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The Kentucky Derby
A history of Kentucky's famous horse race, which has run continuously since 1875. Includes stories about some of its most famous horses and jockeys.
32 pages, Library Binding
First published January 1, 1989
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Displaying 1 of 1 review
May 1, 2026
Although Goodreads lists the authors of this book as Michael E. Goodman and Julian May, the book was actually written by Jack C. Harris. If a Goodreads Librarian can change this, that would be great.
The big problem with this book is that it's now out of date. However, when it was published in 1990, the facts were correct. Once upon a time, kids, the Derby was run at 5:35 pm. Everyone used to sing (or pretend to sing) "My Old Kentucky Home." Thoroughbreds used to be identified by their lip tattoos.
There were a couple of photos incorrectly identified or had no description whatsoever. On page 12, I clearly recognized 1988 Kentucky Derby winner Winning Colors as she led into the first turn. There's no caption for this photo.
The Derby focus here is on the 1989 Derby, where Sunday Silence and Easy Goer would begin their epic rivalry. Quite a lot of ink was spilled about Hill Gail's Derby in 1952 ... which makes me wonder if that was the author's personal favorite. Back in 1952, post time was about 4:30 pm.
My favorite Derby? Alysheba's in 1987, even though I hadn't picked him. That he survived such a bumper-car run in the homestretch showed what a horse with game can do. There is a photo of Alysheba in this book.
The book captures some of the excitement and allure of America's most famous horse race.
It's such a shame that the sport has destroyed the very animal it was supposed to champion. There is no mention of cruelty in racing, and especially after the racing career, or even breeding career, is over. There's no mention of drugs or fixed races.
Remember, kids -- 1986 Kentucky Derby winner Ferdinand wound up slaughtered for pet food.
The big problem with this book is that it's now out of date. However, when it was published in 1990, the facts were correct. Once upon a time, kids, the Derby was run at 5:35 pm. Everyone used to sing (or pretend to sing) "My Old Kentucky Home." Thoroughbreds used to be identified by their lip tattoos.
There were a couple of photos incorrectly identified or had no description whatsoever. On page 12, I clearly recognized 1988 Kentucky Derby winner Winning Colors as she led into the first turn. There's no caption for this photo.
The Derby focus here is on the 1989 Derby, where Sunday Silence and Easy Goer would begin their epic rivalry. Quite a lot of ink was spilled about Hill Gail's Derby in 1952 ... which makes me wonder if that was the author's personal favorite. Back in 1952, post time was about 4:30 pm.
My favorite Derby? Alysheba's in 1987, even though I hadn't picked him. That he survived such a bumper-car run in the homestretch showed what a horse with game can do. There is a photo of Alysheba in this book.
The book captures some of the excitement and allure of America's most famous horse race.
It's such a shame that the sport has destroyed the very animal it was supposed to champion. There is no mention of cruelty in racing, and especially after the racing career, or even breeding career, is over. There's no mention of drugs or fixed races.
Remember, kids -- 1986 Kentucky Derby winner Ferdinand wound up slaughtered for pet food.
Displaying 1 of 1 review