5 comments about D. Wayne: The High-Rolling and Fast Times of America's Premier Horse Trainer.

1. Inaccuracies aside and there are a lot of them (Northern Dancer being referred to as Native Dancer, etc.) This book is poorly written, nonlinear storytelling being a major fault. The author jumps back in forth in time when discussing horses and races. There also is nothing really new revealed in this book as it's mostly a rehash of already well published facts. Finally it doesn't help that Wayne comes off as humorless and unsympathetic here as he does in real life.



2. Save your money...This book isn't worth the paper in which it is written.



3. While a worthy topic, the incredible number of inacuracies (e.g., in the same paragraph, both Jeff Fell and Jacinto Vasquez were listed as the rider of Pleasant Colony in the '81 KY Derby. Nevermind that the rider was actually Jorge Velasquez...) make the book a frustrating and difficult read. The author also repeatedly calls colts "she." Wayne Lukas is a very complex figure, both loved and scorned. His tale deserves to be told, but it should be done much better than this.



4. A true shame. What purports to be a definitive biography is mostly a paraphrase of several articles and passages from other books.
   No trainer in this lifetime influenced the Sport of Kings more than D. Wayne Lukas. His story deserves the treatment of a quality writer and editor. However, the team that conditioned this offering either lacked those qualities (which I honestly doubt), or they simply didn't care to get it right. The book is filled with inaccuracies and misspellings. It is disjointed and frustrating to read.
   Readers will find themselves constantly composing a letter to the publisher in their mind. If you are thinking of purchasing this book, wait for the softcover. Instead try Joe Drape's recent account of the triple crown series or try to find Sports Illustrated articles about Lukas.
   Specious at best.



5. A great read, not just for the racing enthusiast, but anyone who loves sports. D.Wayne Lukas wasn't just a horse trainer, he was a motivator as well, and this book highlights his success with horses and people.

5 comments about Horse Behavior, 2nd Edition.

1. Horse Behavior, 2nd edition, is a very well researched book that
   addresses a through review of normal horse behavior. Dr. aring brings together references from a wide variety of disciplines, often from very difficult to get sources, and integrates them with his own research into a comprehensive picture of the horse. Each chapter is well orgainzed in its contents, resulting in a book that will be an excellent reference. This is a "must have" for any serious student of horse behavior and for those who just enjoy the animal.

   Professor, Department of Small Animal Medicine and Surgery
   Texas A&M University




2. Understanding horses' behavior is something that all people who own or work with horses want to be able to do successfully. Our own observations have taught us that horses remember their experiences and make associations that can stay with them their entire lives. George Waring, a founder of the Animal Behavior Society and an educator at Southern Illinois University, explores a horse's ability to learn and remember as well as examines all aspects of horse behavior in the wild and in the managed stable environment. Although written by an academic, Horse Behavior, 2e is an enjoyable and accessible book that takes the reader from the horse's ancestry to behavioral manipulation and everyday horse concerns.

   I particularly enjoyed the sections on learning and memory and would recommend that all horse owners and horse professionals read Horse Behavior, 2e, if not in its entirety, than simply for these chapters. Waring has thoroughly researched the available data in this area (from the late 70s to the 90s), all which is beneficial to horse people working with (and building trust with) horses. Although worthwhile for all, Horse Behavior, 2e is a must for horse breeders, Waring presents a comprehensive study of sexual traits, behaviors, and anomalies in feral herds as well as at home in the barn. Horse Behavior, 2e is one of the first books that I have read that freely explores and identifies stallions' and mares' sexual behaviors and parenting patterns.

   The first edition was published in 1983, the second this past fall. There are several new sections including chapters on horse management, ecology, habitation, and social behavior. I read Horse Behavior, 2e straight through, but each section stands independently and can be used easily as a reference text. The only downside to this book is that the photographs are not of the highest quality. Those photographs depicting feral herds are understandably insufficient but others illustrating animal husbandry could have been better and more numerous. That aside, I strongly encourage all horse people to give Horse Behavior. 2r a place of prominence on the bookshelf.

   ...




