Let me start by saying that I've never read a book that used the words 'possibly,' may have,' and other phrases that basically tell you this is not based on fact but rather based on what we know about the time period. That said, I think that this book offers not only an interesting story but an insightful look at Thoroughbred racing in its infancy.
Born in January of 1861, near Winchester, KY, Isaac's early life is surrounded by mystery as he was born a slave. The author does a good job of presenting the atmosphere of the time. While we don't know exactly what was happening in Isaac's life we do know his father (it's not clear if this man was his father or step-father) eventually entered the Union Army during the Civil War. The spouses and children of the men in his unit were treated horribly. Eventually Isaac and his mother, America, ended up back in Lexington after his father was killed in battle. Unfortunately, while they were relatively safe, things didn't go exactly as planned there. America worked hard and made/saved money but lost her life's savings to a faulty bank. When she became ill she looked to Isaac's future and apprenticed her 13-year old son to horse breeder James T. Williams. His small size, less than five foot tall, caught the attention of Eli Jordan, the best horse trainer in Fayette County. Isaac began riding Thoroughbreds and went on change the history of the sport.
Murphy is one of only a few riders to ever win three Kentucky Derbies. In there era following the Civil War his athletic exploits were, at times, well documented. Oddly enough, his win percentage of 44% was unprecedented and thus suspect. Writers with an agenda questioned his abilities in major newspapers. Within the industry Isaac's reputation for being a straight shooter was know, so much so that other jockeys, who had been paid off, conspired against him. In 1890, Murphy was drugged right before a race. This resulted in the betting favorite loosing and Murphy taking a serious blow to his reputation as newspapers reported that he was drunk, rather than drugged. Although he won the Kentucky Derby in 1891, Murphy never really recovered from the blow to his reputation. 1895 marked his last ride, which he happened to win.
The years of making weight and traveling wore hard on Murphy's body and he died of pneumonia in Feb. 11, 1896, at approximately 35 years of age. Isaac Murphy's grave was in a black cemetery that became lost though the years. In 1967, it was rediscovered by journalist Frank Borries, Jr. and moved to the Kentucky Horse Park. If you visit the park, look for the marker near the monument to Man O'War.
Born in January of 1861, near Winchester, KY, Isaac's early life is surrounded by mystery as he was born a slave. The author does a good job of presenting the atmosphere of the time. While we don't know exactly what was happening in Isaac's life we do know his father (it's not clear if this man was his father or step-father) eventually entered the Union Army during the Civil War. The spouses and children of the men in his unit were treated horribly. Eventually Isaac and his mother, America, ended up back in Lexington after his father was killed in battle. Unfortunately, while they were relatively safe, things didn't go exactly as planned there. America worked hard and made/saved money but lost her life's savings to a faulty bank. When she became ill she looked to Isaac's future and apprenticed her 13-year old son to horse breeder James T. Williams. His small size, less than five foot tall, caught the attention of Eli Jordan, the best horse trainer in Fayette County. Isaac began riding Thoroughbreds and went on change the history of the sport.
Murphy is one of only a few riders to ever win three Kentucky Derbies. In there era following the Civil War his athletic exploits were, at times, well documented. Oddly enough, his win percentage of 44% was unprecedented and thus suspect. Writers with an agenda questioned his abilities in major newspapers. Within the industry Isaac's reputation for being a straight shooter was know, so much so that other jockeys, who had been paid off, conspired against him. In 1890, Murphy was drugged right before a race. This resulted in the betting favorite loosing and Murphy taking a serious blow to his reputation as newspapers reported that he was drunk, rather than drugged. Although he won the Kentucky Derby in 1891, Murphy never really recovered from the blow to his reputation. 1895 marked his last ride, which he happened to win.
The years of making weight and traveling wore hard on Murphy's body and he died of pneumonia in Feb. 11, 1896, at approximately 35 years of age. Isaac Murphy's grave was in a black cemetery that became lost though the years. In 1967, it was rediscovered by journalist Frank Borries, Jr. and moved to the Kentucky Horse Park. If you visit the park, look for the marker near the monument to Man O'War.
