In May 2022, a horse called Showtime Mahomes won the Ascot of the North.
An astonishing feat for a 3-year old sprinter with no proven pedigree. Even more so, because he was owned by a group of working-class men from Darlington, who’d had a few beers one night and decided to club together to buy it.
Now ITV and Echo Velvet are making a 90-minute documentary about the story and Showtime’s return to York.
It’s Showtime will look at how the “bargain basement” horse, named after Kansas City Chiefs’ Quarterback, Patrick “Showtime” Mahomes, went on a winning streak, culminating at York and whether he can repeat the magic.
“Through Showtime’s journey we see the classic British underdog come to life, and see a group of men learning to work together,” explained Lucy Whelan, Executive Producer.
“As filming went on, we saw an unexpectedly strong bond between the men, and the shared experience giving them a safe space to support each other through life’s ups and downs as the racing year progressed.”
The film starts with Showtime’s return to the racing season in 2023, starting with his first race at Ripon and it follows the horse’s owners, named The Muffed Punt Partnership, and their horse’s bid to recapture his former glory in York.
“This is a very moving and heartwarming story about male friendship, mental health and solidarity, all told through the prism of one incredible and unlikely hero – Showtime!” added Nicola Lloyd, Commissioning Editor, Factual for ITV.
“To see this group of largely under-represented working class men open up to each other whilst following a nail biting racing season for Showtime, this film will have you laughing, cheering and sobbing right until the last frame.”
It’s Showtime was commissioned by Nicola Lloyd for ITV from Echo Velvet. Executive Producer Lucy Whelan, Producer & Directed by Luke Campbell.
