“There is nothing so good for the inside of a man as the outside of a horse.” – Sir John Lubbock, 1894
Ireland’s Sulky Racers, a new one hour documentary, offers a unique insight into one of Ireland’s most fascinating sub-cultures.
Scorned by media and the mainstream, Ireland’s Sulky Racers care deeply about their ‘coloured’ horses; yet they race on the wild side, illegally, on Sundays at dawn, on dual carriageways blocked off to traffic. The sport and the personalities that drive it have never before been the subject of a television documentary. Until now.
These passionate horsemen race their light-weight traps – sulkies – at startling speeds. When one owner challenges another, his horse’s reputation is at stake. So too are thousands of Euro.
Following a group of owners and drivers based in counties Dublin, Meath, Clare and Limerick, Ireland’s Sulky Racers shows the extremes that these complex and compelling individuals will go to in order to prepare their piebald for race day.
Bernard ‘Gang’ Joyce explains why a horse’s colouring is so crucial; ‘Tea Bag’ takes us around Moyross; and Anthony improves his literacy levels to discover more about horses.
This stimulating, vital documentary explores how horses can help young men to turn their lives around – how animals can provide a focus, a solace and a purpose in communities where precious few opportunities or alternatives exist.
Produced by Midas Productions and directed by Martin Danneels Ireland’s Sulky Racers offers an immersive and engaging perspective on people who are considered to be on the fringes of Irish society.
With over 30 productions, Midas Productions’ previous documentaries for RTÉ include ‘Inside Probation’ & ‘Women on the Inside.’
Martin Danneels is director of the acclaimed Reality Bites documentary Born Addicted, recently screened on RTE2. Previous work includes the IFTA-nominated series How the Irish have Sex (2009), and Only Fools Buy Horses (2004).
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