Customer Reviews

Greatest Kentucky Derby Upsets

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The Kentucky Derby is the celebration of the American equine industry on the international stage. In a unique exploration of the first Saturday in May, Blood-Horse Publications notches a winning daily-double of text and photographs that explore a dozen huge upsets in the event.

From 1904 winner Elwood, the longest shot on the board and the first Derby starter owned by a woman, to Giacomo, a 50-1 winner in 2005, there is an obvious focus on the odds-board, other factors, for a champ to make this field.

What may have been the most amazing story was in 1971, when Venezuelan invader, Canonero II, barely made entry into the race and wins while part of the mutuel field, a wagering interest that packages together some of the perceived "also-rans."

And there are the "other" runners in their own stables; the 1918 champ, Exterminator, was only entered when stablemate, Sun Briar, failed to develop into a major contender, while Thunder Gulch upset his stablemate, Timber Country, in 1995.

The cover shows jockey Pat Day, after winning the 1992 race on Pennsylvania-bred, Lil E. Tee.

Each story is a wonderful example why each elite equine athlete who enters the starting gate is two-turns away from immortality, no matter what the odds.

An informative book for one who is interesting in the details of Derby racing.
I expected more pictures; while there are some they are not stunning as the cover picture might suggest.
Packed with facts.