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Hidden History of Horse Racing in Kentucky - Paperback | Diverse Reads

Hidden History of Horse Racing in Kentucky

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Untold tidbits of equine history is revealed by historian and seventh generation Kentuckian Foster Ockerman Jr.

Horse racing and the Commonwealth of Kentucky are synonymous. The equine industry in the state dates as far back as the eighteenth century, and some of that history remains untold. The Seventeenth Earl of Derby made the trip from England to Louisville for the famed Kentucky Derby. Many famous African American jockeys grew up in the area but fled to Europe during the Jim Crow era. Gambling on races is a popular pastime, but betting in the early days caused significant changes in the sport. Hidden History of Horse Racing in Kentucky details the rich and the lesser-known history at the tracks in the Bluegrass State.

ISBN-13: 9781467138949

Media Type: Paperback

Publisher: Arcadia Publishing SC

Publication Date: 03-25-2019

Pages: 128

Product Dimensions: 5.90(w) x 8.90(h) x 0.50(d)

Series: Hidden History

Foster Ockerman Jr. is a Lexington, Kentuckty native and seventh-generation Kentuckian. He is a practicing attorney, as well as a historian and the author of five histories, including the most recent history of Lexington. His law practice over the past forty years has covered business, real estate, nonprofit organizations, healthcare and equine law. In addition, he is president and chief historian for the Lexington History Museum Inc.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgements 7

Introduction 9

The History of the Horse 11

Racing in Early America 15

The Church Horses Built 19

Jockeys' Silks 22

They're Off! 25

Resting in Peace 28

McDowell Speedway 31

America's First Professional Athlete Class 37

How Good Intentions Almost Killed Racing 46

Civil War Rating in Lexington 52

Kentucky Just Owns the Triple Crown 55

$2 to Win on No. 5 60

My Old Kentucky Track 67

Henry Clay, Horse Breeder and Racer 84

Forgotten Farms 90

The Earl of Derby Goes to the Kentucky Derby 99

Notes 105

Selected Bibliography 123

Index 125

About the Author 127