Presenting Partner
Signature Partners
World Premiere
The First Saturday in May
| USA | 96 MINUTES | EnglishSports, Documentary
Each year on the first Saturday in May, one horse will thunder down the track headed towards horseracing glory. Capturing the Kentucky Derby, the Holy Grail of horseracing and "the most exciting two minutes in sports," is every aficionado's dream. And a long shot, as only 20 of the 40,000 thoroughbreds born each year make it to the Derby. The trail is long and hard-not only must the horses run in stakes races in New York, Kentucky, Florida, Arkansas and California, they must also be in the top 20 earners of those races to get a place at the big race. Each potential Derby colt requires a perfect blend of pedigree, owner, trainer and rider, and a big dose of luck. The First Saturday in May follows six of these horses-Achilles of Troy, Sharp Humor, Jazil, Lawyer Ron, Brother Derek and the beloved Barbaro-as they make their push to join the 2006 Derby's coveted ranks. Directors Brad and John Hennegan (a.k.a. The Hennegan Brothers) capture the intermittent heartbreak and euphoria of this trek with a watchful and sympathetic eye. Behind the horses are colorful teams of people who love them and hope the best for them: the owners, trainers, grooms, jockeys and all the people whose hearts are broken and soar each time their horses run a race. And they are all characters, men and women who have devoted their lives to these four-legged beauties. Horseracing is a high stakes world. Who's going to win?
Cast & Credits
Directed by
John Hennegan and Brad Hennegan
Sons of a New York Racing Association placing judge, THE HENNEGAN BROTHERS spent much of their Long Island youth at the racetrack, and their background enabled them to gain unprecedented access to the horseracing world for their first feature. Brad has worked in television for the last decade, with credits ranging from Martha Stewart's CBS show to Director of On-Air Promotions at IFC and College Sports Television. John helped launch the show Burden of Proof while at CNN, and has been a writer/producer/director for the NBA and ESPN, among others. The brothers describe their film as "a project that we truly believed in….If we could bring attention back to the sport that has played such a huge role in our lives, then we will have accomplished our mission."
* Rush Tickets available at venue except for
Beacon Theatre
Beacon Theatre
Rush will be offered when advanced tickets for a screening or event are no longer available at venues
other than Beacon Theatre.
The Rush system functions as a standby line that will form at the venue approximately one hour prior to scheduled start time. Admittance is based on availability and will begin roughly 10 minutes prior to program start time. Rush Tickets are the same price as advance tickets and are payable upon entry.
The Rush system functions as a standby line that will form at the venue approximately one hour prior to scheduled start time. Admittance is based on availability and will begin roughly 10 minutes prior to program start time. Rush Tickets are the same price as advance tickets and are payable upon entry.
