The six semi-finalists for the seventh annual Dr. Tony Ryan Book Award have been released. Conceived and launched in 2006 by the late Castleton Lyons owner Dr. Tony Ryan, the award has annually showcased the best of racing literature. Originally known as the Castleton Lyons Book Award, the name was changed to honor its founder, who died in 2007. Dr. Ryan’s son Shane Ryan has continued to carry on the contest each spring. The winner of the 2012 Book Award will be announced on April 10 at Castleton Lyons during a cocktail reception held in a room above the farm’s stallion barn.  First prize is $10,000, with $1,000 awarded to each runner-up. In addition, all three finalists will receive a Tipperary Crystal trophy. The 2011 Dr. Tony Ryan Book Award winner was Milton Toby for Dancer’s Image: The Forgotten Story, published by The History Press. Following are the semi-finalists for the 2012 Dr. Tony Ryan Book Award in alphabetical order: Flying Change: A Year of Racing and Family and Steeplechasing Author: Patrick Smithwick Publisher: Chesapeake Publishing Kentucky Derby Dreams: The Making of Thoroughbred Champions Author: Susan Nusser Publisher: Thomas Dunne Books My Year of the Racehorse Author: Kevin Chong Publisher: Greystone Books Racing From Death Author: Sasscer Hill Publisher: Wildside Press The Garrett Gomez Story: A Jockey’s Journey Through Addiction and Salvation       Author: Rudolph Alvarado, with Garrett Keith Gomez Publisher: Caballo Press of Ann Arbor The Kentucky Derby: How the Run for the Roses Became America’s Premier Sporting Event Author: James C. Nicholson Publisher: The University Press of Kentucky When Racing Was Racing – A Century of Horse Racing Author: Adam Powley Publisher: Haynes Publishing