The First Kentucky Derby, HRN Virtual Tevis and Weird News for April 8, 2026 by Chewy - Horses in the Morning
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In this episode of Horses in the Morning, hosts Glenn DeGeek and Jamie Jennings welcome author Mark Schrager to discuss his new book, 'The First Kentucky Derby: 13 Black Jockeys, One Shady Owner, and the Little Red Horse That Wasn't Supposed to Win.' Schrager delves into the chaotic, under-documented origins of the 1875 Kentucky Derby, highlighting the overlooked role of 13 Black jockeys who dominated early Derbies—15 of the first 28 were won by Black riders. He also explores the enigmatic figure of owner H. Price McGrath, questioning whether he might have orchestrated a betting coup by letting his underdog horse, Aristides, win. The episode also features a lively segment on the HRN Virtual Tevis team for 2026, with auditor Richard explaining the 100-mile, 100-day challenge that supports the real Tevis Trail. The hosts reflect on the legacy of horse racing, balancing admiration with calls for reform. They close with a mix of quirky 'Weird News'—including crows attacking an animatronic Rapunzel, a woman winning $1.1 million after 20 years of lottery tickets, and a man arrested for smuggling 47 hot dogs taped to his body—before wrapping up with a heartfelt reminder of the show’s upcoming weekend break.
The first Kentucky Derby in 1875 was chaotic and under-organized, with 13 of 15 jockeys being Black—highlighting a forgotten era of Black excellence in horse racing.
Author Mark Schrager’s new book explores not just the race’s origins but the mystery of whether owner H. Price McGrath may have fixed the Derby for profit.
The HRN Virtual Tevis team is back for 2026, inviting riders and non-riders alike to complete 100 miles in 100 days—supporting the real Tevis Trail.
Despite the fun and nostalgia, the hosts emphasize that loving a sport doesn’t mean ignoring its flaws—advocating for continuous improvement in equine disciplines.
Weird news segments remind listeners that real life is stranger than fiction—whether it’s crows attacking a Disney animatronic or hot dogs taped to a man’s body.
Welcome to Horses in the Morning: A Fun, Quirky Start
The hosts kick off the show with their signature energy, welcoming listeners and teasing the day’s fun topics: a new book on the first Kentucky Derby, the HRN Virtual Tevis team, and a round of 'Weird News.' They also reflect on their radio roots and the nostalgic influence of WKRP in Cincinnati.
The First Kentucky Derby: Chaos, Black Jockeys, and a Shady Owner
“Could it have been that McGrath fixed the Derby and won the equivalent of millions of dollars making bets on Aristides? And my final sentence in there is, we'll never know.”
HRN Virtual Tevis: Defending Champions and 100-Mile Challenges
“We won by 110 miles. And we beat that team nobody knows about. Nobody knows her. Stacey Westfall something. I don't know. You know, we beat her team. She sucks. Whatever.”
Weird News: From Animatronic Rapunzel to Hot Dog Smugglers
“He said, I'm going to a cookout in Cincinnati and I wanted to bring hot dogs, but it costs too much to check a bag. They sell hot dogs there. In Cincinnati.”
Closing Reflections and Weekend Break
The hosts wrap up with a mix of nostalgia, humor, and heartfelt moments. They reflect on the legacy of horse racing, the importance of community, and the joy of shared experiences—before signing off for the weekend.
“He said, I'm going to a cookout in Cincinnati and I wanted to bring hot dogs, but it costs too much to check a bag. They sell hot dogs there. In Cincinnati.”
“He said, hey, can I get that tape back? I want that tape! The only thing I could think of being a man is duct tape sticky and it'd rip every hair out of your body.”
“Could it have been that McGrath fixed the Derby and won the equivalent of millions of dollars making bets on Aristides? And my final sentence in there is, we'll never know.”
Hosts
Guest
glenn degeek
person
jamie jennings
person
hrn virtual tevis
other
mark schrager
person
richard
person
aristides
other
h. price mcgrath
person
chewy
brand
black beauty
book
fei world cup
other
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