Mine That Bird Comes to Big Screen in ‘50 to 1’
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Mine That Bird shocked the world when he won the Kentucky Derby in 2009 at odds of 50.60-to-1. (Photo courtesy of Eclipse Sportswire)
Kentucky Derby winner Mine That Bird is the focus of a new movie coming out in March when his story is told in the movie “50 to 1”. The film about the 2009 Kentucky Derby winner centers around the group of New Mexico cowboys who find themselves on an unlikely path when their gelding qualifies for the Kentucky Derby.
The film was shot in more than 30 locations throughout New Mexico and will premiere at Albuquerque’s KiMo Theatre on March 19. “50 to 1” also has scenes at historic Churchill Downs, where Mine That Bird won the biggest race of his career.
For racing fans, a familiar face will be seen on the screen as jockey Calvin Borel plays himself in the movie next to Skeet Ulrich, Christian Kane, William Devane, Todd Lowe, and Madelyn Deutch.
Racehorse owner and “Dances With Wolves” producer Jim Wilson is the director, co-writerand producer of the film. Wilson had been looking to work on a horse racing film for years, passing by many horse racing scripts, and Mine That Bird’s path to the Kentucky Derby immediately hooked him.
“I had been waiting for a great racehorse story for a very long time,” Wilson said, “but when I watched what unfolded at the 2009 Kentucky Derby, I was stunned. I’ve always been a fan of true underdog stories and after meeting the owners, trainer and finally Bird himself, I was hooked. This story had all the cinematic elements you could ask for. It’s been a real adventure and one I am proud to share with the world.”
Mine That Bird is most known for his win in the Kentucky Derby but the real life rags-to-riches story started in Canada, where the Kentucky-bred gelding won four of his five races and was named Canada's champion 2-year-old male. The next year, he had two Kentucky Derby preps in New Mexico before traveling to Churchill Downs for the Kentucky Derby.
Mine That Bird had a memorable Triple Crown in 2009, finishing second to eventual Horse of the Year Rachel Alexandra in the Preakness Stakes and third in the Belmont Stakes. He ended his career as a 4-year-old in 2010 while running for trainer D. Wayne Lukas and owners Double Eagle Ranch and Buena Suerte Equine. The gelding lives in New Mexico and made a brief trip back to Churchill Downs last summer when he spent time at the Kentucky Derby Museum.