On May 3, people around the country will gather to cheer on 20 horses as they race in the Kentucky Derby. Though not everyone can make it to Churchill Downs to watch in person, many people attend derby parties to celebrate the historic race.
In anticipation of the 151st Kentucky Derby, we gathered some of the best books about horse racing — including heartfelt memoirs and historic overviews of one of the most iconic horse races ever.
SKIP AHEAD How we selected the best horse racing books | The best books on horse racing | Why trust NBC Select?
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How we selected the best horse racing books
There are hundreds of books out there about horse racing. We focused on books connected to the Kentucky Derby to narrow down our list. We also looked for various types of stories — like true crime tales, historical accounts and more.
The best horse racing books
The Greatest Gambling Story Ever Told
True crime meets sports story in this book, which tells the real-life tale of three young men who unknowingly place bets on the 1988 Kentucky Derby with members of a suspected drug cartel. Then, they must figure out how to collect their winnings without endangering their lives. Reviewers call the book thrilling, easy to read and fast-moving. It has a 4.3-star average rating from over 3,525 reviews on Amazon.
The Horse God Built: The Untold Story of Secretariat, The World’s Greatest Racehorse
Many have heard of Secretariat, a horse often called one of the best racehorses ever. However, few know the story of Eddie Sweat, Secretariat’s groomer, who was pivotal in his success. This is his story — which dives into what it was like to be a Black man in the racing world and dives into the powerful bond between a man and a horse.
The Kentucky Derby: How the Run for the Roses Became America’s Premier Sporting Event
Want to learn more about the Kentucky Derby? This history book dives into how the event came to be and the traditions deeply rooted in the race. It even looks at the way the Kentucky Derby has influenced culture.
Hidden History of Horse Racing in Kentucky
Did you know the equine industry in Kentucky dates back to the 18th century? This book looks back at the history of horse raising in Kentucky — from how it all started with an English earl to how many famous African American jockeys fled the state during the Jim Crow era.
The Lucky Thirteen: The Winners of America’s Triple Crown of Horse Racing
In the history of racing, just over a dozen horses have earned what is known as the Triple Crown — winning the Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes and the Belmont Stakes. This book tells the stories of those horses, their trainers and their jockeys.
Why trust NBC Select?
Bethany Heitman is a contributor at NBC Select and a journalist who regularly covers topics like beauty, home and lifestyle.
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