In 1877 the members of the United States Senate postponed all business for the day so that they might attend a horse race-the iconic, polarizing post-Civil War event at the center of this story. The nation, still recovering from the depredations of the Civil War and the Reconstruction that followed, recognized it as a North vs. South encounter, pitting New York's powerful thoroughbred Tom Ochiltree and New Jersey's Parole-owned by the ostentatious Northern tycoons Pierre and George Lorrilard-against the already legendary "Kentucky crack," Ten Broeck-owned by the teetotaling, plain-living Frank Harper and ridden by black jockey and former slave William Walker-representing a former slave state and its Southern values. The race and the colorful cast of characters involved reflected the still seething America during one of the nation's most difficult and divisive periods. Shrager presents a fascinating and heart-pounding piece of history exposing the racial and economic tensions following the Civil War that culminated in one final race to the end.

About the Author
Mark Shrager is a prolific turfwriter, having published several hundred articles in magazines such as Turf & Sport Digest, American Turf Magazine (ATM), and others. His article, "1,001 Surefire Ways to Lose a Horse Race," was published in the annual Best Sports Stories anthology. Shrager has also published two books of Breeders' Cup handicapping information. Six years of research, including stretches in Kentucky and at the Library of Congress, have led to The Great Sweepstakes of 1877. He lives in Altadena, California.

Reviews
In a time when the Sport of Kings had become a pastime for the masses, the Great Sweepstakes of 1877 stood out for its drama, its spectacle, and its impact on the public consciousness. Mark Shrager has done a masterful job of bringing to life this extraordinary era and one of its most remarkable events. -- Sharon B. Smith, author of Best There Ever Was: Dan Patch and the Dawn of the American Century
One of the greatest horse races of all time was held at Pimlico Race Track in Baltimore at a time when the nation officially ended the Era of Reconstruction. The story of that race-billed as East against West but clearly pitting North against South-and its historical context is beautifully told in Mark Shrager's The Great Sweepstakes of 1877. -- Robert K. Sutton, Chief Historian of the National Park Service
Not exactly a match race, but maybe even better with three top thoroughbreds instead of two, Pimlico's Great Sweepstakes ushered in the 'directional' showdown-East vs. West, North vs. South-that would be a mainstay of horse racing for the next 150 years. Mark Shrager's recounting of this epic sporting event, along with the fortunes and misfortunes of the owners, trainers, and jockeys, is told with rich detail and style. There is enough of the former to satisfy the most demanding students of turf history and enough of the latter to make a great read for anyone. -- Milton C. Toby, author of Dancer's Image: The Forgotten Story of the 1968 Kentucky Derby, winner of the Dr. Tony Ryan Book Award
The Great Sweepstakes of 1877 is a rollicking tale that will entertain history and horse lovers alike. The book includes a well-researched look at the early days of Kentucky horse racing and the North versus South rivalries fueled by the end of the Civil War. Mark Shrager weaves together history and sports while delivering breakneck suspense. -- Nicholas J. C. Pistor, author of The Ax Murders of Saxtown: The Unsolved Crime That Terrorized a Town and Shocked the Nation



Book Information
ISBN 9781493042821
Author Mark Shrager
Format Paperback
Page Count 352
Imprint The Lyons Press
Publisher Rowman & Littlefield
Weight(grams) 386g
Dimensions(mm) 221mm * 140mm * 25mm