Behind the Story: Katie Bo Lillis on Death of a Racehorse

Reception, Moderated Discussion & Book Signing

Mark your calendar for an evening reception and illuminating discussion followed by a book signing with author, CNN senior reporter, and Virginia equestrian, Katie Bo Lillis. Lillis will discuss her insightful debut book, Death of a Racehorse: An American Story. Do not let the title deceive you; Lillis calls the book her “love song to horse racing.” As an expert journalist, her firsthand experience in horse racing gives her a leg up to make non-fiction read more like a crime novel.

Death of a Racehorse is a cutting, on-the-ground investigation into the morally ambiguous behavior at the industry’s glamorous center, raising nuanced questions about the relationship between animal and human—and offering a hopeful path forward for one of America’s oldest and most treasured sports.

"(Death of a Racehorse) will no doubt long be considered one of the most clear-eyed, moving, unsettling and thorough testaments to the sport of kings."

—Samantha Dunn of The Orange County Register

(May 12, 2025)

Katie Bo Lillis is a CNN senior reporter covering intelligence and national security. Prior to her role at CNN, she worked for Atlantic Media, traveling the Middle East, covering America’s wars. Raised in the saddle in rural Virginia, her first love was thoroughbred horse racing. She lives on a farmette with a small barn in northern Virginia with her husband and son.

To ensure everyone is able to purchase Death of Racehorse: An American Story, tickets for this event are available for purchase with or without the book. Signed books make a personalized holiday gift, so don't miss out! We will have additional copies for sale at the program on August 14.

Staying the night? 

Our local partner, The Red Fox Inn & Tavern, is offering a 10% discount on guest rooms for the night of August 14. To book by phone (540-687-6301) or online, please use the promo code “NSLM”. Please direct any questions to inn@redfox.com.