Netflix Sports Doc Highlights Horse Racing’s Biggest Rivalries – and Continues Push Into Major Sports Like the NFL
Netflix is continuing its expansion into sports storytelling with its latest documentary series, Race For The Crown, set to premiere April 22. Produced by Box To Box—the creators of hit series like Drive to Survive and Quarterback—the six-part show dives deep into the high-stakes world of horse racing, focusing on the 2024 Triple Crown journey.
The series follows key figures across the racing season, including legendary jockey Frankie Dettori’s move to the United States, and the intense rivalry between prominent owners Mike Repole and John Stewart. It begins with the 2023 Breeders’ Cup and tracks the drama all the way through the Kentucky Derby, Preakness, and Belmont Stakes.
Netflix’s head of sports and factual content, Warren Smith, noted that the show captures not only dramatic finishes but personal storylines—such as jockey Brian Hernandez Jr.’s emotional path to winning both the Kentucky Oaks and Derby alongside trainer Kenny McPeek.
Dettori’s late-career move to L.A. was a surprise addition to the series. Originally considered for an off-track role, he ended up becoming a major on-screen presence after revealing his plans to race full-time in the U.S. His collaboration with trainer Bob Baffert adds another compelling angle.
This push into horse racing is part of Netflix’s broader strategy to build out its sports portfolio. It has already made waves in the NFL world, producing Quarterback—a behind-the-scenes look at the lives of Patrick Mahomes, Kirk Cousins, and Marcus Mariota during the 2022 NFL season. That show earned strong viewership and praise for humanizing the athletes beyond the field.
The goal, according to former Sky Sports Racing CEO Matthew Imi, is to bring new fans into niche and mainstream sports alike. Imi hopes Race For The Crown will not only boost interest in American horse racing but also pave the way for future seasons that may explore international circuits like Royal Ascot, the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, and the Dubai World Cup.
As Netflix continues to blend elite sports with cinematic storytelling, viewers can expect even more immersive series across sports like Formula 1, golf, tennis, and football—including further ventures tied to the NFL.
