The Bottom Line
Every year, fans spend millions of dollars on overpriced Kentucky Derby collectibles. "Kentucky Derby Review", the latest addition to this already overcrowded roster, is an exception. In this inaugural edition, popular 2006 winner Barbaro is featured in a well-made book with over 120 color photographs taken by Kinetic Corp., Churchill Downs' official photographer and archivist. There is just enough text to guide the reader while he or she enjoys these very striking images.
Fans of Barbaro, the Kentucky Derby, or just horse racing in general will enjoy this memento of the 132nd Derby.
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Pros
- An excellent photographic memento of Kentucky Derby 132
- A fitting tribute to the late Barbaro's greatest triumph
- Unlike most annual collectibles, this one should appeal to all racing fans
Cons
- We found no fault with this excellent work. Highly recommended.
Description
- The History: A capsule history of Churchill Downs and the Kentucky Derby, with archive photos.
- The Spectacle: Photos of the 150,000-plus crowd enjoying the fine weather and downing mint juleps.
- The Fashion: The Derby is not only a great sports event, it's also a fashion show of colorful dresses and outrageous hats.
- The Stars: Celebrities always come out in full force and 2006 was no exception.
- The Walk Over: The long walk from the stables to the paddock via the clubhouse turn is as legendary as the race itself.
- The Paddock: The top 20 three-year-olds saddle in Churchill Downs' tiny paddock surrounded by adoring fans.
- The Post Parade: The crowd of 150,000 sings My Old Kentucky Home as the field exits the tunnel onto the track.
- The Race: Photos from many angles covering every stage of the race. Barbaro's high-stepping action is prominent here.
- The Winner's Circle: Owners Roy and Gretchen Jackson, trainer Michael Matz, and jockey Edgar Prado celebrate
- The Champion and Epilogue: Biographies of his connections and the official race chart and what happened after the Derby.
Guide Review - Kentucky Derby 132
Despite there been many Kentucky Derby photo books released over the years, there has never been an official annual publication dedicated to one year's winner. Using the photos of the official Kentucky Derby photographers Kinetic Corp and copy by Director of Publicity, Tony Terry, Churchill Downs and editor Leonard Lusky put together this most stunning account of Derby 132. The photos are more than the typical work you would see in a newspaper or magazine. Kinetic photographers take you behind the scenes and covered the race at various different angles giving the reader unusual views not seen elsewhere. A team of 14 shooters supplied the over 120 images to this work, an 80-page masterpiece with a padded leatherette cover, glossy dust jacket, and extra-thick magazine stock paper. Surrounding the photos are quotes from the winning connections and well-written accounts of both Derby history and what happened in 2006, rounding out the package. Even if you were there or watched the live telecast on NBC, this book will bring you back to the First Saturday in May, when Barbaro high-stepped his way around the track to a record 6 1/2 length victory beneath the Twin Spires. If this first edition is any indication, this is an annual collectible that is here to stay and that every racing fan will be purchasing every year.
A portion of the proceeds from the sale of the book will benefit the Laminitis Fund at the New Bolton Center at the University of Pennsylvania.
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