More than a century before Jackie Robinson broke the color barrier in major league baseball; black athletes were dominating America's first national sport. The sport was horse racing; and the greatest jockeys of all were slaves and the sons of slaves. Cheered by thousands of Americans in the North and South; they rode to victory in all of the major stakes; including the very first Kentucky Derby. Although their glory days ranged from the early 1700s to the turn of the 20th century; the memory of these great black jockeys was erased from history. Who were these athletes and why have their names vanished without a trace? "This may be the most fascinating untold sports story in American history. We are lucky that it is so well told now by Mr. Hotaling in his wonderfully written book." — Charles Osgood; anchor; CBS News Sunday MorningThe Great Black Jockeys is the first book about the lives and times of the forgotten men whose extraordinary skills were a wonder to behold; men with names like "Honest Ike" Murphy; Abe Hawkins; Willie Simms; Austin Curtis; Jimmy Winkfield; and dozens more. This is also a story of a young country where whole towns turned out in cleared fields to cheer and place wagers on magnificent horses and the men who rode them; and where the greatest athletes in the land were the property of others. For fleeting moments on the racecourse black riders in colorful silks tasted the glory and freedom that slavery had denied them. In The Great Black Jockeys; the exploits and courage of America's earliest and best athletes are finally remembered.
#1049639 in Books Zenith Press 2010-02-08Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.00 x 1.06 x 6.00l; 1.40 #File Name: 0760337535256 pages
Review
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. Interesting book - recommended for espionage afacionadosBy S. UehlingerA good read. Although due to its somewhat "choppy" style; I would recommend it for well-read espionage aficionados - who already know the basic structure of the KGB/FSB; etc. I particularly liked the summary of Putin's ascent to power starting in St Petersburg (toward the back of the book). I also appreciated the chapters on Khokhlov - a fascinating case; altho apparently Brooke-Shepherd's work attributes more to K. - Volodarsky likens him to a mere assistant. I look foward to the author's next work.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Being from Dallas people always talked strange stories about Umbrella ...By b1yBeing from Dallas people always talked strange stories about Umbrella Men; etc. Well this books helps clarify as to why the CRAZIES that are not so CRAZY would discuss these issues. Normally when people discuss Umbrella poisons; DARTS of CURARE it makes one think that they're nuts not after reading this book though. No; this book changes all that perception.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Five StarsBy alberto f.Excellent for a little known subject
