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A Kick, A Cut & A Cough: Author Uncovers Story Of Horse Racing's First Triple Crown Winner

Lexington motorists often drive on Man O’ War Boulevard and Sir Barton Way but few know the full story of what made them so legendary. Take for example Sir Barton: the Kentucky thoroughbred was the first horse to win the Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes and Belmont Stakes – now known as the Triple Crown – in 1919, inspiring the yearly pursuit of racing glory that continues to fascinate us. For nearly a century, however, achievements by Man o’ War and other great horses of the era overshadowed those of Sir Barton.  Recently at an appearance at the Kentucky Historical Society in Frankfort, author Jennifer S. Kelly discussed her new book “Sir Barton and the Making of the Triple Crown” and afterward spoke exclusively with WUKY’s Alan Lytle.  She said the legend of Sir Barton starts with a series of seemingly minor events: a kick, a cut and a cough.

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