#HORSERACING: “RACE FOR THE CROWN” REVIEW

Six episode Docu-Series RACE FOR THE CROWN is a Horse Racing fan’s dream come true, brought to us by the same team who produced Formula 1: Drive to Survive and SPRINT. There is an ongoing perception in the Community that the sport does not get enough mainstream coverage, hence having this Series available is a huge win for a Sport which in all honestly has been under much scrutiny these past few years.

The Series, which gets a release right in time for the impending 2025 Kentucky Derby – now in its 151st year –  not only explores some prominent figures in the sport, it gives us a glimpse into their daily lives and journeys as success stories, but also their relationships (including friendly feuds) among one another. Filming took place last year in the lead up to the Derby which was won by MYSTIK DAN, and then the Triple Crown trail.

Featured are:

Mike Repole: Co-founder of GLACEAU (yes, vitaminwater!) whom after selling the company off, became more invested in Horse Racing, having owned several champions under his Repole Stable including NEST, UNCLE MO, FORTE, FIERCENESS, and VINO ROSSO. Known as “The Commander”, he is exactly that, very direct and opinionated, but there is a perception from competitors that he is bad for the sport, dominating auctions by swooping up big ticket equine acqusitions. We get glimpses into his friendship with legendary Trainer Todd Pletcher.

John Stewart: Owner of Resolute Racing, which recently entered the sport a few years back out of nowhere, to make a splash with some very high profile purchases. You get a glimpse into his own life, with private jets and fast cars. Both he and Repole are perceived as one another’s nemeses, having feuded very publicly over X.

Michael Iavarone: This Miami-based businessman has a flare for the flashy and was lucky to visit the winner’s circle at the Kentucky Derby with BIG BROWN back in 2008. He is all about image and getting back to the winner’s circle again and takes a very expensive gamble to try to get there again in 2025.

Ken McPeek: This veteran Horseman had spent many years pursuing Derby glory and got more than her bargained for with a career season in 2024, taking America’s two most important races for three-year-old horses. The Series recounts his journey with MYSTIK DAN and also eventual Horse of the Year, filly THORPEDO ANNA.

Brian Hernandez Jr.: This jockey, like partnering Trainer McPeek had a career year in 2024, and we get his story and rise, also being the son of a jockey (Brian Hernandez Sr.). He became only the ninth jockey in history to win a Derby Oaks double aboard both MYSTIK DAN and THORPEDO ANNA. The Series really zeroes-in on McPeek and Hernandez as they are in pursuit of a Triple Crown score with Mystik Dan.

Brad Cox: The champion Trainer who has guided the career of several champions already, has his eyes set on winning the Derby as well. And it actually happened under the most unlikely circumstances in 2021 retroactively with original winner MEDINA SPIRIT getting disqualified, testing positive for Betamethasone. His goal is to win it crossing the finish line first.

Frankie Dettori: This iconic jockey set up tack in America after a historic career in Europe. He made headlines recently having declared bankruptcy. The Series looks at his transition to American racing full time. He also has yet to win the Derby or an American Triple Crown race.

Katie Davis: The up-and-coming female jockey gives us a glimpse under her world as she gets a coveted mount in the Black Eyed Susan Stakes on the Triple Crown trail, giving the Series some much-needed female perspective.

Jayson Werth: This MLB legend had a superb 2024 at the races with his star DORNOCH. The Series recounts his journey to the Winners’ Circle at the Belmont Stakes, leading up to a very emotional moment for him.

Missing from the narrative however are some key figures whom it would have been interesting to hear from, like Chad Brown who took his fifth title as leading Trainer in America in 2024. His Trainee SIERRA LEONE would go on to be champion of his division after a narrow loss in the Derby itself.

This Docu-Series isn’t just for fans of the Horse Racing, it gives the audience enough backstory and development for the average viewer to be engaged. And it could certaintly benefit from some more room to tell additional stories in years to come.

RACE FOR THE CROWN arrives April 25, 2025 on Netflix.