Seabiscuit was a thoroughbred racehorse born in 1933, during the height of the Great Depression. He was not a particularly impressive horse – small, knobby-kneed, and with a lazy gait. However, he soon proved himself to be a fierce competitor on the racetrack.
Seabiscuit's story is intertwined with those of several other people affected by the Depression. Charles Howard, a successful businessman who lost his son in a car accident, becomes Seabiscuit's owner. Tom Smith, a taciturn horse trainer who has a gift for understanding animals, is hired to train the horse. And finally, Red Pollard, a jockey who has fallen on hard times and nearly blinded in a racing accident, is chosen to ride Seabiscuit.
Together, these men form a team dedicated to turning Seabiscuit into a champion. They face numerous setbacks, including the horse's early losses on the track and Pollard's injuries. However, they persevere and eventually Seabiscuit begins to win races. His charismatic personality and underdog story captivate the nation, providing a symbol of hope during a difficult time.
Eventually, Seabiscuit faces off against War Admiral, a well-known champion horse, in a highly anticipated match race. The contest becomes a nationwide event, drawing crowds of people from all over the country. Seabiscuit wins against all odds, becoming a legend in the world of horse racing and inspiring a generation.
The movie Seabiscuit, released in 2003 and directed by Gary Ross, is based on the bestselling book of the same name by Laura Hillenbrand. It stars Tobey Maguire as Red Pollard, Jeff Bridges as Charles Howard, and Chris Cooper as Tom Smith. The film was well-received by critics and was nominated for several Academy Awards.