Horse racing journalist, historian Joseph B. Kelly dies at 94. Kelly's first wager was on Whirlaway, favorite horse was Citation.

Legendary horse racing journalist and historian Joseph B. Kelly said the first race horse he ever bet on was Whirlaway, who won the Triple Crown in 1941 with Eddie Arcaro aboard. Kelly, who wrote for the Baltimore Sun and the Washington Star, passed away at 94, on Monday, November 26.

Here's an interview with Kelly where he talks about Whirlaway, ABC-TV broadcaster Jim McKay (who he knew when McKay was James McManus) and the early days of broadcasting from the race track. The video is listed as Part I of an interview with Kelly, but there isn't a Part II or III to be found, unfortunately.



Here are comments about about Kelly:

From Brisnet:
Pimlico and Laurel announcer Dave Rodman: "He was eager to share stories about Maryland racing, especially the Preakness. Nobody loved Pimlico more than Mr. Kelly, who continued to drive to the track almost every day. Coming to the races kept him very sharp. He loved to talk about the horses and handicap the races."

From Courier-Journal:
Former Pimlico and Laurel Park owner Karin De Francis: "He truly was racing’s man for the ages and a real gentleman in the mold that exists no more.”

From Baltimore Sun:
Ross Peddicord, former Baltimore Sun racing writer who is executive director of the Maryland Horse Industry Board: "Joe was a walking encyclopedia on the history of the Maryland horse racing industry. He was the embodiment of the Selima Room, the Woodward Collection and the Bel Air Museum and Stable all wrapped up into one."

Kelly on his favorite horse: "Citation was such a versatile horse that could overcome muddy tracks or fast tracks, short races or long races. He could adapt to any and all circumstances."

By the way, Citation won the Triple Crown in 1948.

Kelly's funeral will be held at St. Ignatius Roman Catholic Church in Baltimore at 11 a.m. EST Nov. 30 with a visitation period beginning at 9:30 a.m.

If you are interested, below is Whirlaway's Kentucky Derby win in 1941. Whirlaway is he No. 4 horse.



Below is Citation's Kentucky Derby win in 1948. Citation is the No. 1 horse.