Infinity banks on 'Cash'

'Winalota' screenplay penned by Groverland, Bigtree

By DAVE MCNARY

Infinity Media ("Capote") has acquired film rights to "Winalota Cash," the story of the first African-Americans to own the winning quarter horse in the All American Futurity.

Screenplay, penned by Jack Groverland and Del Matthew Bigtree, centers on the 1995 Futurity victory by Winalota Cash, despite efforts by a group of racist horsemen first to sabotage the horse and then to buy it from owners James and Andra Meridyth.

The Meridyths, who had paid very little for the colt, declined the offer and borrowed the entrance fee. Winalota Cash set a track record in the race and went on to earn more than $2 million in prize money, becoming the second-highest-earning quarter horse of all time.

Infinity CEO Michael Ohoven said he was attracted to the script, brought in by Paul Pender, due to its elements of an underdog triumphing against the odds. "It's a hugely entertaining story about not selling out on your dreams -- and about fighting prejudice with grace, determination and humor," he added.

Infinity's in production on "Butterfly on a Wheel" with Pierce Brosnan, Maria Bello and Gerard Butler, and recently closed a three-picture development/production financing deal with Mel Gibson's Icon Prods.