Seabiscuit vs War Admiral

[@gher7126]

Popcorn Deelites, the horse who played Seabiscuit in this scene, unfortunately passed away today at age 24. RIP.

[@mpendakiswahili3053]

What un incredible horse....

[@nicholaslanelaningham6857]

Coincidentally both Seabiscuit and popcorn deelites were friends and stable mates with horses who looked identical to them.

[@redhawk7002]

😢

[@Justintime328]

That's a hell of a life for a horse.

[@barbaramcelhiney5934]

Awesome horse!

[@CMT12875]

“So long Johnny” + “Turn him loose” + the crescendoing music = tears every single time I watch this scene. Doesn’t matter how many times I watch it, which is probably over 50 at this point. Absolutely unbelievable

[@michaelc.6532]

“So long Charlie!”

[@stephaniefisher2241]

Yes! And the, "Not long now, Pops" gets me too!

[@jwedgest67]

I 100% agree with you!!! What I really would love to know if the Jockey really did say that? War Admiral was being toyed with.

[@JasonRyanWilson]

Absolutely powerful scene! Chris Cooper is absolutely the greatest actor in Hollywood.

[@akbar8477]

Seriously?! I thought I was the only one who felt that energy like that with those words. It was surreal to hear it with the music and the will of the horses moving like that. I completed a MA that researched the connection of kinesthetics and theology and spirituality. That "inner Seabiscuit" needs to be turned loose if we want to separate ourselves from the pack. "Turn him loose!"

[@JeepersCreepers2013]

I love how they film this scene with the brief glimpse into the past with the black and white photos and people listening to their radios. Does a great job of showing us how people who weren't there actually experienced this race. This is a great film and doesn't get near the praise it deserves.

[@betsylaughlin8652]

This was nominated for best picture the year is was released, so it actually got plenty of well deserved praise.

[@bobnorman413]

Come on Biscuit …..

[@caflet2009]

Ya brilliantly done

[@janecraft3897]

Jeepers creepers. I agree with all u say here. Yes it got really great reviews of praise but this story is truly something and we'll told in this movie. I'm a horse lover and Bout all kinds but not fan of racing but there are a few really GREAT horses racing through the years that are so VERY SPECIAL they each got to have that story told. Man of war, secretariat Ruffian, each unique story and this pint size GIANT of the racetrack. Yeah and this race portrayed brings tears to my eyes every time I watch it like movie with Secretariat doing the impossible at Belmont. And each jockey too. Secretariat s jockey interviews he said let's see what u got and later said secretariat was always God's steed and God came down and said now I'm gonna show all of you how to win a race. Turcote said I was just blessed to be on top that day to enjoy the ride. Great horses all.

[@princeandrew1432]

Watch the real recording of this race. It's beautiful

[@kwgrid]

Read an interesting article about scientists looking at Seabiscuit's DNA to see what his genes say about his abilities compared to the data they had from other thoroughbred champions. Couple of things: he had genes for both stamina and speed (like Secretariat) and genes that indicated he was a late-bloomer. He didn't become a real champion until he was 4 years old. Based on the picture of him in the article, he was also what they call a short-coupled horse...his back was short compared to the rest of his conformation. Secretariat was also a short-coupled horse. That trait is found in Bard horses which were known for their strength in carrying heavy weight. Seabiscuit had 15lbs added to him in one of his races. Don't remember which one. He won that race. He was barely 15 hands while Secretariat was 16.2 hands. Just some interesting stuff about him. A very special little horse. One more thing: Seabiscuit as a young horse was lazy. He would rather eat and sleep than work. Secretariat was the same way. They both also had that elusive will-to-win. Special traits in common.

[@riahickey9856]

Thanks for the stats! So thrilling. Love SB!

[@stevek8829]

How would they study his DNA? He died so long ago, before DNA tests. That part about him sleeping so much is part of Laura's storyteller make believe, it's only a novel.

[@deniseeulert2503]

When Secretariat died they also found his heart was much larger than average.

[@dashsocur]

@@deniseeulert2503 Same with Seabiscuit, they both had hearts that were at least double the average size for a horse. (I think Secretariat's might have been even bigger than that, haven't seen the exact stats).

[@jennifermcclain4478]

@@stevek8829 same thoughts. How could any DNA testing be done on SB?

[@nattiesgarden]

My mom and I were extras in this scene, filmed at Keeneland in Kentucky. I have so many incredible memories from that experience. They shuffled many extras around depending on which part of the race was being filmed for the shot, so we were part of the crowd running across the infield and then celebrating at the finish line as the Biscuit won. I wore my grandmother's vintage heavy coat that day because the temperature was near freezing. She was in her 20s when the match race actually happened, and I was around the same age for this recreation of it. We also attended the movie's premiere in KY and I can still remember the elation of seeing this film while in the heart of horse country. It wasn't just a movie being filmed, but a whole community celebrating something special together.

[@LeadMunitions]

😊

[@hollyw.]

What an incredible story! Thank you for sharing this. Wow, this made it a full circle for you and your family. So cool. My mom would tell me that my Grandpa remembered listening to this race. I think he got out of school early to tune in. He did said business closed for the day to listen in. The excitement of this race meant so much to the American public. Especially during the depression. Seabiscuit was their horse to root for 🙂. The little horse who could!

[@MariaC497]

That is so cool!

[@johnspinelli9396]

Wow thats a cool story

[@riahickey9856]

Thank you for sharing your fascinating story! Wow!🐎🐴⚘

[@brianblake3982]

How a little horse inspired the struggling working class of our country to have the strength and courage to go on.

