Racing industry praise The Race documentary as episode four comes out today

A new documentary that exclusively takes viewers inside the workings of the world’s richest race on turf has been hailed by the racing industry. Watch episode four here.

A new documentary that exclusively takes viewers inside the workings of the world’s richest race on turf has been hailed by the racing industry.

The Daily Telegraph’s six part series The Race chronicles the trials and tribulations of the jockeys, trainers, owners and slot holders as they vie for contention in the $20 million race.

Episode four is out today and talks to the world’s best jockey James McDonald about the tense, nervous silence that falls over the jockey’s room as the clock counts down.

Trainer Bjorn Baker, whose horse Overpass is running in The Everest on Saturday, said The Race gave racing fans an extraordinary insight into what goes into a race like The Everest.

“It is a fantastic way for people to go behind the scenes and see what really goes on in the build up to a big race,” he said.

Bjorn Bakerand wife Andrea with Overpass. Picture: Richard Dobson

“There is so much more to the industry than just the glitz and glamour you see on race day.”

But The Race also captures that glitz and glamour. Australian Turf Club chairman Peter McGauran said the documentary “encapsulates the excitement” of the race itself.

“The series as a whole peels away some of the commonly held misconceptions of racing and reminds people of the rewards and excitement as they really are,” he said.

“It also offers a fascinating insight into how Peter V’landys and Racing NSW revitalised racing for the benefit of all.”

Mark Chittick, the New Zealand based owner of I Wish I Win which will jump from barrier one in The Everest on Saturday, said the documentary had also been well received across The Tasman.

“I thought The Race was fantastic,” he said. “It gave a great insight into the other side of things and showed what goes on to create the multiple aspects of this huge event.”

I Wish I Win is one of the main chances in The Everest. (Photo by Scott Barbour/Racing Photos via Getty Images)

Australian Turf Club director and television presenter Caroline Searcy said the production values of The Race showed there “had been no expense spared in getting it so right”.

“Racing coverage is often so fast,” she said. “To see the time and effort that has gone into it is absolutely outstanding.”

Racing NSW chairman Russell Balding said feedback from those in the industry had been overwhelmingly positive particularly with all of the key slot holders, trainers, jockeys and owners all taking part.

“Having the main players, the people who are involved in the race, you are really getting a behind the scenes look at it. Coupled with that slick production, it is just fabulous.

“It’s a great initiative, it is very well put together and it keeps the interest going in The Everest and in particular the build up to The Everest as the horses come in and out,” he said.

Originally published as Racing industry praise The Race documentary as episode four comes out today