Kentucky Derby Documentary Nears Completion
Two brothers working on a documentary about the Kentucky Derby are nearing completion of the project. John and Brad Hennegan putting the finishing touches on "The First Saturday in May," a film they conceived after seeing stories surrounding popular Derby wins by Funny Cide and Smarty Jones. "Along the way, we happened to come across the most famous horse arguably in the last 60 years," John Hennegan said of 2006 Derby champ Barbaro.
"Our whole thing was we want to make horse racing cool. ... and we've been following it the last couple years to see if it could sustain a documentary."
Beginning in July 2005, the Hennegans started following 2006 Derby contenders and the humans around them. They settled on six horses for the film, five of which ran in the Derby, including Barbaro.
The Hennegans shot about 500 hours of footage in locations on both coasts, in Kentucky and everywhere from Dubai to Hot Springs, Ark.
The movie includes how Louisville native Dale Romans reached a career goal of having a horse in the race, told considerably through his relationships with his son, Jacob, and his cousin Paul Parrish. It also tells the stories of Dan Hendricks, a paralyzed trainer who conditioned Brother Derek; Bob Holthus, Lawyer Ron's trainer and groom; and Michael Matz, the Olympic equestrian medalist who turned to Thoroughbred training.
The brothers said their family members were supportive of the venture from the outset. John's wife had just had a baby, and Brad left a job with a college television network.
"I don't think they ever know what we're doing but they support us," John said. "It's very foreign to them."
Brad estimated the film has cost less than $100,000.
In June, the Hennegans started editing the footage down to a 90-minute film, which ends at the Derby. An epilogue mentions Barbaro's injury and efforts to save him. Barbaro suffered a career-ending leg injury in the Preakness.
Some people featured in the film have seen advance prints.
"I thought they did a brilliant job," said Kiaran McLaughlin, a horse trainer and Lexington native who is battling multiple sclerosis. "I can promise you any racing person will really enjoy it."
Information from: The Courier-Journal
"Our whole thing was we want to make horse racing cool. ... and we've been following it the last couple years to see if it could sustain a documentary."
Beginning in July 2005, the Hennegans started following 2006 Derby contenders and the humans around them. They settled on six horses for the film, five of which ran in the Derby, including Barbaro.
The Hennegans shot about 500 hours of footage in locations on both coasts, in Kentucky and everywhere from Dubai to Hot Springs, Ark.
The movie includes how Louisville native Dale Romans reached a career goal of having a horse in the race, told considerably through his relationships with his son, Jacob, and his cousin Paul Parrish. It also tells the stories of Dan Hendricks, a paralyzed trainer who conditioned Brother Derek; Bob Holthus, Lawyer Ron's trainer and groom; and Michael Matz, the Olympic equestrian medalist who turned to Thoroughbred training.
The brothers said their family members were supportive of the venture from the outset. John's wife had just had a baby, and Brad left a job with a college television network.
"I don't think they ever know what we're doing but they support us," John said. "It's very foreign to them."
Brad estimated the film has cost less than $100,000.
In June, the Hennegans started editing the footage down to a 90-minute film, which ends at the Derby. An epilogue mentions Barbaro's injury and efforts to save him. Barbaro suffered a career-ending leg injury in the Preakness.
Some people featured in the film have seen advance prints.
"I thought they did a brilliant job," said Kiaran McLaughlin, a horse trainer and Lexington native who is battling multiple sclerosis. "I can promise you any racing person will really enjoy it."
Information from: The Courier-Journal
posted by Jacobo | 9:22 PM
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