[@miked501]

I'm English pal but I fucking luv American movies, know1 even comes close.

[@patbiggam8138]

Amen to that.

[@patbiggam8138]

Amen to that.

[@AutoYoung]

The truth is War Admiral wasn't that large at all. He and Seabiscuit were actually damn near the same size...

[@GREALER]

@@miked501 it’s obvious your a Britt

[@davidw.robertson448]

Let us not forget that War Admiral was a great horse too. He won the Triple Crown in 1937, the year before the Match Race. Timing is everything in horse racing.

[@57highland]

So, WA reached his peak just a year prior to the match, and SB reached *his* WITH the match.

[@Wolfeson28]

@@57highland You could argue they both were at their peaks here. Seabiscuit broke the track record for the mile and 3/16 in this race, and War Admiral ran his personal best time for that distance. That's part of what was so great about this race. Neither horse caught the other on a bad day, neither had something go wrong to spark "if only" speculation. This was a battle of two titans where they both lived up to their billing - two great horses went head to head, both showed their greatness, and people got to see which one was that little bit better.

[@stevenlevin7235]

Yes, yes it is... timing is everything... so it seems

[@BlackIjs]

@@Wolfeson28 I like that description, Battle of Two Titans

[@markanthonyholm]

​@@Wolfeson28 perfectly said

[@trouble1204]

Quite possibly the most beautifully photographed/ choreographed sporting event of all time. Gary Ross- professional film maker.

[@meagancobb1417]

Absolutely agree

[@rudewalrus5636]

Some of the 'staging' - including the crowd running across the infield - exactly matched the actual footage of the race

[@George-qw8ss]

This and Secretariat. Could watch these movies endlessly. Too bad Disney has gone to shit

[@sheilatruax6172]

Not to mention that George was played by real life Hall of Fame jockey, Gary Stevens.

[@danshowlund]

Agree 100%

[@kwgrid]

Brilliant race strategy. Biscuit burned WA at the start. WA used a lot of energy trying to catch him. When Woolf let him catch him on the backstretch, it served 2 purposes: Gave Biscuit a breather and WA's proximity fired him up again. Changing to his strong left lead right before the turn for home sent the Biscuit back into high gear. Fantastic!

[@kroxxy123]

That's an excellent explanation. I always wondered if he's in the lead just stay in the lead I never considered it gave him a breather for the final stretch.

[@bc680]

@@kroxxy123 Apparently Biscuit used to get bored in races as he was so fast and faded at the end, letting War Admiral catch him let him see the competition, stopping him losing interest. Not sure if that’s 100% true but I’ve seen it mentioned a lot regarding the race!

[@kroxxy123]

@@bc680 I think you're right. I've heard something like that too

[@americankulak2294]

Yeah or just horse A was better on that day then Horse B. I mean, if what you're saying is true (which is a big assumption), it could just as easily have gone tits up by burning himself out early and then giving it up to a faster horse on a shorter track.

[@kwgrid]

@@americankulak2294 Have you read books on Seabiscuit or seen the movie? They pulled out all the stops to win that race. Worked out every advantage they could. That can make or break a race. It goes without saying that there's no guarantee and, of course, any 'given horse' can win on 'any give day'. Duhh

[@christhompson9486]

I read a book about Seabiscuit when I was in junior high. I fell in love with that little brown horse. Was so glad that an actual good movie was done on him. He so deserves the recognition.

[@janehull5623]

Was the book from Scholastic books "Come on Seabiscuit?" I loved that book. I read it so much my copy was so worn I bought another copy on ebay.. I even wrote the author when I was in fifth grade and he answered me. I still have his letter.

[@christhompson9486]

Actually it was. Loved that book. And when Breyer came out with the stablemate series of horses, they had a Seabiscuit. I bought it. Still have it too.

[@raygordonteacheschess5501]

​@@janehull5623 I found that book at the Bryn Mawr bookshop at 79th and York in a basement (it raised money for the university). Cost me a quarter, loved it.

[@johnshields6852]

Human nature is to root for the underdog, especially a smaller animal, it's David against Goliath, we all can relate to that no matter what size you are, life will make you feel insignificant at least part of our lives, Seabiscuit gave the country something to cheer about in an uncertain and difficult time in American history. A horse is such a noble animal. Thank you for great story.

[@DriscollTheWriter]

If you watch the actual footage of the race you know they hit the nail right on the head with this scene. This brings me to tears and gives me chills every single time. Amazing movie, amazing horse!!

[@johnnyhernandez7561]

Sea Biscuit , Secretariat , Man of War , Sham , Ruffin, , Riva Ridge etc... Were all champions and are in my personal opinion living legends in their days Rip all of God's great creatures that brought so much love and joy for many generations to enjoy Thanks for the great memories and God bless ❤️❤️🙏

[@jordanhefley7365]

look up Sargent Reckless... not a race horse... but probably the greatest horse that lived...respond if you agree. :)

[@debbyyoung1064]

@@jordanhefley7365 I want to see the horse sergeant restless

[@debbyyoung1064]

@@jordanhefley7365 I want to see Sargeant Restless

[@estellescanlon4019]

What about hedalgo (idk how to spell it correct me if I’m wrong) but that horse was just ✨

[@tracydavis8982]

Also, Citation, American Pharoah, Affirmed, Seattle Slew, Alydar, Spectacular Bid, Whirlaway, Justify, Alysheba, Swaps, Nashua, Silver Charm, Smarty Jones, Zenyatta, Rachel Alexandra, California Chrome, and Justify......just to name a few! There are MANY more, but these GREAT Racehorses, are forever etched in my mind!😍 Secretariat, however, will ALWAYS be my FAVORITE!!!😚

[@ratnachaudhuri700]

My husband lost hugely at the races, and I promised to never look at a another horse again. I saw the film Seabiscuit quite by chance, and that horse did something to me, suddenly I was flying, filled with hope and a new beginning. God bless Seabiscuit, for what he brought to me. I am totally in love with him.

