Inside the Sport of Kings is a collection of my perspectives, interviews and insights. It’s really isn’t your ordinary book on statistics. I have written this book for those who want to know a little more about the sport of horse racing. It includes interviews with trainers, jockey agents, owners and track announcers. Along with that, I have included my personal thoughts for true horse players and some personal perspectives. But what would a horse racing book be like without a bit of history with the Kentucky Derby and the Triple Crown? Nothing of course, so I included something more for you.
Here’s is a little more about Inside the Sport of Kings
Chapter 1 – Into the Gate
Perspectives
Paces make the race
Teller vs. Machine
Cigars for Breeders Cup
Looks won’t Deceive
Wagner’s – A Louisville Tradition Since 1922
Chapter 2 – Around the Turn
Horse Ownerships- Individuals or Groups
Midwest Thoroughbreds
Maggie Moss
Drawing Away Stables
Chapter 3 – Down the Stretch
Robyn Smith – First Generation of Female Jockeys
Jockey Agent Liz Morris
Chapter 4 – At the Wire
Interview with Track Announcer John G. Dooley
Trainer Dale Bennett – Dale Bennett Stables
Chapter 5 – Winners Circle
1959 Kentucky Derby
The 100th Running of the Kentucky Derby
The 1989 Rivalry – Triple Crown Fight to the Finish
Here are a few portions from the book for you:
Pace Makes the Race
Favorites don’t always win the Kentucky Derby. Think about it. Favorites are exactly that, the favorite horse the betting public thinks will win. But the one thing I always remember is that “Pace makes the Race”. What I mean is, no matter how good you think he is, a horse may need to overcome the circumstances and pace of the race. You may have a speed duel between horses whose trainers and owners each think their pony can run the entire race in the lead position. Take the 2013 Kentucky Derby, for instance. The speedster Palace Malice went to the lead with the thought he could duel with the likes of Golden Cents and Vyjack. But that didn’t work out for him. The fractions were unbelievably fast, with the first quarter going in 22-3/5, the half in 45-2/5 and three-quarters in 1:09-4/5. All three horses simply wore themselves out, leaving the closers to finish in the money. Orb ended up the winner, with odds of 5-1, 2-½ lengths ahead of second place Golden Soul, who went off at 34-1. At 6-1, Revolutionary came in third place, only a head in front of fourth-place finisher Normandy Invasion, my pick to win the Derby, at 9-1. And for Orb, his portion of the purse money was a whopping $1,414,800.
Teller Windows vs. Machines
Have you ever stood in line at a betting window and nervously worried whether you would get to the teller in time to place your bet? The line is way too long and there are only a few minutes before the race goes off. What about standing in line behind a novice horse player who has never used the self-serve automated tote machine? We all have, and I know it’s not fun, especially if you get shut out from making your wager.
Looks Won’t Deceive
In the world of professional boxing, the ring announcer might say, “In this corner, weighing 210 pounds, wearing red boxers, the Challenger. And in this corner, weighing 215 pounds and wearing blue and white boxers, you have the Champion.” Those descriptions may not matter much to the boxing fan, but appearances can matter greatly in horse racing.
Contrary to the beliefs of handicappers who look only at statistics and sometimes miss a strong possible winner, a horse’s overall ‘look’ –weight, size, build and demeanor– make a big difference when choosing a legitimate contender.