Dream Derby: The Myth and Legend of Black Gold (Horses in History) Paperback – August 22, 2023

I read horse biographies and I felt sorry for Black Gold, the horse of this story.

Black Gold's legend and allure endure, in no small part thanks to Marguerite Henry and her children's novel of the same name. I know that I became a fan of the diminutive black colt, thanks to her retelling of his story... and I doubt I'm that I'm the only one.But that novel was fictionalized (at least in part), and the truth... even back in 1957, was hard for Marguerite to sus out.Now, thanks to author Avalyn Hunter... we have a more complete picture of the *true* history behind the legend of Black Gold - winner of the 1924 Kentucky Derby.This novel was very well researched, and the story well told (if a little dry at times). I found myself immediately drawn into the world and story preceeding and surrounding the enigmatic black colt as well as his human connections.The only thing I found lacking in this novel... was photos. When I pre-ordered this book, I had high hopes that the author would have unearthed some long forgotten and unseen photos of Black Gold, or at least of the people behind him. I know they must be hard to find (I've only ever seen a couple), but it would have been nice if there had been at least a small photo album section (I mean, almost all thoroughbred stories include at least a few).That small, nitpicking issue aside... this novel is a must for any fan of Marguerite Henry's novel, or thoroughbred racehorse fan!

Great book about the 1924 Kentucky Derby and the wonderful little black colt who won it and later came to such a tragic end. I've loved Black Gold since I read Marguerite Henry's book as a child and I really enjoyed this detailed history of that time in racing-- so different from today-- and of Black Gold's story..

I eagerly awaited the release of this book, having long loved the legend of Black Gold. It is very well researched and tells the real story as much as the Author could find it.

\\\no photos not even his gravesite