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Horse Racing

Heartwarming Tale of Eight Friends and Their Bargain Racehorse Turned Winner

From Echovelvet Productions ..IT’S SHOWTIME.Tuesday 16th April 2024 on ITV1 and ITVX..Pictured: (l-r) Kev, Baz, Jeff, Ste, “Showtime Mahomes” Anth, Dog, Nick and Mike. ..Photographer: Stuart Wood ..(C) ITV..Press Release Information.9pm, April 16th 2024.ITV (90mins)..ITV and Echo Velvet are pleased to announce the commission of a 90-minute documentary It’s Showtime, a powerful true story about a group of working-class men from Darlington in the North East of England who one night, while having a few beers, decided to club together to buy a racehorse. ..A decision that would change their lives forever when their bargain basement horse, Showtime Mahomes, started winning…..In May 2022, Showtime Mahomes (named after Patrick ‘Showtime’ Mahomes, the NFL quarterback with 2024 Super Bowl Champions, the Kansas City Chiefs) ran the race of his life, as he defeated a field of high pedigree favourites to win at York – the Ascot of the North. An astonishing feat for a three-year old sprinter with no proven pedigree, owned by a group of men looking to have some fun...This film gallops out of the gate with Showtime's return to the racing season in 2023, starting with his first race at Ripon we follow Showtime’s owners, who named themselves The Muffed Punt Partnership, and their horse's nail-biting bid to return to York to recapture his former glory. Showtime Mahomes is now a four-year old and, in his racing prime, but is he able to win again? It’s an almighty ask. ..Whatever the outcome, these men know they have an unbreakable bond with their horse and each other proving that with friendship, love and a huge number of laughs, anything is possible....Lucy Whelan, Executive Producer, says; “Through Showtime’s journey we see the classic British underdog come to life, and see a group of men learning to work together. As filming went on, we saw an unexpectedly strong bond between the men, and the shared experience giving them a safe space to support each other through life’s ups and downs as the racing year progressed.”..Nicola Lloyd, Commissioning Editor, Factual for ITV, says: "This is a very moving and heartwarming story about male friendship, mental health and solidarity, all told through the prism of one incredible and unlikely hero - Showtime! To see this group of largely under-represented working class men open up to each other whilst following a nail biting racing season for Showtime, this film will have you laughing, cheering and sobbing right until the last frame."..It’s Showtime was commissioned by Nicola Lloyd for ITV from Echo Velvet. Executive Producer Lucy Whelan, Producer & Directed by Luke Campbell. ...For further information please contact Peter Gray.Mob 07831460662 / [email protected] photograph is (C) *** and can only be reproduced for editorial purposes directly in connection with the programme or event mentioned herein...Once made available by ITV plc Picture Desk, this photograph can be reproduced once only up until the transmission [TX] date and no reproduction fee will be charged...Any subsequent usage may incur a fee...This photograph must not be manipulated [excluding basic cropping] in a manner which alters the visual appearance of the person photographed deemed detrimental or inappropriate by ITV plc Picture Desk...This photograph must not be syndicated to any other company, publication or website, or permanently archived, without the express written permission of ITV Picture Desk...Full Terms and conditions are available on the website www.itv.com/presscentre/itvpictures/terms.

Unlikely Beginnings

Eight lads from Darlington walk into a bar and end up buying a racehorse together for £8,000, which later becomes a big winner, changing their lives forever.

Friendship and Resilience

The group's story goes beyond horse racing as they support each other through tough times, forming a strong bond that helps them navigate life's challenges.

A Beacon of Hope

The horse, named Showtime Mahomes, becomes a source of solace for the friends, bringing joy and a renewed sense of friendship, ambition, and hope.

Overcoming Adversity

Through personal struggles like loss and family challenges, the syndicate finds comfort and support in their shared ownership of Showtime Mahomes.

An Unbreakable Bond

The friends' journey from buying a racehorse to becoming owners showcases the transformative power of friendship and shared experiences that go beyond the racetrack.

Frequently Asked Questions

What factors influence the outcome of a horse race?

Horse race results are affected by a number of factors, including the horse’s breeding, training, and physical condition. In addition, factors such as the jockey’s skills and experience, track conditions, distances, and weight carried by the horses are important. Weather conditions can be a major factor. Some horses perform better in specific conditions or on certain surfaces.

What types of surfaces are horse races run on?

Horse races are held on a range of surfaces, such as synthetic tracks, turf (grass) and dirt. Horses may perform better on certain surfaces than others. Conditions, such as a wet surface due to rain, may also have a dramatic impact on the outcome of a racing event.

How do betting odds work in horse racing?

In horse racing, betting odds reflect the likelihood of a certain outcome. The odds are usually expressed in fractions or decimals, and they can show how much a better might win if he wins. The odds can change based on how much money is wagered for each horse. This can happen up to the start of the race. These changes will be monitored by a seasoned gambler to make informed decisions.

What role does a jockey have in a horserace race?

The jockey has a major role to play in horse races, since their skills and decision-making can impact the result. A jockey who is experienced knows how to pace a horse, know when to push or hold back, navigate the field and use their whip effectively to get the maximum effort out of the horse during the final stretch. The relationship between the horse and jockey also plays a major role in a successful partnership.

What is the importance of the bloodline of the horse in racing?

Bloodlines are important because they indicate the traits that have been passed on from their ancestors. These include speed, stamina and temperament, all of which are critical to racing success. Breeders look at a horse’s bloodline to determine its potential. They then match the stallions to mares that will produce horses with desirable characteristics.

Statistics

  • Horse racing events in the United Kingdom draw in a yearly attendance of over 6 million people.
  • The Kentucky Derby, one of the most watched horse racing events, has attracted over 150,000 spectators in a single event.
  • The Melbourne Cup, Australia’s most prestigious horse race, sees an average attendance of over 100,000 spectators each year.
  • There are over 9.2 million horses in the United States, with a significant portion of these bred for the purpose of racing.
  • As of the latest reports, the horse racing industry contributes approximately $40 billion annually to the U.S. economy.

External Links

kentuckyderby.com

racing.com

racingpost.com

nhra.com

bloodhorse.com

How To

How To Pick the Right Horse to Bet on in Horse Racing

If you want to select the right horse, first check the race results for information on horses and jockeys. Look for consistently good performance over recent races. Consider the previous class levels that the horse has competed in, and determine if it’s improving or deteriorating. Track conditions also influence a horse’s ability to perform, so take into account the horse’s previous success on a particular track (dirty, turf or synthetic). The horse‘s behavior during warm-up and in the paddock can give you a clue as to whether it is prepared to perform. Finally, consider the odds as a reflection of how the betting public views the horse’s chances, but trust your own analysis.