Maguire inspired by 'Seabiscuit' story

SANTA ANITA, Calif., Jan. 16 (UPI) -- Actor Tobey Maguire says he was greatly moved by the true story of lost souls finding friendship and success in the movie "Seabiscuit."

Maguire noted that both the character he plays in the film, unlikely jockey Red Pollard, and the famous racehorse beat overwhelming odds to become American legends.

"(Red) has a lot of personal stuff to overcome to allow himself to be a part of this team, but he also finds other broken-down people and a horse, and together, they were just the right team to succeed," Maguire explained to reporters in California recently.

The actor also said he appreciates how people living during the Depression could relate to the incredible heart Pollard and his ornery racehorse Seabiscuit showed.

"I think that during that time, it was very pertinent," Maguire added. "It obviously struck a chord in America that they became Seabiscuit or Team Seabiscuit became such a great example of not letting the times get you down and you're going to come out of it and just keep going, keep applying yourself, dust yourself off."

The cast of "Seabiscuit" Thursday earned three Screen Actors Guild Award nominations, including one for best ensemble.