My second year contributing to America’s Best Racing gave me the opportunity to write a unique series, Underappreciated Stars of the 20th Century, to review several new releases, talk to two amazing jockeys, and compile a couple of fun holiday gifting lists. I got to walk around Churchill Downs on Oaks and Derby days and interview fans for their best tips about traveling to those special events for the first time and even got to do another fun article on a first-time trip to the Derby thanks to a chance encounter at the Kentucky Derby Museum. Enjoy!
Continue reading “The Year in Review: America’s Best Racing”Category: Jennifer
The Year in Review: BackTracks
The Backtracks series for The Racing Biz spotlighted a Mid-Atlantic bred champion each month since 2020. In 2023, I profiled Smarty Jones, Mandy’s Gold, and other familiar names, chronicling their careers and sharing insights from those closest to them when possible. Enjoy!
Star de Naskra
Little Bold John
Missy’s Mirage
Smarty Jones
Deputed Testamony
Caveat
Mill Reef
Afleet Alex
Dixieland Band
Mandy’s Gold
Key to the Mint
The Year in Review: The Science of Horse Racing
The Science of Horse Racing series for TwinSpires looks at different aspects of the sport from a scientific perspective. We’ve looked at how starting gates work, how horses see and hear, why jockeys ride like that, and why changing leads during a race is important. Click on each photo to read the story.
Continue reading “The Year in Review: The Science of Horse Racing”The Year in Review: Tall Tales of the Track
The series Tall Tales of the Track for TwinSpires shared stories of improbable moments in racing history. From a jockey who died in the middle of a race to a case of mistaken identity, read all about these stranger-than-fiction moments on the racetrack. Click on each photo to read the story.
Continue reading “The Year in Review: Tall Tales of the Track”The Year in Review: The Heart That Wears the Crown
The Heart That Wears the Crown series for TwinSpires shared stories about the personalities behind the first eleven Triple Crown winners. Learn more about what made each horse special, including descriptions and anecdotes from the people who knew them best. Click on each photo to read the story.
Continue reading “The Year in Review: The Heart That Wears the Crown”The 2023 Book Guide for the Horsey Sort
Welcome to a world where thundering hooves, unwavering spirit, and sheer grace converge on the track – the captivating realm of horse racing. As we start this gifting season, embark on an exhilarating journey through this carefully curated selection of books about this timeless sport. From legendary horses to the sport’s pioneers, these books encapsulate the enduring allure of the sport we love.
Whether you’re a lifelong fan or have a horsey person in your life, this list is sure to have a captivating story that will make the perfect gift this holiday season.
Continue reading “The 2023 Book Guide for the Horsey Sort”Where to Buy
Currently, The Foxes of Belair: Gallant Fox, Omaha, and the Quest for the Triple is available in both hardcover and eBook formats. Signed copies are also available for purchase. Use the links below to purchase Foxes of Belair in your preferred format.
Need more information about ordering the book or other topics? Feel free to email Jennifer at FoxesofBelair at gmail.com. For marketing inquiries, please contact Jackie Wilson (jackie.wilson@uky.edu) at the University Press of Kentucky.
Continue reading “Where to Buy”So Far in 2023…
Over the past three years, my work has expanded beyond writing books like Sir Barton and The Foxes of Belair. I have been fortunate to take on more work as a freelance writer, adding clients like America’s Best Racing, The Racing Biz, and TwinSpires Edge to my list of places to find me. I wanted to share what I have created so far this year as I count down to the publication of the book on Gallant Fox, Omaha, and William Woodward.
Continue reading “So Far in 2023…”All of the Things: 2022 in Review
The old year was full of opportunities to write and to share the stories of racing past and present that keep us all enthralled with the sport. I finished writing The Foxes of Belair: Gallant Fox, Omaha, and the Quest for the Triple Crown in mid-February, completed revisions and submitted the manuscript on April 26, and put the finishing touches on the book around Halloween. In addition to working on the story of the only sire and son to win the Triple Crown, I also had the great fortune to write for outlets like America’s Best Racing, the Racing Biz, and Twin Spires Edge.
From Whitmore to War Admiral, 2022 was a year full of Triple Crown winners, true crime stories, and a few chats with some familiar names.
Continue reading “All of the Things: 2022 in Review”Maker Monday: Amie Martinez
If you’re a New York Yankees fan, you can find just about anything with their iconic logo on it: shirts, shoes, bobbleheads, Christmas ornaments, facemasks, etc. Same with your favorite college or NFL team: gear for any fan, from babies to pets, is available to show off one’s affection for their team. For horse racing fans, access to such items has not always been consistent.
This Maker Monday, meet Amie Martinez, an artisan that was determined to change that.
Opportunity Knocks
As a lifelong horse racing fan, Amie noticed that she wasn’t able to find gear for her favorite horses as easily as others could buy a shirt for their favorite team. After watching Songbird’s stellar 2016 season, Amie wanted a Songbird ornament for her Christmas tree, but, when she couldn’t find one, she decided to make one herself. She shared her creation on Facebook and suddenly she had more than a hundred requests for ornaments! With that, Amie’s Horse Racing Gifts was born.
Customized Excellence
At the heart of Amie’s business is customization. That Songbird ornament was just the tip of the iceberg: in addition to that champion filly, she has made nearly twenty different ornaments for me and hundreds of others for her customers. And that’s just ONE of the items she’s offered.
If you watch America’s Day at the Races on Fox Sports, you’ve seen Hall of Fame jockey Gary Stevens broadcasting from his home, and, on the sofa next to him, you’ve seen some of Amie’s work: custom pillow cases. She’s made similar pieces for others in the sport and she can do the SAME thing for you.
Basically, if you can imagine it, she can make it. In addition to these two items, I’ve seen her customize coffee cups, water bottles, wine glasses, signs, door hangers, decals, shirts, face masks, and much, much more. Amie also sells monthly surprise treat boxes that often come with a variety of goodies.
On this #MakerMonday, I’m excited to share the goodness that Amie creates with you guys since both her love for the sport and her desire to share it with others has done so much for fans like me. I have a number of Amie’s items around my home and I’m glad to share her work with you guys. If you’re inspired, reach out to her and see what magic she can create for you. I can’t wait to see what she does next!