Triple Crown season has begun, and horse racing is in the air. Whether you're planning to watch this year's Triple Crown races or not, you can still get in on the action in some of the greatest horse racing movies.

Seabiscuit

There's simply no beating the 2003 movie which chronicles underdog Seabiscuit's rise to racing fame during the Great Depression. Stars Jeff Bridges, Tobey Maguire, and Chris Cooper portray Seabiscuit's unlikely team of owner, jockey, and trainer, all down on their luck and about to be taken on the ride of their lives.

Secretariat

Whether you can remember watching Secretariat's Belmont run or have simply watched the replay on YouTube, you still know the thrill that Big Red brought to America. The 2010 film starring Diane Lane as Penny Chenery chronicles Penny's efforts to establish herself in the world of horse racing after her father’s death. Relive the excitement of this infamous Triple Crown winner in this beautiful film!

The Black Stallion

Who hasn't watched The Black Stallion as a kid? This 1979 film quickly became a household favorite thanks to its thrilling story of Alec’s magical bond with the stunning black stallion. The famous beach scene in which Alec plays with The Black and gallops him bareback is sure to stir the hearts of even adult riders. And, of course, watching Alec train The Black to race and utterly defeating the competition adds a fun touch, too.

Hidalgo

A different sort of horse racing, Hidalgo takes on the long-distance Middle Eastern race, the Ocean of Fire. Frank Hopkins, depicted by Viggo Mortensen, pairs with his Paint, Hidalgo, in accepting a challenge to enter the treacherous race. Stunning footage and moments of comedy make this movie an entertaining watch – and it helps that Mortensen is a horseman, too!

Phar Lap

This 1983 film chronicles one of racing's greatest mysteries: That of the suspicious death of Australian racehorse, Phar Lap. In this movie, stable boy Tommy bonds closely with the stunning race horse and accompanies him during his rise to greatness.

Racing Stripes

Okay, so maybe it’s not quite the same type of movie as the others, but we had to include zebras! Racing Stripes finally gives zebras some time on the big screen, and who can't help but adore the sweet baby zebra in the beginning? This movie has plenty of laughs as Channing trains Stripes to race, and Stripes' own commentary is sure to bring a smile.

The next time that you're kept inside due to a rainy day, pop one of these movies in for a fun dose of horse racing action!

Photo source: ingimage.com

Original source: The 6 Best Horse Racing Movies