Description:
Chronicling the incomparable life of boxing and Saratoga Race Course legend John Morrissey.
John Old Smoke Morrissey was one of the most dynamic characters of his time. He went from a career as an undefeated bare-knuckle boxer, founded the Saratoga Race Course and eventually won elections to Congress and the New York State Senate. A poor, uneducated Irish immigrant, Morrissey became a leader in the Dead Rabbits street gang. He won fame as a fighter and fortune as the operator of a string of successful gambling houses.
Morrissey then took Saratoga Springs by storm, improbably resurrecting thoroughbred racing during the Civil War and opening his famous Club House, which was the most glamorous casino the country had ever seen. Author and National Museum of Racing Hall of Fame director of communications Brien Bouyea takes you on this fascinating journey and shows just how Morrissey did it all.
Brief description: Brien Bouyea is director of communications at the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame in Saratoga Springs, New York. Prior to joining the museum, he was an award-winning sportswriter for the Record and executive sports editor for the Saratogian. His awards include honors from the Associated Press Sports Editors, the New York State Associated Press and the New York Newspaper Publishers Association. He is a graduate of the College of Saint Rose and lives in Saratoga Springs, New York.