An Irish immigrant, a collection agent for crime bosses, a
professional boxer, and a prolific gambler, John Morrissey was --
if nothing else -- an unlikely candidate to become one of the most
important figures in the history of Thoroughbred racing. As a young
man, he worked as a political heavy in New York before going to San
Francisco in search of fortune at the height of the Gold Rush.
After returning to the east coast, he was hired by Tammany Hall and
was soon locked in a deadly rivalry with William Poole, better
known as "Bill the Butcher." As time went on, Morrissey parlayed
his youthful exploits into a remarkably successful career as a
businessman and politician. After establishing a gambling house in
Saratoga Springs, the hardnosed entrepreneur organized the first
Thoroughbred race meet at what would become Saratoga Race Course in
1863. Morrissey went on to be elected to two terms in the U.S.
House of Representatives and two terms in the New York State
Senate. In this book, James C. Nicholson explores the improbable
life of the man who brought Thoroughbred racing back to prominence
in the United States. Though few of his contemporaries did more to
develop the commercialization of sports in America, Morrissey's
colorful background has prevented him from getting the attention he
deserves. This entertaining and long-overdue biography finally does
justice to his astounding rags-to-riches story while exploring an
intriguing chapter in the history of horse racing.
General
Imprint: |
The University Press of Kentucky
|
Country of origin: |
United States |
Series: |
Horses in History |
Release date: |
March 2021 |
Authors: |
James C Nicholson
|
Dimensions: |
226 x 150 x 20mm (L x W x T) |
Format: |
Paperback
|
Pages: |
208 |
ISBN-13: |
978-0-8131-8099-1 |
Categories: |
Books
|
LSN: |
0-8131-8099-6 |
Barcode: |
9780813180991 |
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