One other vacation season is simply across the nook, and 2025 as soon as once more presents us with a powerful listing of literary examinations of the game of horse racing in its varied kinds. Whether or not you are searching for an engrossing espresso desk e-book or need to discover moments from horse racing’s previous, this listing has one thing for the horse racing fanatic reader in your life.
Try our listing of 11 gift-worthy titles, together with names like Man o’ Battle, Silver Appeal, and Stymie, amongst this yr’s new titles.
“Astride: Horses, Girls, and the Partnership That Formed America” by Eliza McGraw
Late 19 years outdatedth 1 century till the start of the twentieth centuryth This century has been a transformative second for ladies. The advantages they sought in public life prolonged to their actions within the saddle, as they rode alongside and astride, rising from the shadows to grab alternatives and start to take their place alongside their horse companions as performers, consultants, and promoters. McGraw’s e-book examines these adjustments and demonstrates the function horses performed within the cultural and social evolution of girls in American life.
“The Loss of life of a Racehorse: An American Story” by Katie Beau Lillis
The title of Lillis’ new e-book concerning the sport might give the impression that there’s a pattern in horse racing considering, however whereas the creator is dedicated to analyzing the realities of horse racing, he additionally affords hope for its future. She examines the federal lawsuits that demoted Jason Servis and Jorge Navarro, in addition to Medina Spirit’s disqualification from the 2021 Kentucky Derby, and considers how each lawsuits level to long-term considerations within the sport. As a journalist who beforehand labored within the racing business, she completely researches the game and gives insights not typically present in different investigative items.
“The Making of the Triple Crown: The Early Historical past of Horse Racing’s Signature Collection, 1918-1948” by Michael F. Batchelor
Mr. Batchelor’s e-book explores the early days of the American Triple Crown, sharing the names and faces that had been a part of the three stakes’ transformation from race to traditional. He analyzes crops annually at two and three years of age, offering an summary of the primary 10 years of this most tough endeavor.
“The Best Racehorse? Man-O-Battle and the Judgment of Historical past” by Mark Schrager
For those who sit on the racetrack apron on race day, the dialog is certain to revolve across the superiority of 1 horse versus one other. Straightforward Goer vs. Sunday Silence? Affirmed or Alidar? Man o’ Battle or Secretariat? These arguments could appear futile. Can we actually say which Massive Crimson (or some other horse) is the most effective? –However Tony Ryan Ebook Award-winning creator Mark Schrager will not be one to shrink back from a problem.
In his new e-book, “The Best Racehorse? Man O’ Battle and the Judgment of Historical past,” Mr. Schrager takes on the monumental job of resolving that debate, contrasting the immortal authentic Massive Crimson with an extended listing of different giants of the game and trying to reply the age-old query, “Who’s the best racehorse?” To resolve this debate, a minimum of so far as potential, his e-book tackles the difficulty by breaking down the standards for contemplating the “best racehorse” and evaluating Man O’ Battle to different nice horses. From “The Exterminator” to “Flightline,” Schrager examines every criterion and every horse related to “Man O’ Battle,” and comes up with one thing to explain each. The e-book concludes with one other vital subject when contemplating who’s the best: context.
Greyhound: The Superb Story of a Legendary Racehorse Who Impressed a Nation by Cheryl Ericksen
Horse racing’s Standardbred cousins in harness racing embody legendary figures resembling Dan Patch, Niatros, and the record-breaking Grey who lastly noticed his day within the solar. Born in 1932, the son of Man Abbey received the 1935 Hambletonian and went on to set a minimum of 14 world data throughout his profession, successful 71 of 82 races. Eriksen brings this galloping immortal to life, immersing readers within the second and sharing the monumental efficiency that positioned this legend within the corridor of fame.
“Hollywood Horses” by Roberta Smoodin
Smoodin combines his expertise and experience with horses and his love of the silver display to look at the function of horses in over a century of filmmaking. She talks about icons like Mr. Ed and Set off, in addition to behind-the-scenes tales of movies like “Battle Horse.” This fascinating intersection of two American passions affords readers a uncommon glimpse into the historical past of horses in Hollywood.
“The Story of the Oak Tree” by Jay Hobday
Jay Hobday explores the historical past of the Oak Tree Racing Affiliation, the nonprofit group that hosted the race conferences at Santa Anita. Proceeds from every assembly can be donated to charities benefiting equine analysis, backstretch employees and extra. This e-book covers the highlights of over 40 years of racing on the highest degree, with racing superstars who’re a part of the Oak Tree story.
“American Racecourses” by Brien Bouyer et al.
Thirty-five turf writers and horse racing historians contributed insights into the previous and current of American racetracks. This espresso desk type e-book is a must have for any racing fan. Every racetrack receives the royal remedy, with beautiful pictures written by these conversant in these ovals and a glimpse into the historical past of every. Readers will spend hours poring over this big e-book, reliving their reminiscences of visits to Saratoga, Hollywood Park, and extra.
“Elevating Horse Racing from the Brink: Previous Rosebud and the Unimaginable Revival of American Horse Racing” by James C. Nicholson
Nicholson shows skilled ability in weaving the life and moments of Kentucky Derby winner Previous Rosebud into the story. The Corridor of Famer comes at a time when the game is going through its hardest problem, as playing reformers search to crush what stays an important a part of horse racing. As he traces the gelding’s checkered profession, he additionally examines horse racing’s unlikely comeback from a near-death expertise and the function that horses like Previous Rosebud performed in it.
“Silver Appeal – Previous Associates Who Save the Thoroughbred” by MJ Evans
Evans traces the lifetime of 1997 Kentucky Derby and Preakness winner Silver Appeal and his retirement to Previous Associates in Georgetown, Kentucky. In addition to inspecting Grey’s adventures on the racetrack, we additionally take a look at the evolution of Previous Associates from an concept in Michael Browen’s head to an iconic bluegrass vacation spot starring champions like Silver Appeal, and a reminder of what aftercare can and must be for each horse.
“Stimmy: A Novel inside a Story” by Andy Plattner
Half novel, half research of Styme’s profession, Plattner’s e-book tells the story of Ben Held and his girlfriend Bonnie from the top of World Battle I by way of World Battle II. As Ben’s life evolves and adjustments, Stymy’s life adjustments as nicely. A former claimer turned Corridor of Fame handicapper, Styme’s checkered profession gives a backdrop for Ben’s time on the racetrack, evoking a way of working in horse racing.
