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What makes a Kentucky Derby among the best of all time? Secretariat’s record-setting effort? Regret’s achievement as the first filly to win the vaunted classic, or legendary jockey Bill Shoemaker’s misjudgment of the finish line that cost his horse the race? And what about the famous “Fighting Finish” or Black Gold’s “dream-come-true” victory?

The eagerly anticipated showdowns between Affirmed and Alydar and between Citation and Coaltown made those respective Derbies unforgettable to those who were around to experience them. And who can discount Alysheba’s near-disastrous stumble and remarkable recovery, the brilliant training behind Whirlaway’s victory, and Canonero II’s rags-to-riches fairy tale?

A panel of racing experts selected these ten Kentucky Derbies as the all-time greatest, most exciting, and riveting first Saturdays in May. These stories, recounted by a diverse and talented group of Turf writers, await the reader, along with a kaleidoscope of vibrant images only the Kentucky Derby can produce.This edition includes a new bonus chapter on Rich Strike’s astonishing 2022 Derby win.

Reviews

“The problem with the “Greatest Two Minutes in Sports” is that two minutes goes by too quickly. But with The 10 Best Kentucky Derbies, we can relive racing’s most exciting moments over and over again. The story of Canonero could be a best-seller on its own.”

Randy Moss, ESPN racing commentator

“The 10 Best Kentucky Derbies is a must-read for every horse racing fan.”

Tom Hammond, NBC Kentucky Derby broadcast anchor

“The 10 Best Kentucky Derbies is a treasure rich in history and evocative of some of the most memorable days in the annals of the sport. Drape it with a blanket of roses.”

William Nack, author of Secretariat: The Making of a Champion and My Turf: Horses, Boxers, Blood Money, and the Sporting Life

“Winning the Kentucky Derby was the most emotional experience in my life, and I wish everyone had a chance to have that feeling. Reading about the 10 best Derbies brings all those emotions back.”

Bob Baffert, six-time Kentucky Derby–winning trainer

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