Many Clouds tribute by former work-rider wins award at US film festival

A film documenting the rise to prominence of Many Clouds, directed by the 2015 Grand National hero's former work-rider Nathan Horrocks, has won an award at the Equus Film Festival in New York.

Horrocks, a former jump jockey, was honoured with the award for best international director at a ceremony at the Helen Mills Theater for his feature titled Many Clouds: The People's Horse.

"I entered the film into the festival to share the Many Clouds story with an American audience, to show how much he was loved, but I never expected to win," said Horrocks.

"This is my tribute to him to say thank you for what he has done for me, both personally and professionally, he literally changed my life."

The film contains interviews with trainer Oliver Sherwood, jockey Leighton Aspell and Horrocks himself as well as footage of the best performances by Many Clouds, who tragically collapsed and died after winning the Cotswold Chase last January.

It was created by Chepstow-based Equine Productions, who triumphed at the festival for the third year in a row and also won best international commercial.

Horrocks added: "Thank you to the Equine Productions team who put up with my tears and emotion while piecing together the Many Clouds footage.

"A special thank you to trainer Oliver Sherwood and owner Trevor Hemmings for bringing him into my life. The investment and hard work that goes into these top horses allows us to appreciate and love these incredible animals."

Founded in 2013, the Equus Film Festival has been created to "highlight and award the diverse and creative efforts of those who artistically pay homage to the horse".

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