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Abel Tasman, Kentucky Oaks, Churchill Downs, Eclipse Sportswire

All About the Fillies: Hunter’s New Book Celebrates Historic Kentucky Oaks

The feature race on the eve of the Kentucky Derby is the distaff counterpart to the classic race happening the next day. Similarly modeled on Epsom’s Oaks, the Kentucky Oaks has evolved from a regional contest into a beloved Grade 1 stakes almost as heavily anticipated as the Derby itself. Yet a glance at bookshelves yields a plethora of books on the run for the roses and none on the run for the lilies … until now.

Kentucky Derby, Jayson Werth, Dornoch, Ian Rapoport, Joy Taylor, Lindsay Czarniak, Jace’s Road

Celebrities Who Have Owned Horses in the Kentucky Derby

The Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve is an event for the stars – both equine and human. Making it to the race is a dream of horse owners from all walks of life. This year, Kentucky Derby contender Dornoch is owned in part by former Major League Baseball World Series champion Jayson Werth.

Horse racing history Kentucky Derby United States society culture mass media inventions technology Presidents Civil War World War I World War II icons Internet television automobile telephone actors athletes icons singers population

Then to Now: How Much We’ve Changed Through 150 Years of the Kentucky Derby

On May 4, the most popular horse race in North America celebrates a special anniversary. The Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve will be run for the 150th time at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky., with more than 120,000 fans in attendance under the track’s iconic Twin Spires and tens of millions more watching around the world.

Black Gold, Dream Derby: the Myth and Legend of Black Gold, Avalyn Hunter, 1924 Kentucky Derby

Setting the Record Straight: New Book Demystifies the Legend of Black Gold

Few horses touched the heart like the Black Gold did. Thanks to Marguerite Henry’s 1957 book, this black colt with the little white star was a childhood favorite of generations of racing fans, his triumphant, yet tragic life a poignant reminder of why we love this sport and its equine athletes.

How to Throw the Perfect Kentucky Derby Party

Attending the Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve this year for the milestone 150th edition of the race? Congratulations! You’re one of the lucky few (thousands), but for those of us not attending this year’s running at Churchill Downs — this writer included — there is still plenty at stake and many avenues to pursue.

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