Josh Pons Named 2024 Dr. Tony Ryan Book Award Winner

Racing journalist and horseman Josh Pons has been honored with the 2024 Dr. Tony Ryan Book Award, presented by Castleton Lyons, recognizing excellence in thoroughbred racing literature published this year.

He accepted the $10,000 prize at a reception held on November 6 at the Lexington, Kentucky farm.

A Celebrated Work on Racing History

Pons earned the award for his book Letters from Country Life: Adolphe Pons, Man o' War, and the Founding of Maryland's Oldest Thoroughbred Farm, which offers a retrospective look at the Golden Age of racing through a unique collection of letters addressed to his grandfather, Adolphe Pons.

In the early 1900s, Adolphe Pons was private secretary to August Belmont, a Racing Hall of Fame breeder, and played a key role in the breeding and sale of the legendary racehorse Man o' War.

Judges' Praise

“Josh Pons already had established his writing talent, but Letters from Country Life is another level of literary achievement,” said lead judge Kay Coyte. “In it, you discover historic gems just as Josh does, and worry along with him about the future of Maryland racing and his beloved farm."

This award highlights the blend of personal history and broader equestrian legacy in Pons' work.

Author’s summary: Josh Pons’ award-winning book uncovers historic thoroughbred racing stories through personal letters, offering deep insights into Maryland’s racing heritage and its future challenges.

Thoroughbred Daily News — 2025-11-07