Keeneland Library will host Tom Hammond  in discussion of his new release Races, Games, and Olympic Dreams: A Sportscaster’s Life.

In 1984, Tom Hammond got an unlikely opportunity to appear on the NBC Sports telecast of the inaugural Breeders’ Cup. Assigned to report from the stall area on what was supposed to be a single broadcast, Hammond’s performance earned him a 34-year career with NBC sports.

Along with cowriter Mark Story, Hammond pulls back the curtain to reveal how a Kentucky native who started out reading horse racing results on Lexington radio went on to broadcast from 13 Olympic Games, 16 Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes races, and 11 runnings of the Belmont Stakes, including American Pharoah’s historic 2015 Triple Crown victory. Though Hammond’s career has spanned the world, his roots have always remained firmly planted in the Bluegrass.

Following the presentation, enjoy a book signing and reception with Tom Hammond.

A portion of the proceeds benefit the Keeneland Library Foundation which supports the Library’s preservation, education, and outreach projects.