[@schumache101]

"Do it now, George" "So long, Charlie" I get chills

[@robertlathrop6135]

I know who wins and that race is still tense.

[@user-xs1wh7mq4b]

Rachel, me too. I watch this clip several times a year and it happens to me every time!

[@DanielSuarez-jq6tl]

exciting!!!

[@peachbear7959]

Try the book its hair raising. The whole thing

[@hijlaa]

That shot of Seabiscuit pulling away from War Admiral is amazing

[@SaraNightfire1]

Fun fact: That probably wasn't a shot of the real horses... For close up shots they were afraid of spooking the horses and couldn't do zoom in shots yet, they rigged it so a truck would drag mechanical horses on a flatbed while the jockeys rode on the mechanical horses for all the close up shots. The jockeys sometimes even wore shorts in the clips because they weren't riding real horses.

[@johnjenks7812]

Sara Nightfire Gay fact!!!!!

[@kbanghart]

Definite movie Magic here. But, not in a bad way. The close-ups of the jockeys are obviously too clean to be real, I think in reality their backs slumped over in the riding position would be all over the place with all the emotion, but I really enjoy the cinematography of the background, how it makes the horses in the foreground look very fast.

[@edwardmcdowell3001]

@@SaraNightfire1 how the f*** would you know? Hollywood has to reenact it dumbass. I bet you're a really exciting person to watch a movie with aren't you? Not.

[@SaraNightfire1]

@@edwardmcdowell3001 Hey dumbass. Have you ever heard of behind the scenes DVD extras? That’s how I know. I also don’t mention it during a movie. I just thought it was interesting. If you think it’s stupid sharing facts, then I pity you and your life of knowledge lost. Also, are you five? Your vocabulary and insults reach around that age.

[@robertsamson4610]

I have never been a horse person, but Biscuit stole my heart. The little horse that could. God bless you SeaBiscuit. ^^

[@Tyrunner0097]

Seabiscuit won 33 races during his career. I seriously think that he won at least 10 of them because he actually wanted it more. He willed himself to those wins.

[@mitchellmontesano8769]

Like that old saying : " It's not the size of the man in the fight as it's the size the fight in the man."

[@dangee1625]

In Australia there was a horse named Octagonal, when it ran, and won, you would think it knew where the finish was

[@tracynewberry2937]

Seabuiscuit was a very special horse...once in a lifetime.

[@todjacobs2399]

Wasn't he used to train other's let them to build their confidence,in turn he became loser

[@derekjones5234]

Yes so tru

[@rodroller6634]

For a country coming out of an depression Seabiscuit was the perfect underdog to root for. No personality to hate, no scandals for the papers to rip into.

[@0804reba]

I can watch this scene over and over. I get emotional when Seabiscuit leaves the Admiral in the middle of the track!! LOVE IT.

[@tommyt9761]

There was a pretty decent horse named, "R Thomas" in the 60's!

[@g.hon.4645]

The untold ending to.that part of the story was that they say that War Admiral was never quite the same after he came out of that race. It changed him so in his personality that he never performed w/the same kind of ferocity he had displayed up until this race. Although he still went on to notch more wins, he was a classic example of what the horsemen on the back side mean when they talk abt how "...he got his heart broke...".

[@Mememememememe18]

In hundreds of years from now people will still talk with so much love for this little guy that the biscuit will never ever be forgotten.

[@saetmusic]

"Let Seabiscuit look him in the eye, he'll never lose!" "So long, Johnny"!

[@pickle581]

:So long Charlie". Johnny was Red's name

[@junioradam8073]

Psychological warfare looking into your opponents eyes the Biscuit is full of it poor Admiral he did not know what to do when Seabiscuit watched him in the eyes

[@WarriorBazooka]

I'll watch this entire scene for 4:31 alone. The sound of Seabiscuit's breaths and his hooves pounding through the soil, the music, and that beautiful shot zooming into him as he grows further and further from War Admiral. Gives me absolute chills.

[@stevemccart9109]

its amazing how they duplicated this race exactly and the "so long charley" line was the best part of the movie

[@raygordonteacheschess5501]

They used $5,000 claimers to play the champions.

[@dii392]

Actually, no. It made a great scene for the movie(good old Hollywood license), but Seabiscuit was actuall never less than third in the race.

[@kwgrid]

The real clip of the race shows George whipping Biscuit 4 or 5 times to get him to bolt away from War Admiral like he did at the end. They didn't show any whipping here and I'm not surprised. Whips back then could really injure a horse.

[@vanessazhang1003]

@@dii392 Umm... before, if you read Who Was Seabiscuit, you will see that he only won 1/7 of his games in the beginning.

[@dii392]

@@vanessazhang1003 I don't if my comment got turned around or something but I was replying to someone who posted about the Santa Anita race. The movie had Seabiscuit coming from way behind, but he was actually never less than third in that race.

[@nevercatchwind]

I love the moment when George says "So long", and he and Seabiscuit moving forward. I know he'll win, watch this movie many times, but when he wins I always feel relief

[@typicalhorse-madgirl3630]

omg my feelings are now in words😂😂

[@eolsunder]

I think in the actual race clips you can watch after he wins he turns and yells "Loser" to the jockey riding War Admiral behind him.