3. This is a great source book for veterinarians, students of animal sciences, especially those interested in animal behaviour and researchers needing a reference book. Every topic has extensive references from both the recent and older literature. If you want to know some fact about normal horse behaviour such as how long a foal suckles, duration of copulation, how much an adult horse sleeps - the experimental data will most likely be in this book. There are numerous tables, illustrations and photographs and a comprehensive index and bibliography.
   The first edition of this book as published in 1983 and this second edition has been updated in every section. There are new sections on ecological influences on activity patterns, habitat utilization, social behaviour and reproduction. An expanded section on applied ethology and behavioural considerations for management, horse well-being and health is a useful addition.
   The book is in seven parts consisting of three to five chapters. The index in the front of the book gives a clear understanding of what subjects are covered in each part. Part I covers the ancestry, special senses and motor patterns of the horse with a useful table on horse taxonomy and related species of living equids. There are detailed line drawings and definitions of all the motor patterns. In the discussion of the special senses, the horse's use of them is put into the ecological, morphological and physiological contexts. There is also detailed descriptions, including good drawings of the different gaits. Part II includes the development of behaviour patterns: play, post- and peri-natal development, learning, memory and often difficult to find data on foal development. The section on learning covers useful information on habituation, classical conditioning and instrumental conditioning (operant conditioning). Maintenance activities (resting, sleep, ingestion, elimination, comfort behaviours) are discussed in Part III. A term used that I found in appropriate, was `self-indulgent' to describe sunning, shelter seeking, licking, nibbling, scratching and rubbing - these are maintenance behaviours. An interesting section is included on the symbiotic relationships of horses with birds, such as cattle egre, and humans.
   The section on reproductive behaviour (Part IV) is full of useful data which covers the sexual behaviours of mares and stallions and a detailed account of maternal behaviour. Both normal and abnormal behaviours are discussed. The stimuli that can affect sexual behaviour are commented on, including age, colour and sexual signals.
   Social behaviour in Part V covers herd behaviour, social attachment, home range and territoriality, social dominance and agnostic behaviour. Mare-foal and foal-mare attachments are discussed and there is a small section on interspecies relationships. The excellent line drawings of facial expressions, head and ear positions add useful information. Part VI, the interaction of horses and their environment, includes an excellent section on the influence of native horses on various environments. However, the destructive effect of introduced feral horses in countries like Australia is not mentioned - this would have completed the discussion. The chapter on ecological influences and the effects on reproduction and social behaviour is a useful addition.
   The expanded section (Part VII) on applied ethology provided behavioural considerations for management and insight regarding behavioural indicators of horse health and well-being. An appendix after this chapter categorizes many equine behavioural signs and possible problems they may indicate. The behavioural signs include facial expressions, posture, changes in motor co-9ordination, changes in maintenance behaviour and social behaviour.
   There is no specific section devoted to behaviour problems -these are discussed in the appropriate chapters along with the normal behaviour. This arrangement works well and gives a good understanding of how the normal behaviour has changed.
   This is an easy-to-read, hard-back book, packed with useful information written by an author, who not only has conducted research, but is also an educator. I am lucky to have it on my shelf - Associate Professor, Animal Behaviour and Welfare, School of Veterinary Science, The University of Queensland -- Australian Veterinary Journal April 2003



4. "One of the people out there studying horses is Dr. Waring, a professor at Southern Illinois University. He uses big words such as polyphasic, but defines them, "The daily sleep cycle of horses is polyphasic, that is, with more than one period of sleep occurring per 24-hour period." He gives the academically correct citations of studies, yet describes the results in language the rest of us can understand. I dare any horseperson of any experience level to read it and not learn something."



5. Not many recent researches are cited. Hundreds are and it makes the reading quite dry. It is like a list of results of old researches. The layout is not fantastic, most of the photographies and drawings and charts are the same as the first edition (1984) so the visual quality is poor. A bit dry, and the section about vices and bad habits is just a chart of listing them. The book by McGreevy is far more interested.

4 comments about Lightning in a Jar.

