Dark Horse (2015)
The remarkable true story of a Welsh village that dared to take on the elite world of horse racing — and nearly won.
Dark Horse - Movie Information
- Original Title: Dark Horse
- Release Year: 2015
- Directed by: Louise Osmond
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Drama, Documentary
- Age Rating (US): PG
- Runtime: 1h 26m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English, Spanish
- Release Date (Theatrical): April 17, 2015 (United Kingdom), May 6, 2016 (United States - PG)
- Alternative Titles: Cavalo obscuro (BR)
- Production Companies: Picturehouse Entertainment, Film4 Productions
- Production Countries: United Kingdom
Dark Horse - Plot
The larger than life true story of how a barmaid in a poor Welsh mining village convinces some of her fellow residents to pool their resources to compete in the "sport of kings" with a racehorse they would breed and raise.
Dark Horse - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see the extraordinary journey of Dream Alliance unfold:
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Dark Horse - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Louise Osmond
Writers
- Louise Osmond
Producers
- Judith Dawson
Dark Horse - FAQs
Is Dark Horse based on a true story?
Yes, Dark Horse is entirely based on a true story. It chronicles how Janet Vokes, a barmaid from the Welsh village of Cefn Fforest, persuaded her working-class neighbours to form a syndicate and breed Dream Alliance, a racehorse that went on to compete against thoroughbreds owned by the British elite.
What happened to Dream Alliance in the end?
Dream Alliance had a remarkable career, winning several prestigious races and nearly claiming the Welsh Grand National. After suffering a serious tendon injury, the syndicate faced a heartbreaking decision over his treatment. His story became a symbol of working-class resilience against the entrenched privilege of the horse racing establishment.
Where to watch Dark Horse online?
Dark Horse is available to buy or rent on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, and YouTube. It can also be purchased on Fandango At Home. Availability may vary by region, so check your preferred platform for current options.
Who directed Dark Horse (2015)?
Dark Horse was directed by Louise Osmond, a British documentary filmmaker. Osmond also served as the film's writer, crafting a narrative that balances the joyful underdog spirit of the syndicate's rise with the sobering realities of class conflict in British society.
What is the age rating for Dark Horse?
Dark Horse is rated PG in the United States, making it suitable for general audiences with parental guidance suggested for younger viewers. The film contains some mild language and emotionally intense moments related to the hardships faced by the syndicate members and the racehorse's injury.
Did Dark Horse win any awards?
Dark Horse received widespread critical acclaim and earned a BAFTA nomination for Best British Film. It was praised for its emotional depth, sharp social commentary, and compelling storytelling, with critics highlighting it as one of the finest British documentaries of its decade.
How long is Dark Horse (2015)?
Dark Horse has a runtime of 86 minutes, or approximately 1 hour and 26 minutes. The film's compact length keeps the narrative tight and propulsive, moving efficiently between the syndicate's hopeful beginnings, Dream Alliance's racing career, and the eventual clash with the racing establishment.
What is Dark Horse (2015) about?
Dark Horse tells the extraordinary true story of Janet Vokes, a Welsh barmaid who persuades residents of a struggling mining village to pool their money and breed a racehorse named Dream Alliance. The film explores themes of class, community, and the audacity of ordinary people daring to challenge a world built for the privileged.
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