Looks like all the horse-riding prep for HBO's "Watchmen" is coming in handy for Jeremy Irons, as the British actor is saddling up to play a horse trainer for an upcoming project. Irons will star as Sir Henry Cecil in the biopic "Frankel" for WaZabi Films. The Oscar-winning actor will also serve as a producer on the project.

Sir Henry Richard Amherst Cecil was a British flat racing horse trainer. He was widely regarded as one of the greatest trainers in history. He overcame personal health issues to make Frankel the greatest champion horse in the history of the sport, as it remained undefeated in all its 14 starts, including the victory in the Champion Stakes at Ascot in 2012.

"Frankel" is written by Jim Piddock and will be directed by Ron Scalpello. Irons will produce along with Andrew Berg and John Sachs. Berg and Sachs spoke on their choice of the creative team, saying that `Jim Piddock's script stands out as the perfect balance of drama and action and director Ron Scalpello is a gifted director, visceral, sensitive and extremely hard working and creative. Jeremy was the first choice to play Henry and has a genuine love for horses. Jeremy's decision to join us as a producer has further cemented his passion for this project.`