Lewistown Author Uncovers Montana's Forgotten Horse Racing Legacy

New book chronicles the state's brief but brilliant era as a powerhouse in American thoroughbred racing.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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Historian Catharine Melin-Moser's recent book, "When Montana Outraced the East: The Reign of Western Thoroughbreds, 1886–1900", details Montana's forgotten chapter as a hub for thoroughbred horse racing during the late 19th century. The book explores how the state's unique natural advantages, coupled with the wealth of figures like Samuel Larabie, Noah Armstrong and Marcus Daly, made Montana a surprising powerhouse in the sport, producing champion racehorses that shocked the East.

Why it matters

Melin-Moser's research uncovers a forgotten period of immense regional pride in Montana, where the state's racing success fostered a strong sense of identity. While Montana's racing prominence eventually waned, the factors behind its decline offer insights into potential future trends, as growing emphasis on sustainable breeding practices and the rise of data analytics could pave the way for a Western revival of the sport.

The details

Montana's natural advantages - abundant native grasses, altitude, and vast open land - proved surprisingly conducive to raising champion racehorses. Horses like Spokane, Scottish Chieftain, and Ogden, dubbed the 'Horse of Mystery', won major races like the Kentucky Derby and Belmont Stakes, shocking the East. Melin-Moser's research, pieced together from historical newspapers, turf guides, and archives, reveals a period of intense regional pride, with headlines frequently proclaiming Montana horses' victories.

  • In the late 19th century, from 1886 to 1900, Montana was a powerhouse in American thoroughbred horse racing.
  • In 1889, the Montana-bred horse Spokane won the Kentucky Derby.
  • In 1897, the Montana-bred horse Scottish Chieftain won the Belmont Stakes.
  • In 1896, the Montana-bred horse Ogden, dubbed the 'Horse of Mystery', won the Futurity at 150-to-1 odds.

The players

Catharine Melin-Moser

A historian who recently authored the book "When Montana Outraced the East: The Reign of Western Thoroughbreds, 1886–1900", which details Montana's forgotten chapter as a hub for thoroughbred horse racing during the late 19th century.

Samuel Larabie

An ambitious figure who channeled his wealth into breeding and training thoroughbreds in Montana during the late 19th century.

Noah Armstrong

An ambitious figure who channeled his wealth into breeding and training thoroughbreds in Montana during the late 19th century.

Marcus Daly

An ambitious figure who channeled his wealth into breeding and training thoroughbreds in Montana during the late 19th century.

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What they’re saying

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

Several factors suggest a possible resurgence of Western horse racing, including a growing emphasis on sustainable breeding practices and the rise of data analytics and sports science in the industry, which could diminish the advantages of established training centers.

The takeaway

Melin-Moser's research highlights the strong regional identity and pride that Montana's racing success fostered in the late 19th century, and the potential for a renewed focus on local horse racing to attract tourism and boost the state's economy in the modern era.