Australia's most accomplished Indigenous jockey, Richard Laurence "Darby" McCarthy OAM, is set to have his remarkable life story captured in the upcoming documentary feature, In a Life Time.

Producers Chris O'Reilly and David Waddington are actively seeking financial backing to bring McCarthy's inspiring journey to its cinematic culmination.

With a targeted funding goal of $200,000 needed to complete the piece, the project has currently secured $88,000, paving the way for potential recognition at prestigious events like the Cannes Film Festival later this year.

"We could probably finish it with what money we got, but it's just not going to be as polished as we want it," Producer Chris O'Reilly and long term friend of Darby said.

"And once you do a film, you don't go back and do it again."

Previews of the film is available here.

Born in 1944 in Cunnamulla, Mithika man Darby McCarthy's journey in horse racing commenced with outback meetings before a successful apprenticeship in Brisbane.

Displaying exceptional talent from the early age of ten, McCarthy quickly rose through the ranks.

His prowess reached its peak with three Stradbroke Handicap victories between 1963 and 1966, solidifying his position among top-tier riders.

Notably, at a mere 16 years old, McCarthy participated in his inaugural Melbourne Cup.

His career boasts 30 major triumphs, including notable wins such as the Australian Jockey Club Derby and the Epsom Handicap double at Randwick, along with securing victories in the Brisbane Cup and Doomben 10,000.

Apart from racing, he served as an Elder in the Toowoomba Murri Court under Queensland's legal system.

His career was capped off with an induction into the Australian Racing Hall of Fame in 2021.

In a Life Time unfolds through interviews and reflections from himself and individuals closely acquainted with the late jockey.

The narrative weaves through his illustrious racing career and post-retirement, highlighting McCarthy's role as a mentor and the everlasting impact he has made on people, including the likes of Cathy Freeman.

"I remember back to when we first met, in Queensland when I was 15 years old and Darby and his family were kind enough to let me stay with him on weekends away from boarding school at Toowoomba," Ms Freeman wrote in the Foreward of Darby McCarthy: Against All Odds written by Lauren Callaway.

"I enjoyed hearing about his experiences on and off the race- track, times spent with the big celebrities of his era—Frank Sinatra, James Brown—all very exciting for a schoolgirl like me, who at this point only had ideas of reaching for the stars.

"Darby influenced and encouraged me to strive for excellence in all that I do and to persevere against all odds and for this I will forever be thankful."

Ronald Simpson, a 22-year-old emerging Aboriginal apprentice jockey under master trainer Les Bridge at Randwick, is set to portray Darby McCarthy in the documentary.

"I knew of Darby McCarthy because not many Aboriginal jockeys have been as successful as him but when I got a call out of the blue and was asked to do this role, I did some research and was hypnotised by his story,'' Mr Simpson said.

"I didn't realise what sort of impact Darby had on Australian society.

"I feel very blessed to be a part of this film to be honest.''

Lyall Appo, a former prominent Queensland jockey, will depict McCarthy in his later years.

Further, A.J Close is set to play Darby as a young boy at 10 years of age.

Producers David Waddington and Chris O'Reilly conducted comprehensive on-camera interviews with McCarthy, his family, friends and racing associates, including notable Sydney racing journalists Ken Callander and Max Presnell, prior to the jockey's passing.

It was Darby's wish that his life story be told on film to inspire the coming generations and fuel them with hope.

"His life story - he wants to show what you can do to when you're put in a situation where you have to overcome all of these things that are put up in front of you... and how you take control of your own destiny," Mr Waddinton said.

"And he did it."

Donations to immortalise Darby McCarthy on film are now being accepted via Documentary Australia.