[@portcullisyellow1]

nevercatchwind k

[@mchlbw1950]

yea I always forget I'm watching a movie. Which is the mark of good movie making!

[@maninthebox0]

Biscuit’s grunt at 4:16. He’s like are we gonna go or not? 😂

[@kyleesmith9705]

He's like, 'Let's do this.'

[@VictoriaFlyinVFarms]

maninthebox0 Seabiscuit is saying,” DUDE LEMME AT’EM!”

[@kellerrobert80]

We got this! Let's go!

[@ronniepineda6254]

Horse knew the schedule!!when to go!!

[@bugvswindshield]

I know and love that sound. maybe not nearly as fast, but a nice giddy up will do for me :) ps I just say NO to trotting. my god..who invented THAT!

[@edyoung6573]

Boy we sure could use Seabiscuit now in these times!!

[@GothicThylacine]

We kinda do with Tiz The Law

[@vanessazhang1003]

Agreed

[@courtneybrummet4280]

@@GothicThylacine Or even Swiss Skydiver now XD She's got just as much heart, she's raced the hardest of any horse this year, and then she still managed to give it her all in the Preakness. Really made me happy seeing an old school horse like her win it and it made me a little happier about this whole year. =)

[@mikepauly4855]

AMEN

[@sgtrock2821]

We got Biden instead smfh

[@David.L291]

no matter how many times I watch this it really gets me deep in the throat and heart so much, the big boys don't always win as so proved Seabiscuit, when all seems lost in your life just take the inspiration of this great Seabiscuit

[@DeadWhalesSociety]

Whale yeah :)

[@lesliearblaster2711]

Dynamite comes in small packages! Nobody thought Hidalgo could win the distance race across the Arabian desert, but he,a little gutsy mustang, did it. Yep, the Biscuit was one of the great ones!🐎👍

[@MariaProvencio-wb5qm]

He truly was amazing and super and he was America's horse. What a beautiful true champion 🏆🏆🏆🏆. Rest in peace Seabiscuit!!!!! From Buena Park CA USA

[@courtneybesser7444]

They did such a good job replicating how the real race between Seabiscuit and War Admiral went. Incredible! Start to finish.

[@rickbateman2401]

As far as sports related movies, this has to be one of the most accurate I’ve seen - except for two things: War Admiral is depicted as being so much bigger and more powerful than Seabiscuit when in fact they were very similar in size. The other problem I had was how they depicted the Santa Anita Handicap - In the movie Seabiscuit was shown at the back of the field, struggling and having to catch up when in the real race he was never further back than 3rd or 4th.

[@jeffwasher355]

@@rickbateman2401 Yeah, everyone seems to forget Admiral was not built like his father. Biscuit was the exact same size. Both were 15'2 hands tall.

[@bashali696]

@@jeffwasher355 Biscuit was a small racehorse which helped because the racing breeds and horses are typically small and fast.

[@jeffwasher355]

@@bashali696 that's not the point I was making. What I was saying is in the movie they made War Admiral out to be this huge horse when he wasn't. Him and Biscuit were THE EXACT SAME SIZE.

[@bashali696]

@@jeffwasher355 I saw your point. I was only saying how Biscuit’s build helped him. He was only a hand bigger than a pony.

[@luckybenny8871]

When the biscuit crosses the finish line in triumph, the music predictably goes up with a swell, the crowd shots of the folks goin nuts are expected. Yet, it feels like every time I see this, it somehow feels like the first time. And I couldn't care less how predictable the reactions are to the finish. This is THAT GOOD. The shot of Gary Stevens in victory repose gives me the chills. Every time. MAGNIFICENT. This is how Hollywood used to make em, and should.

[@luckybenny8871]

Cheryl Lynne We the public are STARVING for good stories told well. Its understood that the cost of making 'A' list features has skyrocketed. And that's the reason for all the fanboy fare that has built-in audiences. But a great story, is still a great story. Fanboy movie fatigue is setting in. The gutless Hollywood execs should start growing a pair and go back to telling the great stories. Stories that will reward them handsomely from a VERY grateful moviegoing public.

[@iandonaghy6342]

michael paulino q

[@spidertycoon6]

RIP popcorn deelites, the horse who plays seabiscuit in this scene. Passed away today while in retirement at Old Friends Farm in KY

[@martamorales669]

Gduvxndjvfjyrrrtj m v

[@ASupremeOwl]

Turn him loose, Turn him loose... What a film

[@kevinhinkley7359]

“Come on, Biscuit! “ The passion and devotion to the horse of the Howard’s totally evident with that line and the emotion displayed.

[@kwgrid]

It is so cool to see Gary Stevens and Chris McCarron in this movie. Two real-life hall of fame jockeys.

[@abigaildeeks8328]

Chris McCarron was the jockey stunt coordinator for this movie. When you read the credits you’ll recognize a lot of names

[@jskobe808]

I remember see this movie in theaters. This scene completely lifted the audience out of their seats. A masterpiece of a film.

[@lescovington4277]

The horse was a pure hunk of steel with a tremendous engine. This was Red's description. Amazing story about a truly magnificent animal. If not the greatest of all time is certainly top 5.

[@sherylejeffers9491]

Secretariat is the Greatest of all time...no other horse beat any horse by 31 lengths my top 5 are Secretariat then Seabiscuit then Zenyatta Citation then Ruffian.. what is yours?

[@TommyRibs]

Secretariat, Man o War, Seabiscuit and yes War Admiral. Seabiscuit was truly a great horse. He had a lot of quirks.

