Netflix is enhancing its sports-adjacent programming with a new docuseries, recently unveiling a trailer for Race for the Crown. This upcoming documentary series will provide an exclusive behind-the-scenes glimpse into Thoroughbred racing during the Triple Crown season, featuring owners, jockeys, and trainers, with a notable cameo from Bob Baffert.
Race For the Crown, a Netflix Sports series, premieres April 22. Tail the jockeys, trainers, and owners risking it all as they chase titles and triumph in the Triple Crown of thoroughbred horse racing. pic.twitter.com/edDyGdK1fZ
— Netflix (@netflix) April 2, 2025
Produced by Box to Box Films, which has created other sports-focused shows for Netflix like Formula 1: Drive to Survive and Full Swing, Race for the Crown will debut on April 22. According to a press release, owners Michael Iavarone and Michael Repole will feature prominently, alongside jockeys such as Brian Hernandez Jr., John R. Velazquez, and the 2023 Kentucky Derby winner Javier Castellano.
As with many previous docuseries by Netflix and Box to Box, Race for the Crown is expected to highlight the glamour of Thoroughbred racing, showcasing the colorful and controversial personalities within the sport. The racing world is filled with intense rivalries fueled by substantial investments and a relentless pursuit of glory, as elaborated in the streamer’s press release.
While Netflix has been cautious about live sports broadcasting, only venturing into one-off events like the NFL’s Christmas Day games or the Mike Tyson-Jake Paul fight, it continues to invest heavily in non-live sports content. The Triple Crown of horse racing could potentially fit into Netflix’s live sports strategy in the future, though rights for the Kentucky Derby and the Belmont Stakes are secured through 2032 and 2030, respectively.
