Horse Racing: The Munificent Obsession

The pickings were slim, Willie Shoemaker had to admit—but what was the nation's No. 1 jockey to do on May 1 except ride in the Kentucky Derby? Last week the Shoe decided that his Derby Day mount would be Ada L. Rice's Lucky Debonair, winner of last month's Santa Anita Derby. "He's a nice running horse," shrugged Willie. "Not big, but he gives you his best." Faint praise, maybe, but the bookmakers were impressed. They installed Lucky Debonair as the early favorite at 3-1 to win the 91st Run for the Roses.

That...

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