Kentucky Derby 133 Review

This is the second in this new series of photo books which featured Barbaro in the first edition. Same as last year, it is a beautifully done coffee table size book with over 120 photographs of every aspect of Street Sense's Kentucky Derby experience. This year the book is a bit longer, up to 96 pages from 80 last year, and is a very well made book with a padded leatherette cover, glossy dust jacket, and extra-thick pages with vibrant color. The book is mostly photos with just enough text to guide the reader while he or she experiences the images.

Same as last year, it starts by setting the stage with basic info about the Kentucky Derby, Churchill Downs, and Street Sense, then the photos begin. First up is the spectacle of the Derby with the traditions, the hats, crowds, Queen Elizabeth's first visit to the Kentucky Derby, and all the atsmosphere that makes the Derby so special. Next the main show starts, with complete coverage of Street Sense's Derby day from the walkover to the race to the winner's circle. A new section was added called "Lucky 7" featuring the Derbies of 1957, 1967, 1977, 1987, and 1997. The book ends with bios of his jockey, trainer, and owner plus the official chart of the race.

The photos are what make this book worth getting. Not only do you get the normal racing photos you would expect, but lots of behind the scenes photos, shots from all parts of the race, and unusual views that you don't usually get to see. A team of 19 photographers from official Derby archivist Kinetic Corporation captured the over 120 images included in the book and some are large pictures that span two pages, but all are high quality and a pleasure to view. Most of these are shots you will not have seen before anywhere and truly give you the feeling of being there.

The book is limited to only 5000 copies, so if you are a fan of Street Sense, the Kentucky Derby, or even just racing in general this is an item worth adding to your library. You will enjoy the stunning images in this book, especially the ones of jockey Calvin Borel after the race, as he really does show how much the win meant to him.

Kentucky Derby 133 Review has a list price of $35.00 and is available from Secretariat.com and Amazon.com.

Rating:     5/5

Kentucky Derby 132 Review - Barbaro

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