Lisa Brandabur Kremer, MD, MEd, is a practicing physician and lifelong equestrian. She has been a cardholding member of the US Pony Club and the US Equestrian Federation and was able to impress her children with a large sack of vintage satin show ribbons. Surprising discoveries about her mother's family during COVID pandemic period coursework for a master's in education at Sonoma State University (SSU) became the basis of her first book. Combining medical research skills required in the mystery-solving field of rheumatology and her knowledge of the horse world, she was able to follow the clues through a multimedia genealogical search into the life and times of her grandparents, Jake and Estelle Heupel, during the golden era of horse racing. Lisa lives in Sonoma County, California.
Description
"Lisa Kremer's loving chronicle of the life and times of her colorful grandfather shows us how little has changed in the lifestyle of Thoroughbred jockeys over the last century. Jake Heupel, a rider of considerable repute, enjoys the good times and high society afforded by his travels to hotspots such as Havana, Miami Beach, New Orleans, and Saratoga. His Roaring '20s journeys, however, come at the expense of domestic tranquility, a formula repeated in the lives of countless jockeys since. This is a fascinating look at where we were as a society a hundred years ago, and Kremer is to be commended for bringing to light the story of this forgotten jockey."--Lenny Shulman, author and turf writer "From the streets of Covington, Kentucky, to the glamorous--and dangerous--world of international horse racing, The Forgotten Jockey tells the remarkable true story of Jake Heupel. Filled with ambition, adventure, triumph, heartbreak, and unforgettable personalities, this richly researched biography brings to life the excitement of early twentieth-century horse racing while restoring an overlooked champion to his rightful place in history. More than a sports biography, it is a compelling story of perseverance, family, and the relentless pursuit of an impossible dream against remarkable odds. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of horse racing in Kentucky as well as globally, along with the history of the United States."--Eric R. Jackson, professor of history and Black studies at Northern Kentucky University "Reading The Forgotten Jockey, it quickly becomes clear that Jacob "Jakey" Heupel, riding during the days of speakeasies, bathtub gin, and the Capone mob, lived a big, exciting, interesting life. His story is told with passion and a family member's pride by Lisa Brandabur Kremer, who honors her jockey grandfather with this loving biography. Many modern-day racing fans will never before have heard the name Jake Heupel, but after reading The Forgotten Jockey, it's certain you won't soon forget him."--Mark Shrager, author of The Greatest Racehorse?, The First Kentucky Derby, The Great Sweepstakes of 1877, and the Dr. Tony Ryan Book Award-winning Diane Crump biography