Book SummaryThe Greatest Gambling Story Ever Told, by Mark Paul

1-Page Summary1-Page Book Summary of The Greatest Gambling Story Ever Told

The story centers on Winning Colors, the mare who secured a resounding victory in the prestigious Kentucky Derby.

During her third season, the impressive female horse trained by D. Wayne Lukas was owned by billionaire Eugene Klein.

Winning Colors had already established her reputation among other female horses prior to challenging sixteen outstanding male thoroughbreds in the Kentucky Derby.

Mark Paul narrates the story of an extraordinary racehorse, noted for her impressive size, strength, and speed. The esteemed horse trainer D. Wayne Lukas purchased the youthful horse for Eugene Klein, the billionaire who owned the National Football League team located in San Diego. The author highlights her impressive physique, particularly the muscular strength in her hindquarters, which was on par with that of a fully-grown stallion. At just two years old, Winning Colors exhibited a physical development comparable to a four-year-old stallion. She swiftly demonstrated her dominance from the very beginning, leaving her competitors behind with ease.

From the moment the race commenced, Winning Colors demonstrated her remarkable speed, setting her apart from the rest of the field. In her debut race at Saratoga, she dominated her rivals, clinching victory with a comfortable lead of nearly three horse lengths. She maintained her dominance at Santa Anita, showcasing a velocity often associated with seasoned male sprinters. Despite her evident talent, the question of her stamina on extended courses and against tougher competition lingered, due to concerns that she tended to deplete her energy too rapidly in races. However, she showed a knack for learning and adaptation, heeding the experienced jockey's advice on managing her speed to ensure she retained enough energy for the final stretches of the competition. Her remarkable combination of natural talent and keen intelligence made her a respected adversary in the prestigious horse contests of Kentucky.

The filly Winning Colors showcased her remarkable talent by securing a victory against male horses in the Santa Anita Derby.

After her victories against other female horses, speculation arose about Winning Colors' ability to compete on equal footing with the country's leading male horses. This strategy was seen as bold because male horses usually outperform females, and it is rare for fillies to secure victories in prestigious races like the one held in Kentucky. Her remarkable swiftness suggested she might challenge the existing norms, since her pace surpassed that of many top-tier male counterparts.

Mark Paul describes the buildup to her first race against male horses at the Santa Anita Derby, a pivotal precursor event before the renowned Kentucky Derby. Excitement filled the air as spectators gathered at the racetrack, eager to see if the skilled young mare would defy the odds. Winning Colors undoubtedly met the high expectations set for her. At the start of the race, she quickly took the lead with her signature acceleration. Gary Stevens, the adept jockey, expertly harnessed the equine's vigor, enabling her to demonstrate her utmost capabilities. As the race drew to a close, she had secured a considerable lead and finished the race victoriously, ahead by a margin of seven and a half horse lengths. Her victory silenced the doubters and firmly established her status as a legitimate competitor in the prestigious Kentucky Derby.

Utilizing her swiftness and nimbleness through the curves, Winning Colors gained a considerable lead and managed to just hold onto it to triumph in the Kentucky Derby.

As the 1988 Kentucky Derby drew near, the...

The Greatest Gambling Story Ever Told Summary A collective of bettors wagered on Winning Colors and subsequently set out to claim their legitimate winnings.

Dino Mateo, Miami Paul, and Big Bernie, who were passionate about horse racing, placed a significant early bet on Winning Colors, a contender with high odds, in pursuit of victory at the esteemed Louisville event.

The betting aficionados placed their bets on competitions at a racetrack located in Tijuana, securing odds that were significantly more favorable than what they could find in Las Vegas.

The story centers on three aficionados, including the author, Dino Mateo, and Big Bernie, who excel at pinpointing wagers with substantial potential profits and all possess a passionate interest in the sport of kings. The companions frequently traveled across California to various horse racing venues, always on the lookout for the best betting prospects and the highest potential returns. They were known for their inclination to wager on significant races long before the events were scheduled to take place.

The author recounts their decision to place a substantial bet on Winning Colors to triumph in the Kentucky Derby, which they did at the Agua Caliente racetrack located in Tijuana, Mexico. They knew that Tijuana offered far more generous odds than the regulated betting...

The Greatest Gambling Story Ever Told Summary The hazardous connections linking the Agua Caliente racetrack with the Mexican drug cartel.

Jorge Hank Rhon, a figure of prominence and wealth in the area, held ownership of the Tijuana, Mexico racetrack.

The local journalist, known for his disapproval of Rhon and his business dealings, encountered a deadly mishap that implicated the guards at the racing venues owned by Rhon.

The writer adeptly captures the threatening and deceitful environment surrounding the Agua Caliente racetrack, along with its owner, Jorge Hank Rhon. The book portrays the protagonist's lavish and unconventional character, highlighting his opulent way of life, a personal collection of rare wildlife, and his ties to influential politicians. They delve into the darker facets of his fame as well, revealing allegations of his ties to criminal organizations engaged in drug smuggling originating in Mexico.

The writer highlights the intense discourse regarding the assassination of Hector Felix Miranda, a reporter recognized for his in-depth investigations that often put Tijuana's upper echelons, including Rhon, under scrutiny. Miranda, often writing under an assumed name, frequently challenged Rhon, alleging his involvement in illicit dealings and narcotics distribution. After Miranda's...