“* * * Sterling!  A great story… and a primer for the uninitiated.”

John Anderson, NEWSDAY

THE FIRST SATURDAY IN MAY

Directed by the Hennegan Brothers

 

SHOWTIMES

 

The Kentucky Derby is one of the grandest spectacles in sports. For enthusiasts it is an excuse to drink mint juleps and wear funny hats. But for the proud participants-trainers, jockeys, and horses-the Derby is the culmination of rigorous training, wise investments, and a lot of luck. Having been exposed to horseracing in their youth, Brad and John Hennegan, who grew up in Huntington, L.I., felt compelled to share the stories of professional horse trainers. The First Saturday in May, their debut documentary, follows six thoroughbreds and their trainers as they compete for a chance at The Kentucky Derby. The film features an eclectic mix of horses and trainers, ranging from underdogs to the heroic 2006 Derby Champion Barbaro. What makes The First Saturday in May such a compelling film is its own ambition. The Hennegan brothers hope that this film will revitalize horseracing as a competitive sport. The stakes are high, but they just may have a chance. -Matthew Garklavs   USA, 2007, 96 min.

Click HERE for official website.

Winner, Special Jury Prize: Austin Film Festival