[@USS-SNAKE-ISLAND]

Lotta folks feel Man o War is even greater than Secretariat. That didn't make sense to me until I learned that Man o War often ran with extra weight so other horse could have a chance to win. Crazy stuff. Also, Man o War wore steel shoes. Secretariat wore aluminum shoes. BUT I still believe Secretariat is the greatest.

[@bryandedon7459]

@@sherylejeffers9491 some horse won by 40 something. I forget his name though or what race it was it.

[@loribragg2947]

Secretariat and Man O'War were both outstanding horses, but they did not have the same levels of adversity to overcome that Seabiscuit had. They were the Gold Standard of physical perfection. They were treated like royalty. Seabiscuit had EVERYTHING against him--less-than-perfect conformation, early trainers that abused and overworked him, not understanding his complex personality. To sustain a severe leg injury, recover, and then go on to win the race at Santa Anita--THAT is a truly outstanding horse. His sheer indomitable spirit makes him stand out from the rest. He may not have the fastest track record, or the greatest number of wins, but in my book, he is the greatest race horse in racing history.

[@venka_ayacon]

This movie is so underrated! I could watch it in loop!

[@starchaserz]

There are so many layers to this movie but one thing is sure. They truly captured Seabiscuit and his heart to race. I love horse racing . This is such a good film!

[@fewpoundcory]

"So long charlie. Yah!", "Turn him loose!!", "And here comes seabiscuit!"... best 3 consecutive lines in a movie ever.

[@timfrancis1685]

I kinda liked,come on biscuit

[@_smoked_gray2011]

Agreed

[@Banff1998]

Made an iMovie of favorite movie scenes, including best quotes. 161 made the list. And yes, “So long, Charlie!” Is in there!

[@itisknown1495]

The horse neighing letting him know its time to go tho

[@samaraloterio9874]

corldadecavato

[@IdaSantti]

I cry with this scene. Everytime, can't help it.

[@imuawarriors]

musician here - the music is well-written and performed and is a big reason for the emotional tidal wave....

[@wizard9403]

@@imuawarriors Who would have thought that Randy Newman could have composed that remarkable score!!!

[@edyoung6573]

I do too!!! I cant figure it out!!!

[@robertsamson4610]

I have never been a horse person, but Biscuit stole my heart. The little horse that could. God bless you SeaBiscuit. ^^

[@avi_nash5621]

Same here

[@robertlathrop6135]

Seabiscuit's time that afternoon was the fastest ever recorded to that date on the Pimlico racetrack. A sportswriter wrote that Seabiscuit has the kind of speed that is called Kiss the Boys Goodbye.

[@SaraNightfire1]

Fun fact from the book: The day of the race the Pimlico Racetrack's bell broke and wasn't working. Smith "kindly" volunteered to let them use his. He spoke about it afterwards with dancing eyes to anyone who knew him... So he probably was in charge of the bells malfunction.

[@kwgrid]

LOL Love it!!

[@fiction7829]

This scene was shot so beautifully, especially from 4:16 and 4:32 when they get a close up biscuit pulling away from Admiral

[@thepouge1]

I wish it started with Johnny speaking about why he needs to let Biscuit look him in the eye and the documentary style build up to the race. Really builds the race scene to an even more emotional moment.

[@kwgrid]

When Biscuit takes off at the end, I cry every. single. time.

[@hathor1985]

For everyone who likes horses, but also who does not, this movie is a must see; based on a true story,this movie merged drama,emotion and horse races seamless together. Tobey Maguire is very convincing as a jockey, and Seabiscuit is the silent star.

[@naynaystjohn9266]

More true to Seabiscuit's story than Disney's Secretariat....

[@elliotjames5172]

Chris Cooper is so magnificent. I wish he was in every movie.

[@josephgallo3241]

He was actually in 2 Academy nominated films that year “ Seabiscuit” and “American Beauty”. How the Academy chose the depressing American Beauty for Best Picture over the uplifting Seabiscuit is beyond me!!

[@qbertq1]

When the bell rings, it is 30 seconds of superb film making ...

[@patriciastoj126]

The most ethereally beautiful movie ever. Perfection.

[@A1Pro77]

Every time I hear Elizabeth Banks yell “C’MON BISCUIT!” I cry like a baby.

[@PeterLafluer12]

Am I the only one who gets emotional when Seabiscuit takes back the lead?

[@mannonmission1]

no...you are not!!

[@sugargamer353]

Shane Bowman No I did too

[@paulcleary9694]

I am no racing expert,but after watching the real race,the timing of GW seems perfect.And yes,truly emotional.

[@reverehswomenssoccer6709]

George Monroe Woolf was one of the best jockeys ever. He'd already ridden Seabiscuit quite a bit in 1938 due to injuries sustained by Red Pollard. Woolf had been aboard Seabiscuit in the 1938 running of the Santa Anita Handicap, which they lost in large part due to an early foul, and had ridden him to victory in the 1938 Hollywood Gold Cup, which they won despite being 14 lengths back in the early going. So Woolf was not unfamiliar with Seabiscuit's running characteristics. Seabiscuit was typically a pace stalker, who ran with the pack or just off the leaders, counting on a late burst of speed to win. This style suited Woolf, who was an intense student of horse racing, his rival jockeys, and their mounts, and who knew the weaknesses of his opposition and how to exploit them. In the match race, however, Smith and Woolf trained Seabiscuit to run contrary to his normal form: instead of counting on him to stalk War Admiral, he was trained to break quickly and to out-sprint his uncle (oh, yes - War Admiral was Seabiscuit's uncle :-) to the first turn. Smith was aware that in races started from a walk-up the first horse to the first turn had a psychological advantage. Then, too, War Admiral - who was a notoriously fast breaker - was accustomed to leading throughout his races and not used to seeing the any horse ahead of him. Besides his well-known affiliation with Seabiscuit, Woolf also was the winning jockey in the first Santa Anita Handicap, aboard Azucar; won the 1936 Preakness aboard Bold Venture; and finished second in the Kentucky Derby twice. Sadly, Woolf died in 1946 due to injuries sustained in a fall during a race. Woolf had type I diabetes, and supposition is that he passed out in the saddle due to his disease.

