Kentucky Derby Winner Mine That Bird May Star in His Own Biopic
'Dances
With Wolves' producer Jim Wilson is set to
direct the film about the 50-to-1 longshot
who won last year's race.
Jim Wilson, the Academy Award-winning producer of Dances With Wolves, The Bodyguard and Wyatt Earp, will direct the film. Elizabeth Gaylynn Baker will serve as writer and producer, and Pieter Kroonenburg, the president of Kingsborough Pictures, will produce as well.
Among those being considered for roles are Mine That Bird himself and charismatic jockey Calvin Borel, who rode the horse to its thrilling victory for one of his three Kentucky Derby wins. (Mine That Bird already has a credit, appearing on Conan O'Brien's Tonight Show.)
Mine that Bird, who will run in this weekend's Breeders' Cup at Churchill Downs, is owned by New Mexicans Mark Allen and Leonard Blach and was trained on their ranches in Roswell, N.M. (The owners' production entity is dubbed New Mexico Llc.)
Producers have committed to use New Mexico crews and talent whenever possible and to shoot the majority of the picture within the state. Preproduction is scheduled to begin in February.
Trainer Chip Woolley drove 21 hours straight to get Mine That Bird from New Mexico to Louisville for the Run for the Roses. The gelding was in last place for much of the race, but Borel maneuvered Mine That Bird along the rail on a rain-soaked track to take the lead.
The horse won by 6 3/4 lengths, the greatest margin of victory in the Derby since 1946. A $2 wager to win returned $103.20, giving Mine That Bird the second-biggest upset in Kentucky Derby history.
"His story reminds us to do what we
love if we want to succeed," said Mine
That Bird producer Price Hall. "The Bird
has clearly inspired people wherever he
has run, and time and again he has been
called 'Everyman's Horse,' setting a
great example for the small guy who can
win against all odds if he just sets his
mind to it."
"America loves an underdog," said
Elizabeth Gaylynn Baker,
writer/producer.
The producing team is further
complemented by New Mexicans Tony Mark
(Executive Producer for Academy Award
winning THE HURT LOCKER), Earl Robinson,
Liz Servis and Nick Ward, as well as Los
Angeles attorney, Rick Morse.
For more information, go to
www.minethatbirdthemovie.com
Photo by: Jamie Squire/Getty Images