Racing Stripes is a 2005 American family sports comedy-drama film directed by Frederik Du Chau. It stars Hayden Panettiere, Frankie Muniz, Mandy Moore, Michael Clarke Duncan, Jeff Foxworthy, and Whoopi Goldberg. The film tells the story of a zebra named Stripes who wants to be a racehorse and compete in the Kentucky Open.
Stripes was an orphaned zebra that was raised by a friendly farmer and his daughter, Channing - who named him Stripes because of the stripes on his back. Stripes was born on a traveling circus and grew up with horses, thinking he was one of them and dreaming of being a racehorse. He was always fascinated by the beautiful, powerful thoroughbreds that trained on the farm, especially Sir Trenton, a champion stallion.
One day, Stripes accidentally gets loose and runs onto a nearby racetrack, where he meets two cocky teenage flies named Buzz and Scuzz. The flies make fun of Stripes, teasing him about his stripes and telling him that he will never be able to race like the thoroughbreds. Stripes is heartbroken, but his ambition is not broken.
With the help of Channing, her father, and a group of animal friends, including a wise-cracking horse named Tucker, a Shetland pony named Goose, and a sassy goat named Franny, Stripes begins training for the Kentucky Open. The training is tough, and Stripes faces many obstacles: he needs to learn how to run on a track, stay focused, and overcome his fear of jumping.
Despite the odds, Stripes remains determined and optimistic, hoping to prove Buzz and Scuzz wrong and achieve his dream of racing. Along the way, he also learns some important lessons about identity, self-confidence, and perseverance.
Racing Stripes features some exciting and thrilling racing scenes, as well as some humorous moments. It also has a heartwarming message about believing in oneself and following one's dreams, no matter how different or unconventional they may seem.
