Dark Horse: The Incredible True Story of Dream Alliance is an inspirational true story of Welsh racing glory branching from the village of Cefn Fforest, one of the poorest mining valleys in Wales. When Jan Vokes, a barmaid at a local working men’s club, overhears a regular discuss his part ownership of a racehorse, she decides to breed one of her own. Going into business with the man and her husband Brian she purchases a thoroughbred mare and pairs her with an aging stallion. To raise the foal, they unite with 23 friends in the village who form a syndicate paying just £10 a week. To the astonishment of the racing elite, the horse, aptly named Dream Alliance grows up to be an unlikely champion. The victorious times do not last however, and the glory takes a disastrous turn.
This endearing documentary co-financed by Film4 and the BFI Film Fund was a resounding hit at the Sundance Film Festival winning the coveted audience award.