The Last Black King of the Kentucky Derby: The Story of Jimmy Winkfield

I learned so much about the contribution of African Americans to the nation's first professional sport. This book is a lively, entertaining read that will captivate adults and children alike, and the gorgeous illustrations perfectly complement the text.

Ms. Hubbard has taken her passion for sports and made a wonderful connection to youth. This second book of a famous black athlete is no exception. Wink's accomplishments occurred in the past century but his method to success is still the same: Dream it, be a part of it and never give up! This wonderful story about the first black horse racing jockey to win two Kentucky Derby's as well as International Horse Racing is accompanied by the beautiful artistry of Robert McGuire. The rich art work is accompanied by a very detailed story of a young boy - the youngest of 17 children in 1882 in Kentucky. Jimmy 'Wink' Winkfield took his passion and love of horses and followed his dreams of becoming a jockey and to race. Young Jimmy had to earn what he wanted and this story does not glamorize at all. The struggle is present along with the downfalls and inspiring comebacks. Jimmy 'Wink" Winkfield did not let racism hold him back from his dreams and successes. This book is inspiring to both adults and children alike to pursue a dream/goal no matter what obstacle is in one's path. I am inspired by Ms. Hubbard's dream and goal of writing children's books. It is my hope that this wonderful and talented author is recognized by the NAACP, The National Urban League and the National Association of Black Journalists! I simply cannot wait to see which athlete Ms. Hubbard will choose next! This book is a wonderful gift to any child or adult and belongs in every library and personal book shelf! Black History is not just one month out of a year but 365 days a year! Cheers to Ms. Hubbard!

Jimmy "Wink" Winkfield already showed signs of his special bond with horses as a young child growing up on a Kentucky farm in a large sharecropping family. He may have been the smallest child, but he knew how to dream big, and he enjoyed nothing more than hopping up on the workhorses and letting his imagination carry him away as a great jockey. At the age of 16 while working as a stable hand and exercise rider, Wink attracted notice from a horse trainer who asked him to race one of his horses in Illinois. Unfortunately Wink's first race resulted in a collision involving multiple horses and jockeys, and he was suspended from racing for a year. Wink returned to the race circuit to earn a long string of victories and four consecutive opportunities to race in the prestigious Kentucky Derby. He earned third place in the Kentucky Derby his first year, then won first place two times (in 1901 and 1902), and the fourth year he placed a heart-wrenching second. Wink went on to race in Europe for the remainder of his career, largely because racial discrimination and the closure of numerous racetracks in the United States led to the virtual disappearance of jobs for black jockeys. With all his racing victories, Wink left a legacy as one of history's greatest jockeys and the last African American jockey to win the Kentucky Derby. The thrilling text and dramatic oil paintings make it exceedingly difficult to put this book down before reaching the very last page. Carefully intertwined in the tales of Wink's triumphs and defeats are important lessons about discrimination and job opportunities that had a profound impact on his career progression. The Last Black King of the Kentucky Derby makes a valuable contribution to children's literature by bringing to life the story of an African American hero whose rightful place in sports history has only recently gained recognition and appreciation.