Finalists named for 2013 Dr. Tony Ryan Book Award

Three finalists have been selected for the 2013 Dr. Tony Ryan Book Award, to be awarded April 9.

The Dr. Tony Ryan Book Award annually offers a $10,000 prize to the winner, with $1,000 going to the other two finalists. The award was launched in 2006 by the late Dr. Ryan to recognize full-length literary work in the Thoroughbred realm. His son, Shane, has continued directing the award since the elder Ryan’s death in 2007.

The winner will be announced during an invitation-only reception at the Ryan family’s Castleton Lyons farm near Lexington, Ky.

Judges for 2013 were Kay Coyte, managing editor of the Washington Post-Bloomberg News Service; Caton Bredar, broadcaster and producer for HRTV; and Patrick Smithwick, winner of the 2012 Dr. Tony Ryan Book Award for his autobiographical “Flying Change: A Year of Racing and Family and Steeplechasing.”

The three finalists for the award are:

"Battleship: A Daring Heiress, A Teenage Jockey, and America’s Horse," by Dorothy Ours; published by St. Martin’s Press
Based in the early decades of the 20th century, Battleship centers on Marion DuPont, her battles against the gender limitations of her time, her marriage to a Hollywood movie star, and the eponymous winner of the 1938 Grand National Steeplechase.

"Casual Lies: A Triple Crown Adventure," by Shelley Lee Riley; published by Riley
The author’s narrative, recounting how her purchase of a $7,500 colt led to $795,991 in career earnings and an unforgettable ride with Casual Lies, who placed in the 1992 Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes.

"Foinavon: The Story of the Grand National’s Biggest Upset," by David Owen; published by Wisden Sports Writing
An account of the 1967 Grand National, which was won by the title horse at odds of 100-1, and the “victory tour” that commenced afterward as the horse charmed the British masses.