On the Muscle: Portrait of a Thoroughbred Racing Stable
Victory
Booklist Editors' Choice: Media Winner for 2008
This three-part documentary takes a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at a California Thoroughbred racing stable and premier trainer Richard Mandella, his staff, and a cast of promising horses, including future champion Pleasantly Perfect. Three 60-minute episodes begin with One for the Dirt, as Mandella starts the year (2002) working with three-year-old horses and two-year old “babies” to ready them for the race circuit. Two for the Road continues the quest in April as the three-year-olds race and the two-year-olds continue to train. Three to Get Ready culminates the year, with successes and heartbreaks in various high-stakes races. A short epilogue discusses the horses’ futures. In this nonnarrated program, viewers observe Mandella training and working with the horses and witness his relationship with his dedicated staff and others, including owners, equine veterinarians, jockeys, agents, racing officials, and reporters. With unlimited access to the stables and race tracks, the film vividly captures the highs and lows of Thoroughbred racing and the demands on the equine athletes. Luck plays a part; promising horses suffer injuries, contract illnesses, and lose motivation. Being patient and putting the horse’s best interest first are keystones to Mandella’s philosophy. This stunning production is highly recommended for horse lovers of all stripes. — Debra McLeod