[@antoikirs6277]

Shane Bowman tears peeps tears

[@rainwaterd]

"So Long Charlie" was actually said, according to the book. .....also, according to the book, the jockey on War Admiral realized right away that Seabisquit was faster. The jockey for Seabisquit commented, in the book, that when he and War Admiral were running even, War Admiral was running so hard that his eyes were rolling around in his head. Something that wasn't mentioned in the movie is that all of Seabisquits races were run handicapped in California. It was discussed that 5 pounds was big, but Seabisquit often had as much as 15 extra pounds....huge.

[@maxwellsmart36]

One other thing not mentioned was that if someone thought that maybe War Admiral was off and ran a poor race in fact it was the fastest race he ever ran.

[@SaraNightfire1]

War Admiral hated running side by side horses to the point where it became a contest on who can outlast the other. He loved crushing the competition and running ahead, but a head to head race (something that Man O War when pushed did extremely well in.) He couldn't hold out against another horse. Smith saw that in the beginning in another race where he didn't fall apart, but faltered long enough for it to be seen as a sign they could beat him. That was Seabiscuit's specialty, something that he took so much pleasure in it was hard to keep him racing fit because he would only exercise well in those conditions and his stablemates after the first time being treated like that most of the time refused to exercise with him again. That was a milder reaction to the aftermath of working with Seabiscuit. Both Pollard, Smith and Howard knew this when going into the race. Woolf might have had a feeling it would work, but trusted Pollard and Smith to do it. War Admiral might not have been faster, but he was broken by what Seabiscuit did to him in that race enough to never race as well as he did after that race.

[@naynaystjohn9266]

War Admiral was also a great horse. Red Pollard KNEW Seabiscuit and War Admiral. That's why he told George Woolfe to let Biscuit look him in the eye----no horses had done that. War Admiral was a ball of fire like his sire. He didn't know a true challenge OR defeat....I love them both and they're both legends.

[@naynaystjohn9266]

Why WA's owner Sam Riddle demanded a walk-up start, possibly. Tom Smith allegedly trained Seabiscuit with that firehouse bell....

[@SaraNightfire1]

WA HATED the gate... To the point where to put him in it they put a twitch (a loop over the horses upper lip, mainly to calm the horse down for unpleasant things needed to be done) on his lip once to get him inside because he went berserk at the sight of it. The owner (Samuel Riddle, same owner as Man O'War) threw a fit about the incident and never went back to the track. He also never wanted to do anything with a gate with WA after that. He had good reason to keep the gate out, WA would've thrown a tantrum before the race started trying to put him in the gate while Seabiscuit would load calmly and wait. He was strongest with the standing start where he had to just stand still until the rope was lifted. He couldn't even do that because he was so strung out that they had to approach the rope at a gallop. Man O'War had the same issues with the rope, to the point where he could delay races for minutes wearing himself out being hyped up for the race. Man O'War himself was a demon later on in life when it came to temperament. Watch some old videos of him or the book about him from Dorothy Ours and you can really see where WA inherited his temper. Funnily enough: Man O'War could hold against competition looking him in the eye. There was one race where he raced against the second top horse of the U.S. and the horse carried ten to twenty pounds less than he did, Man O'War slipped and fell on the track at the beginning of the race, causing him to lose ground and be forced to run side by side with the second horse. (He was so dominating at this point no one wanted to race against him.) The jockey also wasn't stupid enough to let Man O'War slow down and conserve, the whole goal at that point was to run him to the point where they hoped his tank would be empty before the lighter horse was. They flat out sprinted a mile and a quarter through blistering suicide fractions that shattered world records at the time side by side before the second horse finally gave up the final 8th of a mile of the race. Man O'War continued to dominate beyond that, the other horse wasn't the same after being so badly beaten.

[@heyboo4764]

We went to this film and immediately got lost in the story. Theater wasn't crowded at all. There was small group of college girls chattering away at the beginning, but they quickly fell silent as the film moved along. When Sea Biscuit finally turned it on those college girls were each cheering. It was beautiful!

[@martymcmannis9121]

The underdog that showed them all. I loved that movie. Thanks for the memories

[@mifnp8887]

I get the distinct feeling these horses KNOW their pride is at stake. When the crowd cheers, Seabiscuit is like, 'Yea, that's for me and don't forget it!' :)

[@grogery1570]

Ironically all the money was on War Admiral so most of the people there thought Seabiscuit didn't have a chance which is my, today, we say "that really takes the biscuit"!

[@raygordonteacheschess5501]

Horses race in the wild. All animals do. It's part of playfighting and teaching each other how to deal with predators.

[@numbernine6390]

Young horses in the field will make an effort to lead the group same as children.

[@aproxamillionwasps474]

Yeah, that’s what happens when you learn about animals from movies...

