New Children’s Book: Regret, The Dark Horse who Changed the Kentucky Derby
Latest Addition to The Dark Horse Children’s Book Series
Via news release
This weekend you can attend two meet and greets with local author Maddy Zanetti and artist/illustrator Gretchen Tisch! The duo is excited to launch their newest book Regret, The Dark Horse who Changed the Kentucky Derby.
Regret, is the third book Zanetti and Tisch have partnered on since 2018. The first two books focused on Dark Horses that raced in Saratoga Springs. Upset, in 1919, and Jim Dandy, in 1930. This book features Regret, the first filly to win the Kentucky Derby and though it does have Saratoga ties the big race takes place in Kentucky in 1915. Regret started her career in Saratoga Springs and was owned by Harry Payne Whitney. She was a Saratoga sensation and created such a buzz the organizers of the Kentucky Derby requested she run in their race to help it become a nationally renowned event. Regret does not give up even though most people think she cannot win a race against the boys.
The first book, Upset, is a twist on the true story of Upset and Man o’War in the Sanford Stakes almost 100 years ago. A little creative license was taken to incorporate the real Dark Horse Mascot, Upset, the living miniature horse who inspired the book! Upset teaches everyone to believe in themselves, even when they are the long shot! Which won the Mom’s Choice Award in 2020 and WINNIE Award Winner at the EQUUS Film & Arts Fest in 2023.
While, Jim Dandy, is based on the real race between Jim Dandy and Gallant Fox many years ago. Jim Dandy was a horse who had never won a race and Gallant Fox had just won the Triple Crown. Again, a little creative license was taken to incorporate Upset, the original Dark Horse! Upset and Jim Dandy teach everyone that luck is not what makes a champion but what you have inside you.
After Zanetti writes and lays the books out, she and Tisch get together to work on the illustrations. Tisch takes Zanetti’s story and brings it to life with her incredible artistic abilities. “My rough drafts have stick figures and doodles that usually need a lot of explanation because the artwork is so bad it is not recognizable. Then Gretchen works her magic and makes the story into the beautiful books we all enjoy!” says Zanetti. Throughout the books one can find Smitty and Clover, two playful pups who join their owners whenever they are working on the books. Smitty belongs to Zanetti and Clover to Tisch, both make the book process even more fun and bring lots of laughs to the meetings.
The appearances will feature:
● Author meet-and-greet opportunities: Friday June 19, from 5:00-7:00 at The Dark Horse Mercantile AND Saturday June 20, from 9:00-1:00 at the Saratoga Farmers Market at High Rock Park
● Signed editions of the entire series
● Discussions about the real history of the horses
● Celebration of the Dark Horses and their connection to Saratoga racing and culture
The Dark Horse Mercantile at 445 Broadway in Downtown Saratoga Springs is looking forward to hosting! Books are already in stock at The Dark Horse Mercantile, Impressions of Saratoga, and Feathered Antler. Stop in or call 518-587-0689.
