KENTUCKY DERBY WINNER

by Isabel McLennan McMeekin ‧ RELEASE DATE: April 1, 1949

A grand job, this fictionalized true story behind the first Kentucky Derby and the proud and beautiful ""liddle red hose"", Aristides, that won it. Aristides was foaled and trained on the Blue Grass Farm by an easy going, horse loving Irish bachelor, whose democratic oneness with those who worked for him made for a happy spirit on the ""home place"". The period is post Civil War, the early 1870's, but there is no touch of bitterness in the story. Young Jack Spratt, whose father and grandfather were in the service of the McGrath stables, takes a lively interest in the colt and barters with his employer for part interest. The climax is the thrilling first running of the great race, patterned after the English Derby. An interesting feature of the achievement is that the author has succeeded in making unimportant and secondary to the story and characterization, the race and color of the people on the farm. All the important things are here- friends, families, horses and the thrill of the race to be won. Corinne Dillon pictures throughout, and a jacket by Edwin Megargee with Aristides on the front and last year's winner, Citation, on the back. Louisville is to have a special 75th-running-of-the Derby edition (1500 autographed copies). But the interest even in the limited wont be only local. Good combination- a horse story and a good one and a true one.

Pub Date: April 1, 1949

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: McKay

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: April 1, 1949

Categories: FICTION