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Link to Past Brings Perspective on Present: Pons Chronicles Family’s Connections to Racing History

The stairs to this historic haven are steep, but at the top lie treasures, reminders of bygone days that feel as fresh as the grass outside the century-old farmhouse. Within the labyrinth of tables, bins, and boxes are snapshots of the history of a sport, evidence of the Pons family’s front-row seat for the names and events that shaped racing in the first half of the 20th century.

Tony Ryan book award author biography nonfiction horse racing Thoroughbred history Turcottes jockey Secretariat Curtis Stock finalists Lexington stallion Kim Wickens Isaac Murphy African American Kentucky Derby Katherine Mooney

Finalists Announced for 2023 Dr. Tony Ryan Book Award

A trio of finalists have been selected from an incredibly strong slate of entries for the 19th annual Dr. Tony Ryan Book Award. These represent the captivating tales of a dynastic racing family; a long-ago racehorse and stallion who left an indelible stamp on America’s Thoroughbred industry; and of a legendary 19th century black jockey – all penned by authors of remarkable talent.

Lecomte, Alexandria Museum of Art, Maddie Anderson, Ron Schneider, Olivia Helsey

One Man’s Effort and a Louisiana Return for Lecomte

Ten years ago, Ron Schneider began a quest to find Henri Delattre’s (1801-1876) oil painting of the celebrated Thoroughbred Lecomte.

As the curator at the Old Lecompte High School and Museum in Lecompte, La., the painting enticed him. He would be reminded each time he saw the horse’s image, which figures prominently on the central Louisiana town’s official flag as well as the high school’s yearbook.

Pat O’Brien, Bing Crosby, Del Mar, Del Mar Thoroughbred Club

‘Where the Turf Meets the Surf’ and Stars Come Out to Play: Del Mar’s Hollywood Connection

The Del Mar Turf Club has built its reputation on the equine celebrities that have graced this seaside racetrack since its 1937 opening, with names like Seabiscuit, American Pharoah, and Zenyatta among the winners of its signature races. Located 75 miles from Los Angeles, the track’s proximity to the Pacific Ocean and Southern California’s idyllic climate has also made Del Mar a destination for famed actors, musicians, and more throughout the decades.

Dr. Tony Ryan Book Award, WikiMedia Commons

Semifinalists Revealed for 2023 Dr. Tony Ryan Book Award

The $10,000 Dr. Tony Ryan Book Award celebrates its 19th anniversary in 2024. Inaugurated in 2006 by the late philanthropist and global executive Dr. Ryan, and sponsored by the Ryan family’s Castleton Lyons farm near Lexington, Ky., the competition has traditionally honored the best writing related to the Thoroughbred industry published in 2023.

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