Sir Barton and the Making of the Triple Crown

Horses in History

By: Jennifer S. Kelly

Narrated by: James McSorley

Length: 9 hrs and 35 mins

Publisher's summary

He was always destined to be a champion. Royally bred, with English and American classic winners in his pedigree, Sir Barton shone from birth, dubbed the "king of them all". But after a winless two-year-old season and a near-fatal illness, uncertainty clouded the start of Sir Barton's three-year-old season. Then his surprise victory in America's signature race, the Kentucky Derby, started him on the road to history, where he would go on to dominate the Preakness and the Belmont Stakes, completing America's first Triple Crown.

After a series of dynamic wins in 1920, popular opinion tapped Sir Barton as the best challenger for the wonder horse Man o' War, and demanded a match race to settle once and for all which horse was the greatest. That duel would cement the reputation of one horse for all time and diminish the reputation of the other for the next century - until now.

Sir Barton and the Making of the Triple Crown is the first book to focus on Sir Barton, his career, and his historic impact on horse racing. Author Jennifer S. Kelly uses extensive research and historical sources to examine this champion's life and achievements. Kelly charts how Sir Barton broke track records, scored victories over other champions, and sparked the yearly pursuit of Triple Crown glory.

The book is published by The University Press of Kentucky. The audiobook is published by University Press Audiobooks.

"This is an important addition to the history of racing and to the tradition of excellent books on the sport." (Edward L. Bowen, author of 20 books on Thoroughbred racing)

"Required reading for all Thoroughbred fans, especially those with an interest in the history of the sport." (John Perrotta, author of Racetracker)

"Here, finally, is the book this remarkable athlete deserves." (Eliza McGraw, author of Here Comes Exterminator!)

©2019 The University Press of Kentucky (P)2020 Redwood Audiobooks

A great story in the early days of horse racing

I purchased this book at a local bookstore in Lexington last year. But I decided to listen to it while I quilted. I’ve always been a fan of horse racing, especially the early days. My favorite story is that of Man O’ War, like most other horse racing enthusiast. But I wanted to learn more about this first winner of the Triple Crown.

I live close to the farm where Sit Barton was bred, and every time I see his name on the sign post at Hamburg Pavilion, it makes me a little nostalgic about what went on in this beautiful property before it became a hub for shopping and entertainment.

There are a lot of facts and statistics in this book. I think the audio version makes it a little easier to keep up with. Those who enjoy those types of stories will enjoy this one. It sets the stage for a very glamorous racing century to follow after World War I and up to the current date.

I also learned a lot about a little horse that I once owned. Back in his Pedigree he had a Kentucky Derby winner mentioned and I couldn’t figure out how this little Appaloosa from Texas had a Pedigree from the Kentucky Derby. After discovering where Sir Barton went after his racing career, this makes me want to investigate other famous race horses that followed in his footsteps as a breeding stallion in other ventures in other than racing.

For the horse racing enthusiast it is a must read. I thoroughly enjoyed the story and it has inspired me to read more on the subject.