Big Girl

(In Development)

An unlikely duo, filly and pup, they take to the track like stallion and bloodhound. Regret, a name unfitting for a horse of her magnitude, and Scruffy, a name fitting for his overabundance of fur, set out to prove that not only can fillies race with the big boys, but they can win, as well.

In this animated true story about Regret, the filly that won, comes a collaboration of laughter, loss, and lessons learned. Old Ben, a wise man with many years behind him, tells Regret’s tale in hopes that the children, Holly and Steven, will never lose their imaginations as adulthood creeps hauntingly towards them. He recounts this story from his own childhood; when times were simpler…the year 1915.

Young Ben and Mr. Gramps have finally made it to the Kentucky Derby. Scruffy has accompanied them to every race, as he seems to be Regret’s only means of pulling out a win. It has been a long journey, but there they stand looking out over the dirt-covered track that promises a blanket of roses and a lifetime of recognition to its winner.

Inside, Regret and Scruffy mend their friendship that was perforated by the heartthrob stallion, Fire Storm. A threat to Fire Storm, Regret was conned by his smooth words and strong physique. As the horses take their marks, Regret searches for Scruffy. He is nowhere to be found. Delayed by a pesky police officer, Scruffy breaks free and races to cheer Regret, or Big Girl as he likes to call her, on. Fire Storm is in the lead and is certain that he will win. Within a matter of seconds “Big Girl” races past Fire Storm and becomes the first filly to ever win the Kentucky Derby. In the midst of her celebrations, “Big Girl” cannot help but notice that her greatest supporter is nowhere to be found, yet again. With broken bones and a shortness of breath, Scruffy lays unable to move; a swift kick to the ribs by Fire Storm has done him in.

With knowledge of Scruffy’s “death”, Big Girl ceases to exist. Life without her best friend, her confidante…seems unlivable. As she waits impatiently for her final breath, a beaten, bruised, but bandaged Scruffy races to her side. The joy fills her soul and revives her almost instantaneously. Scruffy and Big Girl both defied the odds and lived like the winners that they were destined to be.

Just as Old Ben wraps up his story, Holly and Steven’s mothers find them. As they walk away, the children turn to get one last look at Old Ben; he has vanished. Their imaginations are working overtime as they try to relive the being that is Old Ben and the tale of Big Girl. Screaming to their mothers to “stop the car”, Holly and Steven race to a hill overlooking the fields. It is there that they dance with joy and are greeted with the spirits of Big Girl, Scruffy, and Old Ben. It seems like there really is some magic out there after all. All one has to do…is believe.