The Belmont is one of the world's leading racetracks for thoroughbred racing, and this 114-minute Frederick Wiseman documentary depicts racing as a small industry with corporate attitudes and institutional rituals. Along with the training, maintaining, and racing of the thoroughbreds, the 1985 film details the work of trainers, jockeys, grooms, jockey agents, hot walkers, stablehands, and veterinarians. After the daily routines (caring for the horses, grooming, feeding, shoeing) come preparation for a race, gathering at the grandstand, the pre-race presentation, betting, and the race. Applauding at the finish line, Gene Siskel (Chicago Tribune) wrote, "Racetrack makes all other movies about horse races, including the few cute ones, look like a ride on a cute little merry-go-round."
by Bhob Stewart
synopsis
