Jennifer Kelly

Jennifer Kelly is a horse racing historian, writer, and author of Sir Barton and the Making of the Triple Crown and The Foxes of Belair: Gallant Fox, Omaha, and the Quest for the Triple Crown. When she's not writing about racing's past, she's watching and wagering on racing's present, eagerly awaiting our next Triple Crown winner.
 

Yes, She Did: Cherie DeVaux Becomes the First, But Not the Last

Tue May 05 2026Jennifer Kelly

Cherie DeVaux, her life devoted to horses from her earliest days, became the first woman to train a Kentucky Derby winner. Her victory is a reminder of something simple: that all any of us needs is a chance, and we can do great things.
Maidens in the Kentucky Derby: Ocelli and Friends

Sat May 02 2026Jennifer Kelly

Once upon a time, maidens had the potential to make some noise in the Kentucky Derby, but since the mid-20th century, that lack of experience has become a challenge.
Beating the Odds - Can Renegade Win from the Rail in Derby 152?

Fri May 01 2026Jennifer Kelly

As the 152nd edition of the Run for the Roses approaches, favorite Renegade has the dubious honor of breaking from post 1. What does history say about his chances to win?
The Run for the Lilies: the 152nd Kentucky Oaks

Fri May 01 2026Jennifer Kelly

With the 152nd Kentucky Oaks just hours away, all eyes are on Churchill Downs to see which three-year-old filly will bring home the coveted garland of lilies.
Casually Crafting an Oaks-Derby Double

Thu Apr 30 2026Jennifer Kelly

The Kentucky Oaks/Kentucky Derby double offers bettors a unique two-day challenge, asking them to pick the winners of both the Kentucky Oaks (G1) on Friday and the Kentucky Derby (G1) on Saturday.
Need for Speed: What the Fastest Breeds Teach Us About Racehorse Evolution

Wed Apr 29 2026Jennifer Kelly

As racing matured from a casual match race between friends into a business spanning countries and continents, the science of speed and stamina followed, answering questions about how these innate equine talents work in these breeds that we all love to watch.
Tall Tales of the Track – Two Necks and a Couple of Brothers

Thu Apr 16 2026Jennifer Kelly

The 1961 Kentucky Oaks and Derby featured a pair of brothers, two close finishes, and a couple of interesting coincidences.
Tall Tales of the Track – Under Fire

Tue Mar 17 2026Jennifer Kelly

When Count Turf crossed the finish line first to win the 1951 Kentucky Derby, he was the third generation of Derby winners, his sire Count Fleet and grandsire Reigh Count both also victorious under the Twin Spires. In 1928, Reigh Count brought John and Fannie Hertz the first of their classic victories, but a conflict involving John’s taxi company almost ended the horse’s life. When it counted, when history was on the line, one man’s quick-thinking response made all the difference.
Yes, She Can: Female Jockey Representation in America's Elite Races

Tue Mar 10 2026Jennifer Kelly

While Julie Krone remains the only woman to win a Triple Crown classic—her historic 1993 Belmont Stakes win aboard Colonial Affair—pioneers like Patti Cooksey and Rosie Napravnik have continued to prove that strength and strategy know no gender.
Faded Glory: Forgotten Kentucky Derby Winners (Lawrin, 1938)

Mon Mar 09 2026Jennifer Kelly

While the majority of the 150 winners of the Kentucky Derby were born in the Bluegrass State, 14 other states boast Derby victors of their own, with seven producing one each. New York has Funny Cide, Maryland gave us Kauai King, and in 1938, Kansas got its lone victory with a colt named Lawrin.
The Heart that Wears the Crown: Affirmed

Mon Mar 09 2026Jennifer Kelly

But who was the lanky chestnut colt that came out on top, the one that followed Seattle Slew into history a scant 12 months after his own classic campaign? The combination of an easygoing disposition, a clever mind, and an iron will gave Affirmed everything he would need to turn away his challengers and become an immortal.
Faded Glory: Forgotten Kentucky Derby Winners (Dust Commander, 1970)

Fri Mar 06 2026Jennifer Kelly

In 1970, Dust Commander made dreams come true for a journeyman jockey, a young trainer, and a family new to racing, a victory that rewarded the faith of the few who believed in this long shot from the Land of Lincoln.
The Heart that Wears the Crown: Secretariat

Mon Mar 02 2026Jennifer Kelly

Fifty years and 31 lengths ago, Secretariat sailed into the history books as the ninth horse to win the Kentucky Derby, the Preakness Stakes, and the Belmont Stakes, our American Triple Crown.