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    
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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

The film has Web 2.0 appeal! Facebook events are popping up as people plan to attend the film…

The Official Event
The Thoroughbred Racing in New York Event

Plan your local event on Facebook or Upcoming

Bloggers continue to promote the Film:
Virginia Thoroughbred Blog

Posted on Mar 31 2008    
Filed Under: News

Jerry Bossert of NY Daily News declares the film a “must see”!

Read it here.

Posted on Mar 28 2008    
Filed Under: News

The Handicapper’s Edge features the announcement of the film.

“Those of us fortunate to have screened this film know how ‘The First Saturday in May’ embodies the spirit, passion and tradition of the Kentucky Derby,” CDI Vice President Dave Tompkins said. “We believe this fantastic behind-the-scenes look at the world’s most famous horse race has the potential to draw new fans to the sport and grow the popularity of the Kentucky Derby. We also hope to introduce movie goers to our new Kentucky Derby Party program, which will be promoted through the film’s trailers and screenings.”

Read it here.

Posted on Mar 23 2008    
Filed Under: News

Several bloggers recommend the film.

For me, the joys of the film were many, lying in the pleasure of familiarity and the glow of re-living favorite moments. I loved the scenes in the morning, watching horses train and hearing the trainers talk about their plans and routines. Having been a big fan of Jazil, I experienced again the thrill of watching that unbelievable run in the ’06 Wood, as he appeared from out of the left side of the screen to nearly nip Bob and John at the wire; sitting in the darkened theater, I was almost as excited as I was that nasty, cold, wet day at Aqueduct—only this time, I didn’t get to cash the ticket.
  - Teresa, Brooklyn Backstretch

There are plenty of laughs, cheers and tears in this game and the film captures it all brilliantly. Insightful behind the scenes action with the very interesting connections. Frank Amonte the former Contessa assistant stole the show, but there are many colorful characters to chose from.
  - Greg, Power Cap

Other Recommendations:
Green but Game
Railbird
Something about Barbaro

Posted on Mar 21 2008    
Filed Under: News

International Herald Tribune covers the distribution deal.

Read it here.

Herald facts:

The International Herald Tribune is a widely read English language international newspaper and is printed at 33 sites throughout the world,
for sale in more than 180 countries. Their circulation is about 250K.

Posted on Mar 20 2008    
Filed Under: News