Avalyn Hunter
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Avalyn Hunter

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Avalyn Hunter's love affair with Thoroughbred racehorses began in 1973, when Secretariat became the ninth American Triple Crown winner with a record-breaking victory in the Belmont Stakes. Since then, she has become a nationally recognized authority on Thoroughbred pedigrees and racing history whose work has appeared in The Blood-Horse, Thoroughbred Times, Owner-Breeder International, Market Watch, New York Breeder, and Louisiana Horse. Her first book was American Classic Pedigrees 1914-2002 (2003, Eclipse Press), which was published to strong reviews. This was followed by The Kingmaker: How Northern Dancer Founded a Racing Dynasty (2005, Eclipse Press), and Gold Rush: How Mr. Prospector Became Racing's Billion-Dollar Sire (2007, Eclipse Press). Hunter's most recent works are Dream Derby: The Myth and Legend of Black Gold (2003, University Press of Kentucky) and The Kentucky Oaks: 150 Years of Running for the Lilies (2024, University Press of Kentucky). The former is the culmination of nearly five years of research into one of the most romantic and tragic tales in the history of the Kentucky Derby. A semifinalist for the Dr. Tony Ryan Book Award for 2023, the book reflects Hunter's fascination with the history and characters surrounding an extraordinary horse whose true story is even stranger and more compelling than his legend. The latter recounts the history of the Kentucky Derby's sister race, the Kentucky Oaks, through the stories of the fascinating fillies, men, and women who have helped build the Oaks into one of the biggest races in the United States as well as a major charity event and fashion gala. A celebration of the strength, beauty, and speed of the female Thoroughbred, The Kentucky Oaks also brings to life a gallery of bluebloods, rascals, pioneers, and unsung heroes who have played a role in a story spanning 150 years of American and racing history.
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  • Dream Derby cover art

    • Dream Derby

    • The Myth and Legend of Black Gold (Horses in History)
    • By: Avalyn Hunter
    • Narrated by: Eileen Smith
    • Length: 8 hrs and 54 mins
    • Release date: 25-08-2025
    • Language: English
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