What's Happening?
“The Racetracks of America: From the Pre-Civil War Days to the 21st Century,” a comprehensive history of United States thoroughbred tracks, has been named the 20th recipient of the Dr. Tony Ryan Book Award. This award, presented by the Ryan family’s Castleton
Lyons, recognizes excellence in thoroughbred racing literature published in 2025. The 440-page reference book was a collaborative effort between the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame and Keeneland Library. Brien Bouyea of the Museum and Roda Ferraro of Keeneland Library accepted the $10,000 check and Tipperary crystal trophy at a reception on November 4, 2026, at Castleton Lyons’ historic stallion barn in Lexington, Kentucky. The book features essays from 35 turf writers and authors, along with over 600 historical photos and memorabilia, profiling nearly 100 tracks across the U.S.
Why It's Important?
This award highlights the significant contribution of “The Racetracks of America” to the preservation and understanding of thoroughbred racing history in the United States. The Dr. Tony Ryan Book Award, established in 2006, aims to provide industry recognition for book-length racing works, a category often overlooked by broader literary awards. The collaboration between the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame and Keeneland Library underscores the importance of institutional partnerships in documenting and celebrating American sporting heritage. The book's extensive coverage, from pre-Civil War days to the 21st century, offers a valuable resource for racing enthusiasts, historians, and the general public, ensuring that the traditions and evolution of U.S. racetracks are well-documented for future generations. The financial prize and recognition further incentivize high-quality literary contributions to the sport.
What's Next?
The recognition from the Dr. Tony Ryan Book Award is expected to increase the visibility and readership of “The Racetracks of America.” This could lead to broader discussions about the history and cultural significance of thoroughbred racing in the U.S. The National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame, along with Keeneland Library, may leverage this award to promote further research and publications in the field of racing history. The award ceremony also honored two other finalists, Gary O’Dell for “Reinventing the American Thoroughbred: The Arabian Adventures of Alexander Keene Richards” and Katie Bo Lillis for “Death of a Racehorse: An American Story,” suggesting continued interest and output in thoroughbred racing literature. The ongoing commitment of the Ryan family to this award ensures that excellence in this niche literary genre will continue to be celebrated.
Beyond the Headlines
The Dr. Tony Ryan Book Award, by focusing on thoroughbred racing literature, addresses a gap in mainstream literary recognition. It acknowledges that specialized fields, like sports history, produce works of significant cultural and historical value that might otherwise be overlooked by more general awards. The award's emphasis on comprehensive, well-researched works like “The Racetracks of America” highlights the dedication required to document complex historical narratives. This initiative also reflects a broader trend of institutions collaborating to preserve and disseminate cultural heritage, demonstrating how partnerships between museums and libraries can create impactful resources. The book's portrayal of racetracks as 'living, breathing places' underscores their role not just as sporting venues but as integral parts of American communities and their historical development.
