After the confusion and stress of a move from Florida to Lexington, Kentucky, the pleasure of attending the Keeneland Library's "Evening with the Author" program last night could not have been more welcome. The speaker was longtime racing writer Lenny Shulman, whose latest book, A.P. Indy: Champion Racehorse and Breed-Shaping Sire, was the topic of the presentation. Released in May, the book, along with my own Holy Bull: An Unconventional Path to Racing Glory, kicked off the University Press of Kentucky's new "Racing Royalty" series, showcasing some of the outstanding horses of the last few decades.
For Shulman, A.P. Indy was a life-changer as well as a breed-changer. His love for this remarkable horse came alive during the session, during which he recounted anecdotes from his own writing career as well as the racing and breeding history of a horse who, despite the honors he received during his lifetime, was perhaps never as much appreciated as he should have been. Shulman used his intimate knowledge of the Thoroughbred industry to provide details regarding A.P. Indy's background and supporting cast, enriching both his writing and the experience of his presentation.
The "Evening with the Author" programs at Keeneland always provide a pleasant opportunity to interact with other lovers of the Thoroughbred and of good writing during the question-and answer session after an author's presentation and during the reception to follow---not to mention a chance to sample the artistry of Keeneland's hospitality staff, whose hors d'oeuvres are always superb. For those who had to miss the August program, I hope that at least some of you will be able to attend the program on September 2 (for which I will be the guest speaker) and experience a lovely literary evening with a Keeneland flair.
For Shulman, A.P. Indy was a life-changer as well as a breed-changer. His love for this remarkable horse came alive during the session, during which he recounted anecdotes from his own writing career as well as the racing and breeding history of a horse who, despite the honors he received during his lifetime, was perhaps never as much appreciated as he should have been. Shulman used his intimate knowledge of the Thoroughbred industry to provide details regarding A.P. Indy's background and supporting cast, enriching both his writing and the experience of his presentation.
The "Evening with the Author" programs at Keeneland always provide a pleasant opportunity to interact with other lovers of the Thoroughbred and of good writing during the question-and answer session after an author's presentation and during the reception to follow---not to mention a chance to sample the artistry of Keeneland's hospitality staff, whose hors d'oeuvres are always superb. For those who had to miss the August program, I hope that at least some of you will be able to attend the program on September 2 (for which I will be the guest speaker) and experience a lovely literary evening with a Keeneland flair.