By Mark La Monica
Plane tickets from JFK to Louisville, Ky., for May 2-5 are going for $445 on the cheap end at Travelocity. I know this because I just looked it up. I looked it up because I just finished watching a press screener for "The First Saturday in May," a documentary about the Kentucky Derby, and I'm strongly considering righting the wrong of having never gone to Churchill Downs for the Triple Crown's marquee event.
The Kentucky Derby is among the greatest sporting events in the country. You don't need to be a horse bettor or avid horse racing fan to appreciate what is known simply as "The Derby."
It was mighty enough of a day to earn the No. 10 spot on our Best Sports Days of the Year countdown a few years ago.
"The First Saturday in May" chronicles six different trainers and horses and their race to qualify for the 2006 Derby. The six are Lawyer Ron, Barbaro, Brother Derek, Sharp Humor, Jazil and Achilles of Troy.
Horse folks will recall that only Achilles of Troy didn't qualify for the 20-horse field. (Sorry, Frank Amonte Jr.) Most people will recall that Barbaro won the Derby going away . . . and the subsequent sadness that took place two weeks later at The Preakness. (The documentary deals with this in the final moments of the 97-minute film.)
With everyone already aware of this film's ending, the editors and directors had to create a way to keep viewers interested the whole way through. It takes some crafty editing and dynamic on-screen personalities telling emotional stories. Directors John and Brad Hennegan did just that. The film is solid all around, and if you've ever found yourself remotely interested in the Derby, even for only two minutes in May, watching this documentary is worth your time.
"The First Saturday in May," which screened at the 2007 Tribeca Film Festival, opens nationwide in specific theaters April 18. Watch the trailer below.
Comments (6)
Went to Oaks Day last year,which is the day before the Derby.I've been to World Series['86] U.S.Open twice and Augusta.Nothing was better than Louisville.
Tenn Tom,
You're killing me. Stop rubbing it in. I need to get down there one of these years.
Thanks Mark.
We are really happy that you liked our film. Thanks for helping get the word out. We are a small operation with no ad budget so we need all the help we can get.
Best.
The Hennegan Brothers
www.thefirstsaturdayinmay.com
Mr Hennegan
...small operation, no ad budget?
Well sir, I wanted you to know that I saw a post about your movie at the Daily Racing Form's website:
http://www.drf.com
...at the Formblog hosted by Dan Illman.
So the word is going to get out there!!
Good luck with the film, and congratulations on the accolades it has already received.
S Roller
Brad,
My pleasure. Great stuff.
Although, I am a bit mad at you. Watching "First Saturday in May" reminded me of how much money I lost that day on the Derby.
I nearly threw my TV in the street with the Brother Derek and Jazil flashbacks.
Ha. Sorry man. I should have had that superfecta too...oh well.
As we get closer to the Derby let us know if you need anything. thanks again.
Remember April 18th at Cinema Village in the city...good way to get hyped up for the Derby!
B