Kelso dominated and defined American horse racing in the 1960s, racing -- and winning -- through most of the decade. Author Steve Haskin recounts in his award-winning style the story of Kelso and those closest to him: owner Allaire du Pont, who spoiled her star with chocolate ice cream; trainer Carl Hanford, who kept his warrior ready to run for seven seasons; exercise rider Dick Jenkins, who early on recognized the great gelding's talent. Kelso began racing at age two in 1959 and ended his career at age nine in 1966. He regularly won carrying heavy weights over distances up to two miles and set numerous track records. By the time he retired, he had won 39 of 63 starts and earned nearly $2 million, an enormous sum for the time. Kelso also received an unprecedented five Horse of the Year titles, a feat that will likely never be matched. Kelso's resilience and class earned the gelding the adoration and respect of an entire generation of racing fans. His devoted followers even created a fan club for their hero.

Almost forty years after his retirement, the stout little bay remains a fan favorite, remembered for his courage, tenacity, and tremendous heart. Book jacket.