Meet Your Host:Hosted by: Rosie Talley, Author of ⁠Linus the Troll⁠Produced by: Sweet Meadowlark Stories ⁠Author Website⁠📧 Email: ⁠pastandpen@gmail.com⁠ Episode Summary:In this galloping episode of Past and Pen, we’re off to the races—literally! From polished saddles to fancy hats, The Road to the Kentucky Derby explores how a single dream turned into America’s most iconic horse race.Part of Wander and Wonder: A Literary Adventure, this episode was created especially for Pathway 2: The Adventures of a Girl Called Bicycle.

The curriculum is available here!Journey back to 1875 and meet Meriwether Lewis Clark Jr.—a visionary inspired by Europe’s grand racing traditions—who brought his bold dream home to Kentucky. Learn how the rolling hills of Louisville became the birthplace of Churchill Downs and how the thunder of hooves grew into “The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports.”From Aristides to secret magical Derbies, this episode is filled with fast facts, historic charm, and a big helping of imagination.

Saddle up and ride through time as we uncover the story behind the Kentucky Derby! Reading List: Seabiscuit vs War Admiral: The Greatest Horse Race in History by Kat ShehataD is for Derby: A Kentucky Derby Alphabet by Helen L. WilburSeabiscuit the Wonder Horse by Meghan McCarthyThe Mystery at the Kentucky Derby (Real Kids! Real Places!) by Carole Marsh Writing Prompt:Time to trot into your imagination!In a secret version of the Kentucky Derby hidden from the public, magical creatures race instead of horses—like flying pegasi, thundering unicorns, or shape-shifting shadow beasts. You’ve just been chosen as the youngest rider in history!Write a story about your first magical Derby:What creature are you riding?What challenges do you face on the track?Do you discover a secret during the race?And most importantly—can you win?Send stories to pastandpen@gmail.com⁠ and I may read them on a future show! Support the Show:Buy me a coffee on Ko-fi Join my Patreon for perks like early access, birthday shoutouts, and a chance to have your voice featured on the show!Dinner Question:If you could design a race—any kind, anywhere, with any creatures or machines—what would it look like?Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share the show with a fellow history lover or curious kid.New episodes every other Tuesday at 4 PM.Stay curious—and keep writing your story.