All right, I’ll admit it: I’m a sucker for books. I probably have more books in my library than I’ll ever be able to read in a lifetime and my pile of books on horses and horse racing is taller than I am. Books will always be among my favorite gifts to give and receive. If you are as fond of the written word as I am, this gift guide is for you!

These books are new for 2020 and include a look at a jockey who broke through the glass ceiling, a gambling coup in the modern era, and an exploration of an unexpected mecca for vice. I’ve added all of these to my wish list!

Diane Crump: A Horse-Racing Pioneer’s Life in the Saddle by Mark Shrager. Shrager’s look at the career of one of America’s first female jockeys chronicles her journey from exercise rider to crusader, seeking the same respect for her skills on horseback that were granted to the men who had dominated the sport for centuries.

The Greatest Gambling Story Ever Told: A True Tale of Three Gamblers, The Kentucky Derby, and the Mexican Cartel by Mark Paul. Paul’s book tells the story of his seven-figure bet on America’s biggest race and the risks he and his partners took to collect their winnings.

The Vapors: A Southern Family, the New York Mob, and the Rise and Fall of Hot Springs, America’s Forgotten Capital of Vice by David Hill. I heard about this book first on Steve Byk’s show, and the more I read about it, the more I can’t wait to get my hands on it. Visit Hot Springs, Arkansas to find how “gangsters, gamblers, and gamines” came together to create this forgotten capital of vice.

2020 was an interesting year to put out a new book. I hope you will check out these new titles and then follow their authors on social media.

This coming spring, the story of Zev versus Papyrus will grace the pages of the newest Horses in History title, Racing for America. Published by the University Press of Kentucky, Jamie Nicholson’s newest book will cover the people and horses that make the story of this first great international event in American racing. I cannot wait for this book to come out.

Before Racing for America comes out, pick up some of Jamie’s other titles, including:

1968: A Pivotal Moment in American Sports

Amidst the social turmoil of 1968 — protests, assassinations, unrest — came a year of memorable sporting moments. Nicholson weaves together events like the disqualification of the Kentucky Derby winner and war protests into the story of a year unlike any other. Explore how society and sports are irrevocably interwoven in our modern era.

Never Say Die: A Kentucky Colt, the Epsom Derby, and the Rise of the Modern Thoroughbred Industry

In 1954, a Kentucky bred colt brought together a series of influential individuals from an heir to the Singer sewing machine fortune to the Aga Khan and helped make music history in the process. Nicholson masterfully weaves the story of this Epsom Derby with the history of the Singer family and the influence of the Aga Kahn on thoroughbred racing worldwide.

The Notorious John Morrissey: How a Bare-Knuckle Brawler Became a Congressman and Founded Saratoga Race Course

How does a professional boxer become a politician and the founder of one of America’s premier racetracks? John Morrissey brought together forces that helped bring horse racing back to prominence as one of America’s favorite pastimes. Nicholson explores the life of this Irish immigrant and his rags-to-riches story in an era that set the stage for the modern sport of horse racing.

The Kentucky Derby: How the Run for the Roses Became America’s Premier Sporting Event

How did Meriwether Clark’s big idea become America’s greatest horse race? How did the Twin Spires come to join other essential American sites on the list of the country’s historic places?

Jamie’s work is well researched and deeply engrossing. Come for the horses and stay for all of the stories!

In addition to exploring Jamie’s portfolio, I wanted to feature an author who has a long catalog of wonderful equine fiction and a fun social media presence. Natalie Keller Reinert wrote the award-winning The Hidden Horses of New York , a book that I have in my queue for this winter, as well as several series of books set in the world of eventing and more. If you enjoy all things equine, I recommend checking Natalie’s catalog of books out.

Natalie also has a neat Christmas freebie for you guys. Check out Claiming Christmas and warm up your holiday season with some warm and fuzzy stories.

The Horses in History imprint from the University Press of Kentucky features three of the 20th century’s most famous names and explores a couple of mysteries that linger in the sport today. What really happened to Epsom and Irish Derby winner Shergar? Was there really a safety pin lodged in Spectacular Bid’s hoof on Belmont Stakes day? Horses in History is also home to the story of how Sir Barton became the pioneer of one of America’s greatest and most elusive feats in racing.

Taking Shergar: Thoroughbred Racing’s Most Famous Cold Case

Spectacular Bid: The Last Superhorse of the Twentieth Century

Sir Barton and the Making of the Triple Crown

Brien Bouyea and Michael Veitch published their chronicle of the rich history of the Travers Stakes in 2019. The Travers: 150 Years of Saratoga’s Greatest Race is a beautiful, full color exploration of the history of the Midsummer Derby, one of America’s most prestigious races, and includes rare photographs and more. Even better, from now until December 15th, the authors will donate $10 from each sale to Old Friends!

I have this gorgeous book and refer to it whenever I write about a Travers winner. This is a must for any horse racing fan’s library!

What books will you be adding to your wish list? Do you have some suggestions for this guide? Drop your suggestions in the comments, and, of course, let me know what books you find under the tree this year.