[@amandabilger2235]

Most people don't realize it but horses actually know if they won or not. I don't think it is that they understand it the way that we do. They just know that when they are the one in the lead of "the herd" they get treated differently. I groomed a colt once that actually sulked for 3 days after he lost a race. He knew he didn't win because he didn't get the special treatment.

[@hmsljj]

Still gives me the chills when Elizabeth Banks screams "Come on Biscuit!" ...

[@marvinmartin4692]

One of my all time favorite movies, documentary, and story! God how we need something like this today! The little guy beats the rich guy!

[@JasonRyanWilson]

When Chris Cooper says, "TURN HIM LOOSE!" Just like he did In A Time To Kill. The tears flow from my eyes! I love it.

[@teresaferrer4748]

Such a Beautiful story,and a Beautiful movie.

[@blaydeesy2005]

This whole movie is brilliant. From beginning to end, amazingly brilliant.

[@barbaramcelhiney5934]

Love this movie. Incredible bond between good horses (and good dogs) and good men. Perfect casting and real emotion. Thank you.

[@redcaddiedaddie]

One of the best-filmed horse races in movie history, IMHO... 3:05 & again @ 3:40... the bluuurrr of the background as these horses run past gives a great perspective of how f*cking FAST these beautiful animals can run! Just jaw-dropping...!!!

[@roxanacaravia2393]

And the horses synchronization is amazing too

[@MrTr3D]

Sweet. The underdog beats the rich and arrogant. I remember this movie. Great movie.

[@judypasqualone5392]

I just watched movie on HBO...when Seabiscuit ran Pimlico I got chills as if I were there! What a story! And I wasn't born till 1950 but I can imagine the huge excitement. He was a beautiful horse . The movie was great as was the cast...Jeff Bridges and Chris Cooper two of my favs!! ❤️

[@santosh1303]

While I have better knowledge of movies in my native language, Hollywood movies on the other hand were always suggested by someone or I always Googled them, or IMDBed them. But Seabiscuit wasn't the case. One day I came back home in the early morning hours from a small trip to nearby town. Having slept on the road, I was not feeling sleepy. So I switched on the TV. After switching several channels I found one movie channel and they were playing a horse movie. I saw horse so I stayed. I got hooked to the TV instantly. It was such a great movie that I watched it completely without blinking me eyes. Thank God my other friends were sleeping, so I had the TV all for myself. Man, was I awe struck!!?? That was one of the best movie I ever saw. This almost never happens that you find a movie accidently and it goes up in your top 10 or top 20. More than racing, for me this movie was about the natural bond that we share with other human, animals and other objects. About how these bond can heal is from the gravest pains. I loved how 4 broken hearts come together and find cure in each other. Every one of these 4 characters that's owner, Jackie, master and Seabiscuit are great characters. Lot to learn from. Touched.

[@virginialawler7725]

Great memory to share. Thanks a lot.

[@alexalex13131]

The book knocked me out. And the movie did it justice.

[@supapsych191]

Seabiscuit and Secretariat both legend horses.

[@evahmr2252]

Don’t forget ruffian😭

[@shadowwalker9450]

@@evahmr2252 Her last race still hurts me to this day

[@evahmr2252]

@@shadowwalker9450 irk😭😭

[@felixsy4923]

And justify to mention!

[@jenny_hawkmoon]

And raffian

[@PlaceStillMatters]

I’m here to tell you this is some serious magical movie-making.

[@dorpets]

So long Charlie...! Unbelievable scene from an absolutely brilliant movie! PS. Gary Stevens... the best!

[@dermangoschaler182]

best scene :)

[@Z0M81ERANGER]

This legendary horse was actually a distant relative to Secretariat through Fair Play (Seabiscuit’s great grandsire & Secretariat’s great-great-great grandsire). Makes sense that these 2 legends would be related with how much heart they put into this sport & the mark they left in history as well as the people who had the chance to witness their glory in person.

[@jessica13100]

If you search up the actual footage of this race between Seabiscuit and War Admiral on youtube, you will see the movie made this scene exactly like the actual race. It is amazing!

[@denniscassley2569]

"TURN HIM LOOSE!!" The great Chris Cooper, at his FINEST!!

[@jordanw5833]

Never cared about horse racing as a kid but for some reason this was the first DVD I ever asked my parents for and have it to this day. Great film

[@mitchellmontesano8769]

Most definitely one of my favorite films ever. Makes the hair stand up on my arms and gets the adrenaline flowing.

[@vickihunt8988]

Seabiscuit was so amazing. I love watching this race.

[@vickihunt8988]

I loved Seabiscuit too. ❤❤❤

[@robertristaneo921]

Chills, and beyond.

[@williambeckett8757]

My grandfather was there that day at Pimlco, my dad was just 2 years old and my grandfather was in the infield. He loved horse racing and new Seabiscuit was gonna win.( he just new.!...lol). Even made side bets at work, and made a few bucks. I'm 65 and go to Pimlico when ever I can and never miss the Preakness knowing he was there where I'm at. It's an inspiring story that the country needed at that time. They are gonna remodel Pimlico in a few years and move it to laurel Park until the work is done,but Pimlico will be back I hope. Seabiscuits statue will remain there always. ❤ 🏇

[@michaeldeegan2355]

Loved hearing and watching this wonderful horse Seabiscuit.

[@ZmQuad]

I don’t know if it’s real or not … but the personality they gave the horse by the instruction of “let him look the other horse in the eye” … goosebumps. It went from a horse, to a living, breathing, thinking creature in my eye. I watched this movie run effort to sleep with girl …. And ended up completely captivated by this movie

[@christiebrown3223]

I watched this movie again . I love it at the end of match race with war admiral the horse playing seabiscuit is practically prancing back to the winners circle like he knew he had won. I believe horses do know and bask in their applause and glory.

