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Overview
"People in racing have to be dreamers," says Jim Bolus in the beginning of his fourth chronicle of the Kentucky Derby. The Derby itself has been dreamlike in its history. After nearly fading into oblivion at the turn of the century, the Kentucky Derby has grown into a national cultural institution and the premier annual horse race in America, if not the world.The stories about this great race and its participants have grown through the years. They have evolved into both heroic epics and much-maligned tragedies. The author relates the triumphant tale of Regret, the first filly to win the Derby on what was her very first start of the year. He also tells of Riley, who, in spite of a muddy track, won the first Kentucky Derby held in the rain.
Some of the shattered Derby dreams are described as well. Included is the story of the tumultuous feud between horse owner Jim T. Williams and jockey Roscoe Troxler, whom Williams accused of throwing the 1911 race.
The author entertains and informs with his Kentucky Derby tales of the dreams realized and the dreams never achieved at Churchill Downs.
Synopsis
Jim Bolus continues his Kentucky Derby chronicles with the stories of 17 exceptional dreamers who have made their marks in Derby history.
"Visions of the Future": Churchill Downs survived a near fatal slump at the turn of the century and went on to become a national cultural institution. Because of the dreams of early community leaders, the Derby has become the most important horse race in America.
"Dashed Dreams": After losing the 1911 Derby, horse owner Jim T. Williams accused jockey Roscoe Troxler of throwing the race. This bitter feud underscores the passion the Derby ignites in its followers.
"The Underlog": Needles, a sickly foal who went on to compete in the 1956 race, was well known in Derby circles as an ornery steed. His "trainers" often had to perform antics to get the stubborn Needles to train. But in the end, Needles surprised many Derby watchers by winning the 1956 race.