He was always destined to be a champion. Royally bred, with English and American classic winners in his pedigree, Sir Barton shone from birth, dubbed the "king of them all". But after a winless two-year-old season and a near-fatal illness, uncertainty clouded the start of Sir Barton's three-year-old season. Then his surprise victory in America's signature race, the Kentucky Derby, started him on the road to history, where he would go on to dominate the Preakness and the Belmont Stakes, completing America's first Triple Crown.

After a series of dynamic wins in 1920, popular opinion tapped Sir Barton as the best challenger for the wonder horse Man o' War, and demanded a match race to settle once and for all which horse was the greatest. That duel would cement the reputation of one horse for all time and diminish the reputation of the other for the next century - until now.

Sir Barton and the Making of the Triple Crown is the first book to focus on Sir Barton, his career, and his historic impact on horse racing. Author Jennifer S. Kelly uses extensive research and historical sources to examine this champion's life and achievements. Kelly charts how Sir Barton broke track records, scored victories over other champions, and sparked the yearly pursuit of Triple Crown glory.

The book is published by The University Press of Kentucky. The audiobook is published by University Press Audiobooks.

"This is an important addition to the history of racing and to the tradition of excellent books on the sport." (Edward L. Bowen, author of 20 books on Thoroughbred racing)

"Required reading for all Thoroughbred fans, especially those with an interest in the history of the sport." (John Perrotta, author of Racetracker)

"Here, finally, is the book this remarkable athlete deserves." (Eliza McGraw, author of Here Comes Exterminator!)