Hoffman to star in horse racing series

Los Angeles: Cable television network HBO has ordered a new series set in the horse racing world and it boasts an A-list pedigree.

Titled ‘Luck,’ the drama has Dustin Hoffman starring in the lead role, filmmaker Michael Mann directing the pilot and ‘Deadwood’ screenwriter David Milch writing the script. ‘Luck’ is billed as a provocative look at horse racing -- the owners, gamblers, jockeys and diverse gaming industry players. "Michael Mann delivered a pilot from David Milch`s brilliant script that took our breath away," said HBO programming president Michael Lombardo. "We are truly excited that these two artists, and our extraordinary cast headed by Dustin Hoffman, will be bringing `Luck` to life." The show begins production this fall at Santa Anita Park -- a racetrack in Arcadia, California -- and other Los Angeles locations. Rounding out the cast are: Dennis Farina, John Ortiz, Kevin Dunn, Richard Kind, Jason Gedrick, Ritchie Coster, Ian Hart, Tom Payne, Kerry Condon, Gary Stevens and Nick Nolte. Executive producers are Milch, Mann and Carolyn Strauss; co-executive producer Henry Bronchtein and producer Hoffman. Bureau Report