Race for the Crown Shows Horse Racing’s Thrills

Race for the Crown competition
Photo Credit: James Gazzale

Elle

May 9th 2025

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Race for the Crown opens the window into the intense world of horse racing during the Triple Crown season of 2024. The series gives viewers a movie-like feeling of what it is like to be a jockey, trainer, and owner, where passion, sweat, determination, and other factors directly compete against the race itself.

Before this series sheds light on the hard aspects of horse racing, your private jets and toasting of champagne with cigars and fireworks, conflicting insights on the commitment, callouses, and ramifications of being an athlete or owner in a highly competitive sport are revealed. Race for the Crown illustrates the friendship and camaraderie, but also gives insightful and disturbing glimpses into the sweat, blood, and tears all intimately fused in preparation for each race in Belmont Stakes. It shows what it’s really like being in an athletic competition where every second matters.

At the center of the docuseries are the individuals who make the sport happen: the jockeys, trainers, and owners. Included is jockey Brian Hernandez Jr., who plays a main character in the series. Brian is considered one of the better riders in the industry, and during the season filmed for the horse racing documentary, he won both the Kentucky Oaks and the Kentucky Derby, allowing the viewer to understand the rigors of getting to the top.

Hernandez also has trainer Kenny McPeek alongside him. McPeek has a long history of training top horses. With his brilliant tactical mind and wealth of experience, he is clearly part of the show. Together, Hernandez and McPeek are not only the essential characters, they show the ultimate commitment and hard work to achieve results.

Race for the Crown also showcases the wealthy team owners who pour their money into the sport. A central figure is Michael Iavarone, who was the winning owner of a Kentucky Derby in 2008. Iavarone won the Derby in 2008 with Big brown and is excited to get back on top of the podium. Much of the series’ narrative centers around Iavarone’s effort to be on top as he navigates the business of horse racing.

Although the action at the racetrack is paramount, Race for the Crown explores the serious business behind the sport. In horse racing documentary the importance of money as well as negotiations come into play as factors in the outcome of the season. The show illustrates the pressure of making the right moves as one mistake will cost millions in a Belmont Stakes.

Michael Iavarone’s journey through the series highlights the importance of deals and partnerships in horse racing documentaries. A key moment occurs when he and fellow Derby-winning owner Ramiro Restrepo nearly strike a deal over 2023 Derby champion Mage. However, the two couldn’t reach an agreement, leaving Iavarone disappointed. Instead of dwelling on the missed opportunity, Iavarone shifts his focus to 2024, buying into Restrepo’s promising colt, Victory Avenue.

Unfortunately, things don’t go as planned for Iavarone. Victory Avenue does not make it to the starting gate for the Kentucky Derby and that seven-figure deal that looked so promising may now be just another misstep. This twist further underscores the madness of success in the horse racing documentary that the business, as even the best-laid plans can go awry at the last moment.

The crown jewel of horse racing is principally attaching the Triple Crown to the Kentucky Derby, the Preakness Stakes, and the Belmont Stakes. Triple Crown is viewed as the ultimate in horse racing and there comes the defining moment for a jockey, trainer, or owner to etch their name in history.

However, never think that becoming a Triple Crown winner is a simple thing to do. The series so accurately paints the picture of preparation and dedication one has to go through to even be disturbing the high levels. Each race for the crown is another opportunity to prove worthy, and the pressure is enormous. One mistake can change the outcome of a race for the crown, making every moment crucial. But Race for the Crown also highlights the triumphant moments, when all the effort and determination pay off with a victory.

Race for the Crown gives audiences a rare look at the horse racing world, revealing the challenges faced by those who devote their lives to the sport. The docuseries shows that behind the glitzy exterior of private jets and luxury hotels lies a deeply competitive world, one where every race matters, and every decision carries weight.

The series is also a reminder of the intricacies of horse racing. It isn’t always just about winning races, but making the right moves behind the scenes, whether it be a jockey pushing a horse to the very limit or an owner deciding something of significance for their horse. The entire sport is linked together.

Ultimately, Race for the Crown is far more than a look at horse racing. It shows the challenges, the wins, and losses that sporting fans face in a sport where every second matters video. Whether it be on the track, or in the boardrooms, the docuseries shows horse racing is decided by skill, strategy and perseverance, not just luck.

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