The story of Jockey Issac Murphy, one of the best Jockeys of all time with feats that will never be duplicated in Horse Racing as told by Katherine Mooney
Issac Murphy, The Rise and Fall of a Black Jockey
The Sport of Kings has a storied history. To be one of the greatest stories the sport has is an accomplishment in and of itself. To be one of its greatest athletes human or equine is an achievement few reach. To do it under difficult conditions and against the odds makes it even more precious. To put up records that can’t even be quantified and will never be duplicated puts you in an elite category and that is what we have here.
Win percentage, Kentucky Derbies, Three yes three major races won in the same year that had never been won before or since. The Travers at 18 years old when The Travers was the premiere race for three-year-olds in America.
Katherine Mooney takes us back to a different time in the US and Horse Racing. What you’ll hear and learn during this talk is fascinating and a must listen for any fan, student or historian of the game. Bettors will like it to has we have some serious race riding. Fame, stardom, slavery, a rise and fall including an early death from the struggles of the sport we love. Even a scandal and alleged betting coup.
Katherine tells the story of Issac Murphy who belongs in any real conversation about the best jockeys of all time and you can read it all in her book, Issac Murphy, The Rise and Fall of a Black Jockey. You can find the book HERE
This is a story and show that is impossible not to enjoy despite it being somewhat sad. You won’t want to miss it or the book:
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Photos: Keeneland Library, Issac Murphy, Sheepshead Bay Racetrack
Videography: Jim Gazzale
