David Hill

David Hill is a writer and gambler who grew up in the shadow of the Oaklawn Park in Hot Springs, Ark. He has written for a number of publications and is currently writing his first book. You can read more at davidhillonline.com.

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all stories by David

Horse Racing’s History on Sports Illustrated Covers

American Pharoah’s beautiful photo on the cover the June 15, 2015, issue of Sports Illustrated marked only the third time a horse has graced the front of that magazine in the last 23 years since...

Events / Travel Posted December 27th, 2024 ·

Santa’s Reindeer as Thoroughbreds: From Dasher to Blitzen

Santa’s reindeer work hard. They have to pull his plump frame, along with literally billions of toys, in a sled across the entire planet, all while racing against time to complete their journey...

Pop Culture Posted December 20th, 2024 ·

The Story of a Racehorse Named Thanksgiving

Max Hirsch was a titan in the sport. He won the 1934 Travers Stakes with Observant. He trained Bold Venture, winner of the 1936 Kentucky Derby and Preakness. He was well on his way to a Hall of...

Legends Posted November 27th, 2024 ·

The Story of Sergeant Reckless: Korean War Horse Served with Valor

The recoilless rifle was six feet long and weighed over a hundred pounds. It often required three or four Marines to carry it across the battlefields during the Korean War. Lugging it was dangerous...

The Life Posted November 11th, 2024 ·

A Special Preakness Stakes Reaffirms Bond Between Fathers and Sons

Back in 2012, when I was really just getting started as a writer, I wrote a long piece for Grantland about my late father, my young son, and a history of Preakness Stakes past. It was about family,...

Events / Travel Posted May 23rd, 2024 ·

Dr. King’s Impact on the 1967 Derby

In 1967, Louisville, Ky. was embroiled in the civil rights movement as Black citizens protested for many months to get the city to pass a law banning discrimination in housing and borrowing.

Pop Culture Posted January 12th, 2024 ·

A Taste of History: The Souvenir Kentucky Derby Glass

After the 1938 Kentucky Derby, the Churchill Downs staff noticed that they were short more than a few water glasses. Fans, it turned out, were stealing the glasses to take home as souvenirs of...

The Life Posted December 17th, 2023 ·

Secretariat, the Preakness, and a 39-Year Controversy

Maximum Security’s disqualification in the 2019 Kentucky Derby presented by Woodford Reserve inspired much controversy, and the debate at times felt like the 1950 Kurosawa film “Rashomon,” where...

Legends Posted May 11th, 2023 ·

A Racing Classic: ‘Let It Ride’ Stands Test of Time

Longtime ESPN horse racing columnist and Oklahoma-based author/journalist Jay Cronley died on Feb. 26, 2017. Cronley was the author of seven books, including "Funny Farm" and "Quick Change," which...

Pop Culture Posted January 13th, 2022 ·

What Is … a ‘Jeopardy’ Dream Fulfilled for Equibase Chart Caller Nicolle Neulist?

Nicolle Neulist had never taken a day off from work. A self-described “perfect attendance kid,” they had always figured that, short of an emergency, why not just go in? After all, who wouldn’t want...

Pop Culture Posted August 13th, 2021 ·

Can Twitch Help Revolutionize Horse Racing?

There is a lot to root for in horse racing. There are the horses, naturally, and they rightfully command the most attention as the main attraction. But each racehorse has an entire village behind...

Pop Culture Posted February 10th, 2021 ·

Finding Scenarios to Use Turn-Back Angle to Identify Longshots

They say Saratoga is “The Graveyard of Champions,” so if you’re playing there later this summer you’re probably looking for a way to pick some good longshots. If you’re a greenhorn at the racetrack...

Gambling Posted June 26th, 2020 ·