In the early 1900s, some match race jockeys rode bareback. Blackstrap molasses was smeared on the horse’s back to help the jockey stick onto a fast breaking horse. No rules, no electric timer, no programs, no stewards.. I never saw anybody handicapping. When the jockeys did weigh in, they used an old bathroom scale.
There were races matched “turn loose” (no jockeys) just empty beer cans with rocks inside, tied to the saddles. I’ve even seen a rooster tied to the saddle by his legs, with wings flopping all over and feathers flying everywhere...I remember watching a race with a monkey riding.
For a long time, my desire was to write a book about the history of the old bush tracks in Louisiana. My quest began with talking to the old-timers, their relatives and finding some who have long since moved away. The stories are true to life as they were told to me and there are humorous antics as well

Lynn Richards has been involved with horses all her life - rodeo and quarterhorse racing. For a long time, her desire was to write a book about the history of the old bush tracks in Louisiana, the race horses and the stories and facts about the people, places, and events. The stories are true to life as they were told to her or as she witnessed them and there are humorous stories as well. So, her quest began with talking to the old-timers, their relatives and finding some who have long since moved away. Tons of stories were given to me along with pictures.  "I have enjoyed this venture tremendously learning so much along the way and my only hope and wish is that you, the reader, enjoy this book as much as I have had writing it."

Publisher: Wise Publications
Released: 2014
Size: 6 x 9 • Hardcover
Pages: 168 • Black and White Photographs and Documents

ISBN: 978-1-68593-056-1 

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