The First Kentucky Derby, HRN Virtual Tevis and Weird News for April 8, 2026 by Chewy

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 first Kentucky Derby in 1875, highlighting the remarkable role of 13 Black jockeys—15 of the first 28 Derby winners were Black—while also exploring the enigmatic figure of owner H. Price McGrath. The hosts reflect on the legacy of horse racing, balancing admiration with calls for reform, and share personal stories from their own careers, including a nostalgic tribute to the TV show WKRP in Cincinnati, which inspired their radio style. The episode also features updates on the HRN Virtual Tevis team, a fun, 100-mile challenge over 100 days, and a lively segment of 'Weird News' featuring a crows' attack on an animatronic Rapunzel, a woman who won $1.1 million after 20 years of lottery play, and a man arrested for smuggling 47 hot dogs taped to his body through TSA. The show closes with a reminder of the upcoming Equine Affair weekend and a lighthearted farewell from the hosts. Key takeaways include: 1) The first Kentucky Derby was a chaotic, under-organized event with 13 Black jockeys winning 15 of the first 28 Derbies, underscoring a forgotten chapter in American horse racing history; 2) The HRN Virtual Tevis team is open for sign-ups, offering a fun, inclusive way to participate in the iconic endurance race from home; 3) The story of H. Price McGrath raises intriguing questions about whether he may have intentionally fixed the first Derby by betting on the underdog Aristides; 4) The 'Weird News' segment reminds listeners that even in serious fields like horse racing, absurdity and humor are never far away; 5) The episode celebrates the power of storytelling and personal connection, both in books and in radio, showing how passion and curiosity can drive meaningful content.