Hard-eyed little Bill Hartack, 30, has twice won the Kentucky Derby, four times been acclaimed racing's leading jockey. Working up to this year's Derby, Hartack could count himself well pleased or so it seemed. His mount was Mrs. Moody Jolley's Ridan, a Kentucky-bred speedster who had won ten of his 13 starts and once equaled the world record for five furlongs in a casual, early-morning breeze.
But Hartack was unimpressed. He told the owners that Ridan (Nadir spelled backwards) was impossible to rate, could not be held back for a run in the stretch, probably could not go the 1¾-mile Derby...
To continue reading:
or
Log-In
