Mine That Bird, the underdog racehorse that won the 2009 Kentucky Derby, is the focus of a new Hollywood film “50 to 1” that opens in theaters March 21, 2014. The news was announced by “50 to 1” director, producer, co-writer and racehorse owner Jim Wilson (Oscar®-winning producer of “DANCES WITH WOLVES”). Starring in the film are Skeet Ulrich (Jericho, “SCREAM,” “AS GOOD AS IT GETS”), Christian Kane (Leverage), William Devane (24, “THE DARK KNIGHT RISES”), Todd Lowe (True Blood, Gilmore Girls) and newcomer Madelyn Deutch, as well as real-life jockey Calvin Borel, who plays himself in the picture. Faith Conroy co-wrote the script with Wilson.
The film, which is rooted in New Mexico and shot in over 30 locations throughout the state—from Santa Fe to Las Cruces—will kick off the theatrical release with the world premiere in Albuquerque at the historic KiMo Theatre on March 19th.
“50 to 1” is about a misfit group of New Mexico cowboys who find themselves on the journey of a lifetime when their crooked-footed racehorse qualifies for the Kentucky Derby. The cowboys face a series of mishaps on their way to Churchill Downs, becoming the ultimate underdogs in a final showdown with the world’s racing elite.
“I had been waiting for a great racehorse story for a very long time,” Wilson said, noting he had read numerous horse racing scripts over the years, “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.”
Wilson won the Academy Award® for Best Picture for DANCES WITH WOLVES, which he produced. He also produced THE BODYGUARD, WYATT EARP, SWING VOTE, MR. BROOKS and MESSAGE IN A BOTTLE. Wilson’s previous directing credits include HEAD ABOVE WATER, WHIRLYGIRL and the critically-acclaimed documentary about renowned jockey Laffit Pincay, Jr., “LAFFIT: ALL ABOUT WINNING.”