University Press of Kentucky launches Racing Royalty

The University Press of Kentucky is proud to announce the launch of a new book series, Racing Royaltydedicated to honoring the horse stars of thoroughbred races. Van Hall of Fame legends such as AP Indy and cigars to modern champions such as Zenyatta, American Pharoah and Rachel Alexandra, this series will bring the horses to whose brilliance ‘The Sport of Kings’ has defined.

While fans fill the stands, it is the athletes on the track – the horses and their jockeys – who rule the supreme. Their speed, spirit and skills create an exciting drama that makes racing a timeless spectacle.

Published by author, journalist and horse racing historian Jennifer S. Kelly, Racing will contain royalties that accessible written volumes that appeal to both seasoned enthusiasts and newcomers.

“Racing Royalty offers an opportunity to connect the kings and queens of horse races with the generations that have encouraged them and those who want to know more about these icons,” said Kelly. “The University Press of Kentucky leads the way in maintaining the history of sport to understand our past, to appreciate our present and to plan the future of this great game.”

The press is planning to publish two to four titles every year, with the first releases arriving in May 2026, just in time for the Spring Meets of Kentucky Derby and Keeneland.

Spring 2026 Racing Royalty Titles

Holy Bull: An unconventional path to racing glory
By Avalyn Hunter

This compelling biography catches the Spirit of 1994’s Horse of the Year and traces the journey of Holy Bull from modest start to Hall of Fame Greatness. Hunter’s lively stories tell readers in the grit of the stables and the sensation of the circuit, and offers a genuine tribute to a horse whose determination inspired a generation.

“Brilliant. Avalyn Hunter has done excellent research, and the prose wings like Holy Bull himself.” —Katherine C. Moeney, author of Isaac Murphy: The Rise and Fall of A Black Jockey

“An exceptional story about both an excellent thoroughbred and an exemplary owner/trainer who, above all, gave priority to the horse.” —Ant -market Shrager, author of the largest racing horse? Man o ‘war and the judgment of history

AP Indy: Champion Racehorse and race -forming father
By Lenny Shulman

In this lively portrait, Shulman investigates the life and legacy of AP Indy, one of the most influential thoroughbreds in racing history. Through reports of first -hand and interviews with trainers, owners, breeders and jockeys, Shulman reveals the heart and heritage of a horse whose impact continues to form the sport.

“A fresh addition to the story of one of the most important horses in thoroughbred history.” —Josh Pons, Eclipse Award-winning author of letters from Country Life: Adolphe Pons, Man O ‘War and the founding of the oldest thoroughbred farm in Maryland

“This is a special book-as an authorized biography. Shulman’s writing brings the story of AP Indy to life.” —Eliza McGraw, Dr. Tony Ryan Book Award-winning author of Here Comes Exterminator! The Longshot -Paard, the Great War, and making an American hero and astride: horses, women and a partnership that formed America

About the series -edor

Jennifer S. Kelly is a respected journalist and author whose work has appeared in Twinspires, Bloodhorse, America’s Best Racing and The Racing Biz. Her previous books are Sir Barton and making the Triple Crown and the Foxes of Belair. She is currently working on her third book, A Crown Most Splendid: The Evolution of the American Triple Crown (University Press of Kentucky).

Interested parties are invited to submit proposals and questions to racingroyaltybooks@gmail.com.

This press release has not been edited by Bloodwerse. If there are any questions, contact the organization that produced the release.