Book Review: The Foxes of Belair (Jennifer S. Kelly)

​Just as the late Jim Bolus became the unquestioned historian of the Kentucky Derby, Jennifer Kelly is staking her claim to be the historian of American Thoroughbred racing's Triple Crown. Following on the heels of her outstanding Sir Barton and the Making of the Triple Crown, The Foxes of Belair explores the history of William Woodward and the two American Triple Crown winners that he bred at his Belair Stud, Gallant Fox and his son Omaha. Painstakingly researched and exquisitely detailed, the book provides both in-depth portraits of its heroes and a sweeping overview of the long-range influence that Woodward and his champions exercised on Thoroughbred history, all in an easily read style that shows Kelly to be a master of her craft. The Foxes of Belair deserves a place in the libraries of both serious historians and more casual horse lovers, and I will definitely be looking forward to her next project.