"How fortunate are we readers that a granddaughter’s curiosity was piqued enough to result in this thoughtful and entertaining portrait of one of the best jockeys of whom we may have never heard. Lisa Brandabur Kremer masterfully intertwines keen insight into Jake Heupel’s riding career and extracurricular exploits with life in America during a tumultuous and transformative period. This is a Grade 1 effort.”

– Paul K. Halloran, author of Cody's Wish: A Boy, a Racehorse, and a Fight for Life

“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

"Growing up, I knew Jake Heupel's name and pieces of his story, but I never fully understood the life behind them. The Forgotten Jockey changed that for me. Lisa Kremer has done an incredible job bringing Jake back to life—not only as the accomplished jockey who competed at the highest level during horse racing's golden age, but also as the ambitious, fiercely independent, and unforgettable person he was. His journey was filled with extraordinary highs, difficult setbacks, second chances, and more than a few adventures along the way.

The Forgotten Jockey goes beyond racing. It's a story about where we come from, the people whose lives helped shape our own, and why those stories are worth preserving. Jake lived life on his own terms, and more than seventy years after his passing, I think his courage, determination, and passion for life will still resonate with readers today."

– Alex Volpenhein, great-nephew of Jake Heupel; founder of Bluegrass Brothers