Dancer's Image:: The Forgotten Story of the 1968 Kentucky Derby (Sports) Paperback – March 25, 2011

I'm a fan of horse racing. The sport has been around a long time and there are hundreds of fascinating stories associated with it. One that I knew little about was the story of Peter Fuller and Dancer's Image. All I knew was Forward Pass's name with an asterisk next to it in lists of Kentucky Derby winners. I happened to hear last week that Mr. Fuller passed away, and reference was made to Milton Toby's book, so I ordered it for my Kindle. Whatever you might think of the outcome, it's amazing to read about the convoluted series of events connected to the 1968 Derby. I'm glad that Mr. Toby decided to tell this story, so that it shouldn't be lost from memory. From what I have read, Mr. Fuller was a great humanitarian and very well-respected. He fought so hard to clear his horse's name, and the mention of Dancer's Image still brought tears to his eyes even after many years. The book is not long, and I finished it in a couple of sittings. The author explains all the facts in detail, and provides background for those who know little or nothing about horse racing. I highly recommend the book, and it may have you shaking your head in disbelief, just as it did me.

Toby's book intelligently and interestingly conveys the story behind Dancer's Image's disqualification in the 1968 Kentucky Derby. The author provides a detailed background on the horse, his owner, his trainer, and the vet involved that enables you to understand the circumstances of the event. Toby's detailing of how the horse was tested for Bute, the problems with the procedures and the interpretation of the results, and the legal fuzziness of the steward's, the racing commission's, and others rulings clarifies a situation that has languished in confusion and misreporting for many years. What a shame Dancer's Image was deprived of the honor he won in a brilliant race. Of course, my disclaimer is that I am from Massachusetts.

good read for racing buff's

The Kentucky Derby website lists Forward Pass as the official winner of the 1968 edition. The horse that actually crossed the finish line first, Dancer's Image, was subsequently disqualified for a positive drug test that indicated the presence of phenylbutazone (bute), a widely used anti-inflammatory medication.The author, Milton C. Toby, details the lengths that Peter Fuller, the owner of Dancer's Image, went to clear his name and attempt to restore his horse as the rightful winner of the Derby.Numerous theories and potential suspects are provided for the reader to discern: Was the Kentucky State Racing Commission chemist competent and qualified to do his job correctly? Did Dr. Alex Harthill give the horse an unauthorized dose of bute? Or was this a rebuke to the owner for donating a large amount of purse money to Dr. Martin Luther King and his support of the ongoing civil rights movement?These questions remain unanswered more than 50 years later.A great read for any horse racing fan.

Got this as a birthday present for my Dad. He loved it! He was in the horse business and it was a great read for him.

I remember the 1968 Kentucky Derby very well. Having lived in the Boston area, I was familiar with Peter Fuller. It was such a disappointment to hear that his horse had been disqualified after the race. I never knew the full story until reading this book. Mr. Toby enlightens his readers as to what the world of thoroughbred racing is really like. The public only sees the glamorous side. The facts are presented clearly and fairly and the reader can form his own opinion as to which horse actually won the race. This is a very interesting story and I know all horse racing fans will love it.

What an amazing historical story! Very detailed and emotional. Such was the case for Peter Fuller, owner of Dancers Image. Very very good!

Lots of technical, chemical and detail. The author does a remarkable job in making the events and details a good read. Especially for anyone interested in horse or horse racing.