Each spring as the Kentucky Derby grows near, a kind of frenzy hits a wide section of the population. People suddenly turn their attention to Churchill Downs, and the anticipation of the Run for the Roses sends everyone into "Derby fever." Here in his third book on the Kentucky Derby, Jim Bolus brings together a collection of his favorite Derby Stories that are sure to make an avid race fan out of anyone. Bolus covers a wide range of topics--from "the Duke" at the Derby; to the famous Derby photograph of the Fighting Finish in 1933; to his favorite Derby, the 1969 running. Also included are such champions as Whirlaway, Exterminator, Secretariat, Spend a Buck, and Nashua. Bolus has devoted a chapter to the Stevens family, whose horse-racing roots trace back more than 120 years, and to the Derby chart callers, those men who through the years have documented the race for posterity. Bolus also relates his own personal experiences as a bettor (and a loser!) on the Derby. In particular, he devotes a chapter to Holy Land, a horse who ran in the 1970 race but lost his jockey and the race. It's a pick Bolus has been kidded about a lot over the years. An authority on the subject, Jim Bolus has conducted hundreds of interviews about the Derby. With this book, readers will understand his passion for the grand old race and its traditions as they learn why so many get Derby fever every spring. Also by Jim Bolus are Remembering the Derby and Kentucky Derby Stories, both published by Pelican.

" . . . absorbing chapters trace the history of shipping horses by air and equine personalities from the lovable Buckpasser to the vious Nevele Pride . . . A delight for racing fans." -Publishers Weekly No one was more knowledgeable about the Kentucky Derby than Jim Bolus, Kentucky Derby curator of the Kentucky Derby Museum, which is located on the grounds of Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. In this, his fifth Pelican book on the Derby, Bolus examines the mystique, the majesty, and the magic of the most popular horse race in the world through various essays. "The Bull and the Sunshine Boys" recalls the 1986 Derby, which was won by Ferdinand. On that magical day, Charlie Whittingham, seventy-three, and Bill Shoemaker, fifty-four, became the oldest trainer and jockey, respectively, to win the Kentucky Derby. Readers will learn the exciting story of the first Derby winner in the essay "Assault: The Little Horse with the Heart of a Giant." The essays, including "Horses Have Their Own Personalities" and "Diary of a Champion: Skip Away," all convey the magic of the Derby, somehow captured by author Jim Bolus.

"People in racing have to be dreamers," says Jim Bolus in the beginning of his fourth chronicle of the Kentucky Derby. The Derby itself has been dreamlike in its history. After nearly fading into oblivion at the turn of the century, the Kentucky Derby has grown into a national cultural institution and the premier annual horse race in America, if not the world. The stories about this great race and its participants have grown through the years. They have evolved into both heroic epics and much-maligned tragedies. The author relates the triumphant tale of Regret, the first filly to win the Derby on what was her very first start of the year. He also tells of Riley, who, in spite of a muddy track, won the first Kentucky Derby held in the rain. Some of the shattered Derby dreams are described as well. Included is the story of the tumultuous feud between horse owner Jim T. Williams and jockey Roscoe Troxler, whom Williams accused of throwing the 1911 race. The author entertains and informs with his Kentucky Derby tales of the dreams realized and the dreams never achieved at Churchill Downs.

A highly illustrated middle-grade series that celebrates new friendships, first crushes, and getting out of your comfort zone—now in paperback Ever since they can remember, fifth graders Kenzie (aka Kenzilla) and Shelly (aka Bomb Shell) have dreamed of becoming roller derby superstars. When Austin’s city league introduces a brand-new junior league, the dynamic duo celebrates! But they’ll need to try out as a five-person team. Kenzie and Shelly have just one week to convince three other girls that roller derby is the coolest thing on wheels. But Kenzie starts to have second thoughts when Shelly starts acting like everyone’s best friend . . . Isn’t she supposed to be Kenzie’s best friend? And things get really awkward when Shelly recruits Kenzie’s neighbor (and secret crush!) for the team. With lots of humor and an authentic middle-grade voice, book one of this illustrated series follows Kenzie, Shelly, and the rest of the Derby Daredevils as they learn how to fall—and get back up again.

Roller derby first appeared in Chicago during the Depression. With the advent of television, this dynamic, sometimes violent sport became a national favorite. In Roller Derby to RollerJam, Keith Coppage takes a fond look at the origins, history, and players of the game who made it successful, from promoters to superstars.