Kentucky Derby: Run for the Roses
by Bill Doolittle

Publisher:  Time-Life Custom Publishing
ISBN:  0737000325

You probably thought there would never be a Time-Life book you would actually want to buy, thinking only of their home repair or psychic phenomenon type series of books. However, Kentucky Derby: Run for the Roses by Bill Doolittle is definitely one that any racing fan would enjoy having in their library. It celebrates our most popular race in grand style from the breeding farms of Kentucky to the backside to the first Saturday in May. Over 180 photographs bring the atmosphere and excitement of the Derby to life in this large format coffee-table book. In addition, it includes many historical facts and personal reflections from the people involved with the race and the horses.

The book is laid out in related sections with stories and photos grouped topically. "My Old Kentucky Home" includes a brief history of the breeding industry in Kentucky and gorgeous photos from the farms. "Heroes and Legends" is especially nice with many archival photos of past greats and a summary of their accomplishments. Other sections include: "Triumph and Tradition", "The Days of the Derby", "The Run for the Roses", "Down to the Wire", "The First Saturday in May", "The Winner's Circle" and "The Legacy and the Goal". Each section is full of large format gorgeous photos by many of the big name photographers in the sport as well as items of racing memorabilia from the 1800's to the present.

Doolittle is a Louisville, Kentucky, based sports writer, who has covered many Kentucky Derbies for several publications. He also was part of the team who created the Kentucky Derby Museum and has even written a handicapping book. He knows his subject well and is very good at bringing it to life in an entertaining manner. The photos are what really make the book and he did a masterful job selecting just the right ones to really bring the whole Derby spirit to life on paper.

Kentucky Derby: Run for the Roses is available in both hardback and paperback, so it should be affordable for any fan who wants to relive "the most exciting two minutes in sports" at home.

Cindy Pierson, your Guide for Horse Racing