The Derby Stallion

The Derby Stallion

Year: 2005

Runtime: 98 mins

Language: English

Director: Craig Clyde

FamilyDrama

An alcoholic former horse trainer discovers a fifteen‑year‑old boy with an innate talent for horsemanship. Recognizing the boy’s rare gift, he mentors him, forging a lifelong friendship that nurtures the youngster’s passion and gives him the chance to pursue his dream of becoming a champion.

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Timeline & Setting – The Derby Stallion (2005)

Explore the full timeline and setting of The Derby Stallion (2005). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Contemporary

Set in a present-day, small-town environment, the film follows a teenage boy balancing family expectations with a personal dream. The narrative centers on everyday life, family gatherings, and the pressures and rewards of pursuing a first major athletic goal. The mood blends nostalgia with a sense of urgent coming-of-age change.

Location

Small town

The story unfolds in a close-knit small town where local sports are a centerpiece of life. A makeshift garden, a barbecue, and a local race course anchor the community's routines. The setting emphasizes hometown pride, memories of past champions, and the everyday stakes of a boy finding his path.

🏘️ Community 🏟️ Race track

Last Updated: October 03, 2025 at 19:36

Main Characters – The Derby Stallion (2005)

Meet the key characters of The Derby Stallion (2005), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Patrick McCardle (Zac Efron)

A fifteen-year-old torn between his father’s push for baseball and his own dream to ride horses. He starts as a restless, uncertain teen but grows through mentorship, grief, and rivalry into a determined racer who fights to honor Houston.

🎯 Protagonist 🏇 Aspiring rider

Houston Jones (Bill Cobbs)

A town outcast and former steeplechase champion who becomes Patrick’s mentor and surrogate father. He shares stories of his youth, teaches Patrick the courage to take risks, and ultimately passes on his racing legacy.

🧭 Mentor 🏇 Former Champion

Jill Overton (Crystal Hunt)

The story's supportive figure who helps Patrick reconnect with Houston’s world. She is a friend and potential love interest who also tends to Houston’s garden and provides emotional grounding for Patrick.

💖 Love interest 👭 Friend

Jim McCardle (William R. Moses)

Patrick’s father, a former baseball player who pushes his son toward a safe, conventional path. His protective stance creates tension as Patrick pursues the risky dream of steeplechase.

👨 Father 🎭 Authority

Randy Adams (Michael Nardelli)

The town bully and current steeplechase champion who clashes with Patrick and Houston. His aggressive actions catalyze the conflict and propel Patrick toward the decisive race.

🤼 Rival 🧨 Antagonist

Chuck Overton (Rob Pinkston)

Jill’s older brother and a social fixture in Patrick’s circle. He contributes to the high-school dynamic and the pressures of competition.

🧒 Peer 🗣️ Confidant

Last Updated: October 03, 2025 at 19:36

Major Themes – The Derby Stallion (2005)

Explore the central themes of The Derby Stallion (2005), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🎯 Mentorship

Houston serves as a mentor and surrogate father figure, guiding Patrick toward a dream beyond his father’s baseball expectations. The relationship highlights how guidance and belief can unlock hidden talents. Patrick learns to trust advice, strategy, and courage in the face of risk.

💔 Grief

Houston's death leaves a deep emotional wound that Patrick struggles to understand. The package of memories and Houston's voice in his head become a lifeline and a reminder of the promises left behind. Grief transforms into resolve as Patrick channels loss into action.

🏁 Perseverance

Patrick's journey from doubt to victory is propelled by stubborn perseverance. He overcomes parental pressure, fear, and a harsh rival to complete the race. The final win serves as redemption for both him and Houston’s legacy.

Last Updated: October 03, 2025 at 19:36

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The Derby Stallion Summary

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The Derby Stallion Summary

The Derby Stallion Timeline

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The Derby Stallion Timeline

The Derby Stallion Spoiler-Free Summary

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The Derby Stallion Spoiler-Free Summary

More About The Derby Stallion

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The Derby Stallion (2005) Plot Summary & Movie Recap

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The Derby Stallion (2005) Spoiler-Free Summary & Key Flow