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Independent Lens S27E9 — BACKSIDE: The Unseen Hands of Horse Racing

Independent Lens•Season 27•Episode 9

BACKSIDE: The Unseen Hands of Horse Racing

Apr 13, 202656 min

Immigrant grooms work year-round on the hidden “backside” of Churchill Downs. Rising before dawn, they care for some of the world’s most prized Kentucky Derby racehorses, revealing how race, labor, and class shape an elite American industry. BACKSIDE: The Unseen Hands of Horse Racing honors

Previous episodeE8 · The Tallest Dwarf Next episodeE10 · Natchez

Seasons28

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Season 27 Episodes15

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Cast6

Susan Sarandon

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Edie Falco

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Peter Coyote

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America Ferrera

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Maggie Gyllenhaal

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Stanley Tucci

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Self - Host

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Episode Summary

"BACKSIDE: The Unseen Hands of Horse Racing" is episode 9 of Independent Lens season 27. It aired on April 13, 2026.

Next: E10 · Natchez Best of Season 27