26 Comments
User's avatar
Daniel Catena's avatar

I felt like I was reading a Tarantino film script! You built the plot up perfectly Jeanine. Such an interesting story.

Expand full comment
Jeanine Kitchel's avatar

Thanks but Miami’s book led the way. (Plus he lived it, haha). So true —sometimes truth is stranger than fiction, right?

Expand full comment
Barbra Bishop's avatar

Wow! This is a real nail-biter! I'm not usually into horse racing stories but this is definitely a compelling story. Was so happy Miami & Dino got thru it all alive! Hope it makes it into film.

Expand full comment
Jeanine Kitchel's avatar

So do I Barbra! It’s so wild they actually pursued the bet— talk about long shots!! Glad you enjoyed.

Expand full comment
Lana's avatar

Whew, what a close call! I thought for sure el jefe would destroy them! You had me on the edge of my chair. Great story!

Expand full comment
Jeanine Kitchel's avatar

The book goes into so much more. Those guys were crazy lucky 🍀 or maybe just crazy? Who would even go for that? Such a crazy long shot but it did pay off, and with a heckuva story, too. Thanks for reading and stacking, Lana!! As always!

Expand full comment
Lisa Marks's avatar

Thank you for this wonderful long read, Jeanine. I do love an adventurous tale of bravery and derring do! 🧡

Expand full comment
Jeanine Kitchel's avatar

Very welcome. It was longer than my usual. And an adventure!

Expand full comment
Lisa Marks's avatar

You know how I love a long read. Can I share in my next Write to Know newsletter?

Expand full comment
Jeanine Kitchel's avatar

Lisa, I would love that!! Thank you! And yes, I know you like a long read ):

Expand full comment
Lisa Marks's avatar

Ah thanks, from Lisa Long Read x

Expand full comment
Clarice Dankers's avatar

What a fascinating and well-written story, Jeanine! Do you know what happened to the filly in the end?

Expand full comment
Jeanine Kitchel's avatar

Hi Clarice—she had a few wins next 2 years and then retired as a brood mare, producing 10 foals, 6 winners. In 2000 she was inducted into Museum of Racing Hall of Fame. She died at 23 in 2008.

Expand full comment
Clarice Dankers's avatar

Wow! She sounds like an amazing horse. I wonder why she isn't more famous? Like Sea Biscuit? Because she's female, do you think?

Expand full comment
Jeanine Kitchel's avatar

Maybe Clarice. But after the Derby think she won only one other major race. Placed in a few others. Not sure why. I think Seabiscuit overcame some difficulties then also took many firsts. If you enjoy a good horse story, have you read Horse. By Geraldine Brooks? It’s much more than a horse story though and a great read.

Expand full comment
Clarice Dankers's avatar

No, I haven't heard of her. I will have to check the book out.

Expand full comment
Priya Iyer's avatar

What a thrilling story, Jeanine!

Expand full comment
Jeanine Kitchel's avatar

It just floored me when I read about it. And absolutely loved the madness of it! Talk about a long Long shot! And they made it out alive and with the cash! Crazy cool!

Expand full comment
Diana Paez's avatar

Fascinating to learn more about Mexico through this lens. Well written! Loved the characters' bravery evenly matched by wit 👌

Expand full comment
Jeanine Kitchel's avatar

As mentioned, all of Mexico is open season for Mexico Soul ): thank you, Diana.

Expand full comment
Mike Leavy's avatar

Growing up in San Diego, Agua Caliente was an omnipresent feature of radio and TV ads. Although I was constantly crossing the border into Tijuana, I never visited Agua Caliente, but I was sad when I heard they ended their horse racing program there in the 90's. Thanks for the nostalgic story - it's a good one. If it doesn't make it to the silver screen, I hope it at least makes it to Netflix 🙂

Expand full comment
Jeanine Kitchel's avatar

Oh I imagine it was a presence Mike. This story was just so wild! Loved it. And think Santa Anita was Bukowski’s infamous stomping grounds? I do hope someone picks up his story for the screen. I’m glad he got a book out of it. And the odds? So unimaginable!! Glad you enjoyed. Thanks!

Expand full comment
Marlo Leaman's avatar

Interesting for sure-especially because I was at Churchill Downs for that Derby! I was a 20 year old college student, and as the only filly in the race I bet maybe $4 on her. All I remember is standing, watching, holding my mint julep glass, when she crossed the finish line to win, I jumped up, my glass fell and broke but I won maybe $150 which to a poor, college student was a jackpot! I do hope that story gets made into a movie!

Expand full comment
Jeanine Kitchel's avatar

That is wild Marlo!! How cool! Big $ for a college kid. The crowds musta gone crazy! I loved this story. Made me laugh. And the odds? Those guys were nuts.

Expand full comment
Jennifer Silva Redmond's avatar

Wow. What a great story!

Expand full comment
Jeanine Kitchel's avatar

Thanks Jennifer. Loved this story’

Expand full comment