The Barbados Derby Promotional Film
An insight into the wonderful history, culture and heritage of Horse Racing in Barbados, within the beautiful and unique environment of the island and its people told passionately by some of the key characters in the sport.
About the Film
The Client
Our client, a leading organisation dedicated to capturing the rich history and culture of global sports, commissioned Agility Films to produce a captivating documentary about the horse racing culture in Barbados. Horse racing in Barbados holds a special place in the hearts of the local people, with a long history that dates back to the colonial era. This project sought to preserve and showcase the passion, heritage, and dedication that defines the sport in this unique setting.
The Brief
Objective
The brief was to create a documentary film that explored the deep-rooted culture of horse racing in Barbados, capturing its historical significance and the profound connection the local people have with the sport. The film was to feature insightful interviews with key individuals in the Barbados horse racing community, including Ted Holder, a respected local trainer, and Dean Springer, a well-known race commentator and veterinarian.
Additionally, the documentary aimed to highlight the natural beauty and environment of Barbados, with specific emphasis on the unique and visually stunning aspects of the island’s horse racing culture. One of the standout elements of the film would be the underwater footage showcasing racehorses swimming in the azure waters of the Caribbean, along with aerial drone shots of horses swimming on the beach—creating a cinematic fusion of sport and nature.
The Film
Agility Films approached this project with the goal of blending compelling storytelling with breathtaking visuals. The production team ventured to Barbados, immersing themselves in the island’s vibrant horse racing scene. Through interviews with local figures like trainer Ted Holder and race commentator Dean Springer, the film brought to life the fervour and passion that the people of Barbados have for horse racing. Their personal stories painted a vivid picture of how deeply the sport is embedded in the island’s culture, with centuries-old traditions continuing to shape the racing scene.
The natural beauty of Barbados was key to showcasing the unique relationship between the island’s environment and the sport of horse racing. One of the film’s most striking sequences featured drone footage of horses galloping along the stunning beaches, with the clear, warm waters providing a picturesque backdrop. But it was the underwater shots that truly stood out. Capturing horses swimming gracefully beneath the Caribbean waters, the film highlighted the unbreakable bond between the athletes—both human and horse—and their surroundings.
Through a combination of expert filming techniques, including drone and underwater cinematography, and powerful storytelling, the film effectively portrayed not just the sport but also the heart and soul of Barbados’ horse racing heritage. It was an extraordinary privilege to document this aspect of the island’s culture, providing a lasting tribute to its rich legacy. The resulting documentary successfully conveyed the essence of Barbadian horse racing—its beauty, tradition, and passion—for audiences to enjoy and appreciate.