Best of Hanson: 2023 Anthology

In a break from recent years, the historically themed pieces I wrote during 2023 were all published at TwinSpires.com. Therefore, it makes sense that my ninth annual anthology would be available on the TwinSpires Edge, too. You can find links to past anthologies here.

I hope readers will enjoy revisiting or checking out for the first time the following as 2023 winds down.

KENTUCKY DERBY SCRATCHES THAT CHANGED HISTORY

In a year that saw a disproportionate number of late scratches and withdrawals in the lead-up to the Kentucky Derby, a look back at four of the most significant defections in Derby history.

BEST TRAINERS NEVER TO HAVE WON THE KENTUCKY DERBY

The Kentucky Derby has eluded legends of the training profession. A look at 10 of the best whose names are noticeably absent from the Derby honor roll.

WHO WAS THE BIGGEST UNDERDOG EVER TO WIN THE KENTUCKY DERBY?

Defining who was the biggest underdog to ever win the Kentucky Derby is not as easy as it sounds, as this piece explored.

MC HAMMER, BACHARACH & STEINBRENNER: KENTUCKY DERBY CELEBRITIES ARE UNIQUELY FANS AND PARTICIPANTS

A look back at some of the celebrity owners of Kentucky Derby participants, including M.C. Hammer and the late Burt Bacharach and George Steinbrenner.

ENGLAND GETS ITS TRIPLE CROWN RIGHT, WHY CAN'T WE?

Following calls last spring for additional spacing between the Kentucky Derby and Preakness, a revised opinion originally published in 2014 explains why such a move is unlikely to have the intended effect its proponents believe.

REMEMBERING QUEEN ELIZABETH II'S ROYAL ASCOT WINNERS

In advance of the first Royal Ascot meeting without Elizabeth II on the throne since 1951, a look at the late Queen’s two dozen winners at the fixture. 

THE CHURCHILL DOWNS MATCH STILL IN DOUBT AFTER A CENTURY

Late November marked the centennial anniversary of a once-famous match between Zev and In Memoriam at Churchill Downs.

LATE BLOOMER, BOWL GAME UNDERRATED STARS OF THE SUPER 70S

Two multi-surface stars of the late 1970s for historic Greentree Stable are recalled in this piece.