[@chrismarshall6647]

It is amazing to watch this interaction between horse and human. These are incredible creatures.

[@taffy7hfa897]

Beautifully shot race scene which never fails to bring a tear to my eye and I have no idea why, I admire horses but have no particular interest in them. must be something primal to do with the symbiotic relationship between them and us I guess.

[@Dobiegal]

You need to watch the original Black Stallion with Kelly Reno and Mickey Rooney. The pre race and race s cene are equally emotional, and the horse who played The Black, Cass Ole, was a stunningly beautiful Arabian Horse who was a near perfect specimen for the breed.

[@Flufferz626]

Watch Black Beauty, or read the novel.

[@lynseehoadley6370]

Your adrenaline and love for the storyline and horses makes it happen

[@thorne1239]

There is an old English saying that's been attributed to many famous people including Winston Churchill, that rings true. "The outside of a horse, is good for the inside of a man." There is something primeval about our admiration for horses, sort of a genetic envy of them being about to fly without wings.

[@raymonda5476]

George told the author of Seabiscuit, that he felt that Seabiscuit was going as fast as he could, and then to his astonishment, he would feel a surge and the horse would go even faster.

[@constantdarkfog49]

Seabiscuit sure earned his place at the top in racing history, glad they made his movie.

[@smolsfamilyreactions]

I am a huge horse racing fan. I used to work in the industry as an exercise rider. I'm also a huge movie fan. This scene is the perfect marriage of both. The racing, using Gary Stevens and Chris McCarron, is believable, the close ups, the far away shots and capturing the feel of when this took place, the black and white stills at the beginning of the race, the beautiful cinematography during the race, the perfect angles, the shot of Seabuscuit crossing the line and then blurring as we see the back of Jeff Bridge's and Elizabeth Bank's heads as they jump in celebration, the music.... this scene is perfection!

[@109367]

Best racehorse movie I've ever seen, possibly the greatest ever, loved this film

[@KendallLitwin]

Also, interesting fact for you about Seabiscuit and War Admiral: the two champions were actually related. A stallion named Fair Play sired Man o' War, and Man o' War sired War Admiral and Hard Tack. Hard Tack was Seabiscuit's father, making Seabiscuit War Admiral's nephew.

[@LPJack02]

RIP George “Iceman” Woolf (May 31, 1910 - January 4, 1946), aged 35 And RIP Seabiscuit (May 23, 1933 - May 17, 1947), aged 14 You both will always be remembered as legends.

[@57highland]

How did Mr. Woolf die?

[@LPJack02]

@@57highland He was riding a horse called Please Me at Santa Anita Park. On the first turn, he suddenly fell off the horse. He hit the ground with so much force that he suffered a fatal concussion and passed away the following day.

[@57highland]

It's nice to know that "Georgie" had a moment of true glory before such a tragic accident. One of my favorite lines in this film was near the beginning, when George looked at Red in the starting gate and said, "He's a little small, isn't he?" And Red answered, "He's gonna look a lot smaller in a few minutes, Georgie!" My father was a big fan of Gary Stevens.

[@stevek8829]

@@57highland was google too difficult?

[@stevek8829]

@@57highland he won plenty of more important races than a staged event match race.

[@borissavovic3607]

War Admiral: I won triple crown Seabiscuit:Hold my beer

[@cullenosbourn3304]

😂🤣 I love it !

[@engineeredwalls3569]

He drank that beer and promptly went out and spanked the triple crown winner. Seabiscuit was a scrub,undersized,lazy,broken down,angry cart pony. Until he wasn't.

[@elpoderosaso]

at 3:40, i could watch a 10 hour version of that scene alone. The way they look when they are running like that is just something to admired.

[@DonStrong-f5w]

I was born in 1947. I remember as I was growing up that people still talked about the Seabiscuit/War Admiral match race and Seabiscuit in general. The movie segment of this race is one of only two times I have had chills running up and down my spine. The other: Secretariat winning the Belmont Stakes by 31 lengths.

[@edvaldovalsique4860]

Seabiscuit legend! From Brazil! 💚💛

[@joedanvers1010]

I seriously watch this clip every time it comes up in my feed....AMAZING!!!!!!

[@Chiefkeef02]

One of the most well done scenes in cinematic history, change my mind.

[@codymoe4986]

Not many stone masons are into horse racing, I guess... P.S. If this scene is so perfect, what use in even challenging it? Other than to bolster your own ego with an argument to the contrary? Nevermind...just answered my own question...

[@israelramirezserrato7793]

Excelente película. Saludos a todos aquellos aficionados a las carreras de Caballos..

[@ManosKantilas]

What a movie!!! The production was outstanding, and directed in perfection. The music score at the key moments... just beautiful. Secretariat movie is like a "B movie" compared with this masterpiece, and i feel so sorry for that.

[@galemirro3061]

This is what we need today. The little normal guy out doing the rich and famous

[@terryrussel3369]

They are out there Gale, By the Million all over the world but we have allowed the rich and power mad to become vicious and keep us ignorant of them.

[@j20tower]

Anyone else with tears on their keyboard?

[@greg657]

j20tower every single time, and my throat gets tight as well. Best movie ever and I'm not even into horses.

[@dagmarrauh3651]

Me

[@taffy7hfa897]

Likewise.

[@karensinger1924]

YES!! 2018! Best movie...💕💕

[@stevemccart9109]

I'm usually critical of sports films but I've seen this movie dozens of times and I still love it.