The Kentucky Derby

"You may never get to experience the thrill of entering the winners' circle and smelling the wonderful aroma that emanates from the garland of roses that signifies the greatest achievement in the sport of Thoroughbred racing, but this wonderful book will take you on a journey that gets you as close as any piece of writing possibly could."-Chris McCarron, two-time Kentucky Derby winner and Hall of Fame inductee, from the foreword

"What is it about the Kentucky Derby that causes people who will not see another horse race all year to pay attention? The answer, James C. Nicholson explains, lies in the Derby's image being intertwined with that of Kentucky. The popular perception of the state as both genteel and untamed is played out in the event itself. In the early days of the Derby, an imagined link to the mythological Old South added to the appeal. Now, in the twenty-first century, the Derby has become an all-American sports experience. The Kentucky Derby: How the Run for the Roses Became America's Premier Sporting Event goes beyond the colorful history of the race and examines the reasons behind its popularity. It is not only an enjoyable read but also very enlightening."-Tom Hammond, NBC Kentucky Derby Host

"I have witnessed every modern Derby beginning in 1964 and have been privileged to write about the Derby many times. Through all of that involvement, however, I could never say that I really had my arms around just how the race came to be so embedded into the American soul. Now, Jamie Nicholson has provided that insight. In his lively telling, he explains the many strands of what is not so much a picture as a tapestry. Moreover, he brings us up to date as to the Derby's ability to withstand the winds of social change wrought by warfare, racial relations, and, of late, the international aspects of the grand old race."-Edward L. Bowen, author of nineteen books on Thoroughbred racing

"Nicholson's connections to the Thoroughbred industry all combine in this flowing, colorful but painstakingly-accurate history of The Kentucky Derby. His story is the design, the warp and weave of the fabric, and he knew where to source the embellishments which give this work its unique personality. Read this book and you will understand why, each year, this great nation holds its breath for two minutes late in the afternoon on the first Saturday in May."-Terence Collier, Fasig-Tipton Company, Inc

"The Kentucky Derby: How the Run for the Roses Became America's Premier Sporting Event is both informative and entertaining. Providing the reader with a unique insight into how the Kentucky Derby has evolved over the past 135 years, Nicholson illuminates the history of Kentucky's signature sporting event, highlighting the culture, history, and rich tradition surrounding it."-Walt Robertson, Keeneland Vice President of Sales

"Many books have been published about the Kentucky Derby that deal with elements of the race such as the horses, jockeys, owners, and trainers. This book is much more than that-it places the Derby within the history of the Commonwealth and in the broader context of American culture."-John Kleber, editor of The Kentucky Encyclopedia