Avalyn Hunter

Keeneland Library's Lecture Series returns in winter/spring 2024 with four ticketed events that celebrate recently published works about Thoroughbred racing whose authors conducted research at Keeneland Library, the repository said in a release Wednesday. During programs planned from January through May, the following authors will discuss their books, with each presentation followed by a reception and book signing: 24 - Kim Wickens, Lexington: The Extraordinary Life and Turbulent Times of America's Legendary Racehorse. 21 - Fred M. Kray, Broken: The Suspicious Death of Alydar and the End of Horse Racing's...

It was an era of controversial stewards' calls, late money affecting the odds before the break, and tracks facing increasing financial pressure from government. It was a time when criticism of short field sizes was rampant, breeding operations continued to take risks on untested sires, and when sugar horses--those who didn't run often in order to preserve their stamina--were seemingly everywhere. If that wasn't enough, the age witnessed the rise of the Kentucky Derby as an increasingly highly commercialized party, as debates raged over when Pimlico's Preakness Stakes should run....