Carol Holden, President of the West Virginia Breeders Classics Ltd., announced today that the organization has published “The History of the West Virginia Breeders Classics — 1987 to Present – Volume Il”. Holden was co-founder of the West Virginia Breeders Classics along with her partner, the late Sam Huff.

According to Holden, the second volume includes 25 new pages to include the 2023 WVBC race winners, the two new additions to the West Virginia Thoroughbred Breeders Association Hall of Fame, and more. The 8 ½ by 11 inch, 455-page book contains full-color images of the winners of each of the 37 years of races.

The 2024 renewal of the West Virginia Breeders Classics will be held this Saturday, October 12. This year will be the 38th running of what has become the richest night of racing for West Virginia-bred horses. The book will be available at the October 12th event.

The book’s author, Charles Town resident Bob O’Connor, will be on hand that evening to personally autograph each book. O’Connor was recently named Best News Columnist by the West Virginia Press Association. He is the author of three dozen books.

The event was the brainchild of Sam Huff, NFL Hall of Famer and all-pro linebacker for the New York Giants and Washington Redskins. Huff was a horse breeder and was looking to provide a way to promote West Virginia and the Thoroughbred horse racing industry in the state. Huff passed away in 2021. The featured race of the evening is now named in his honor, and the book is dedicated to Huff.

Readers of the book will find out how the inaugural races were funded and learn more about those who made the first Classics night possible in 1987. The book also identifies important individuals along the way who have continued to champion the event and keep it going at a high level.

The book has updated standings for winningest owners, trainers, breeders, and jockeys in WVBC history, and details the economic importance of the night to the thoroughbred horse racing industry in West Virginia.

The book sells for $44.95 plus West Virginia sales tax.