the Derby. His voice was that of southern American Folk Stephen Foster-type music.

Read it here.

Posted on Apr 07 2008    
Filed Under: News

Bloodhorse featured the Hennegan Brothers in their regular “live discussion” series “Talkin’ Horses“.

John & Brad answer questions from around the country…

Nicholasville, KY asks:
I can’t wait to see the film. Can you give us some insight into Barbaro’s personality?

Brad Hennegan answers:

He loved watching SURVIVOR, pounding Mr. Pibb and listening to Twisted Sister in his stall …. just kidding! The one thing that struck us about Barbaro was that he was always raring to go once he approached the track in the a.m. and seemed mad he was leaving after the workout. That really sticks out in our minds. He seemed to love the camera too. Really inquisitive about the microphone. It was interesting that when we first started shooting Barbaro there was absolutely no one around, besides Michael Matz, Peter Brette and the rest of the Matz stable.

To see the press army grow and grow as the Derby approached was fun to watch.

Read the whole thing here.

Posted on Apr 07 2008    
Filed Under: News

Jeff Craig of 60 Second Preview, a syndicated radio show, gives the film 3 stars!

I’m Jeff Craig. If you’re into horse racing, you already know that “The First Saturday In May” is when twenty thoroughbreds race for the sport’s holy grail, the Kentucky Derby. And if you’re a hardcore fan, you might also know that “The First Saturday In May” is the title of a new film about six horses and their hopeful trainers, on the road to the starting gate of the 2006 Derby.

One of the film’s six stars is Barbaro, the eventual winner that was struck by tragedy after his triumph. A great way to get amped up about the race known as the “the most exciting two minutes in sports,” “The First Saturday In May” is not just for devoted fans - it could easily convert the uninitiated.

Posted on Apr 01 2008    
Filed Under: News