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Movie Synopsis
The Extraordinary Journey of a Crooked-Leg Horse that Shuddered the Racing World
It is a story that has been crying out to be told for over four decades; a story that no fiction writer could ever conceive.
It is the true story of Cañonero: a crooked-legged race horse by obscure parents, who was sold for a paltry $1,200 and arrived in Venezuela with a split hoof and a bad case of worms. Turned over to trainer Juan Arias, who had grown up in the slums of Caracas, this unlikeliest of heroes embarked on arguably the most amazing journey in the annals of Thoroughbred racing, beginning with his flight to the United States on a plane filled with chickens and ducks and continuing through his breathtaking victories in the Kentucky Derby and Preakness.
The ugly duckling that was considered a mockery in the U.S. after arriving in Kentucky had become a national hero in both South and North America, and the pride of Spanish-speaking people from both continents. Cañonero was appropriately called “The People’s Horse” by the New York Times, and the greatest rags to riches story in Sports history by Sports Illustrated.
This is also the true story of a very humble man called Juan Arias, the first African American horse trainer to compete against all odds with the elites of the U.S. horse racing establishment in a Kentucky Derby — and win. It is a tale that strips away our hardened exteriors and reaches into the core of our soul to make the Sport of Kings a magical place that sustains its energy from the implausible truth.
Nobody Saw It Coming
Cañonero's spectacular victories in the Kentucky Derby & the Preakness Stakes set up the stage for a record-breaking attendance in the Belmont Stakes. The colt with a crooked-leg had become "The People's Horse".
Trained in a Non-Conventional Way
Juan Arias was the first African American trainer to compete in a Kentucky Derby in the 20th Century - and win! A self-taught man, Juan had to overcome not only professional criticism for his unique training methods but also struggle with racial injustice.
He Changed Horse Racing Forever
Cañonero launched the Golden Era of horse racing with brilliance, flair and personality! He was embraced by the world - and especially the children. His is, without a doubt, the greatest rags to riches story in Sports. This horse brought out the underdog in all of us!
Cañonero shuddered the Horse Racing World when he ran the 1971 Triple Crown.
Meet The Heroes
The Cañonero Family
Don Pedro Baptista
He is the dreamer and driving force behind the adventure. After losing his entire financial empire, Don Pedro's last card is his humble and beloved bay colt. A visionary like no other, he sets the stage for Cañonero's odyssey through faith and self confidence.
Juan Arias & Gustavo Ávila
Juan grew up in the slums of Caracas. He is a man who fears nothing and will speak his truth and beliefs out loud which will irritate the horse racing establishment. Gustavo is the best Venezuelan jockey of all time but will face an army of super heroes running the 1971 Triple Crown. Both men have extraordinary talents and something in common: their love for Cañonero.
Juan Quintero
Quintero is the horse's groom and therefore the man that spends the longest amount of time with the colt. He and Cañonero develop a special bond - almost as if they were able to feel and hear each other's thoughts. Quintero has a strong Catholic faith and he's a healer of sorts.