1. "Lightning in a Jar" is a wonderful mixture of passion and infomation. It captures all the excitement, tension, magic and mystery of thoroughbred horse racing along with giving you a basic course in horse management. Cot Campbell, a former advertising executive, shares his personal journey and he is a real horseman, good trainer and peppery writer.I got involved with the thrills and disappointments of racing and wondered if I had the temperament (never mind the money) that Campbell says is essential for the "stretch run." Its a riveting book and the fine photos give an extra bonus.



2. EXCELLENT! I loved it so much I am reading it again. Lots of information that is plesently put together. Great read for anyone interested in horse racing.



3. Of the 20+ horse racing books I have read in the last five years, Lightning in a Jar was a stand-out. The book provides an excellent overview of the horse breeding process leading to a racing career. The book gives some insight to the horse syndication process. If you are looking to purchase a horse or understand the horse breeding process, I highly recommend this book.

   Unlike so many other horse racing books, there is not a lot of fill. There are a lot of high quality color pictures which were meaningful to the flow of the book. The quality of the paper the book is printed on was high as well. The book is an easy-to-read factual account of the history of Dogwood Stables. Several of the horses syndicated by Dogwood are discussed along with the trials and tribulations of the owner, Cot Campbell. Strong Buy!




4. I read this book because it was in my college daughter's library of books as required reading for a class on Thoroughbred racing, and I am considering the purchase of a couple of foals for resale. But even with my pointed interest and high recommendation from her school, I found the book to be far less than the useful guide it touts itself to be. (The top title of the book is "A thoroughbred owner's guide").
   
   The book is a fairly quick read, but that might be because I skipped portions of a number of chapters that seemed designed to promote the business of the author (which apparently syndicates or sets up partnerships for multiple owners of horses). I found the lengthy descriptions of his (typically not famous) horses, employees, and even his wife a bit tedious.
   
   If you're looking for ONE book to tell you about the industry there are better books available. However, if you are looking for a number of books, each giving a single business-view of the industry, this book is fine. In the parlance of the industry for win/place/show - this is a show.

1 comments about Forego: Thoroughbred Legends.

1. "My horse will never see that big red rump again," promised Forego's trainer (slightly paraphrased) after Secretariat's record-breaking 1973 Kentucky Derby. Following his fourth-place finish in that Derby, the huge bay gelding whose nickname was `Big Joe' would finish out of the money only four more times in forty-nine starts. He would go on to earn `Horse of the Year' titles in 1974, 1975, and 1976.

   But `Big Joe' never did race against `Big Red' again, partly because of his trainer's promise, but also because Forego didn't really come into his best form until he was a four-year-old---the year that Secretariat retired to stud.

   "Forego" is the sixth volume in the excellent `Thoroughbred Legends' series published by the Eclipse Press. This book celebrates one of modern racing's greatest weight-carriers---a hard-trying, seventeen-hand gelding who towered over his lightly weighted opposition, in spite of chronic ankle problems. `Big Joe' raced over six seasons and earned scores of loyal fans who almost always made him the favorite, no matter how much lead he had to carry under his saddle. His special nemesis, the New York racing secretary Tommy Trotter once assigned him to carry twenty-seven pounds more than his lightly regarded opposition.

   Trotter's handicapping skills helped to bring about one of racing's greatest moments: "...Forego's desperate rally on the far outside to catch Honest Pleasure at the wire in the 1976 Marlboro Cup while carrying 137 pounds, eighteen more than the horse he had to run down, on a sloppy surface that Forego usually could not handle."

   Like two other great Thoroughbred geldings of the latter part of the Twentieth century, Kelso and John Henry, Forego ran until he just plumb wore out, always giving his fans his formidable best. No matter that his trainer had to spend three hours a day hosing down Big Joe's sore legs. No matter that he had lost his previous race, or had to carry twelve to twenty-seven more pounds than his four-legged opponents, Forego's fans made the towering bay their betting favorite.

   Hall of Fame jockey Bill Shoemaker who won the Belmont five times, the Kentucky Derby four times, and the Preakness twice on Thoroughbreds other than Forego, paid special tribute to the great heavyweight champion: "This has to be the best horse I've ever ridden."

2 comments about Merryland: Two Years in the Life of a Racing Stable.

1. This is an excellent book. I own an extensive library of books dealing with horse racing. I have purchased books dealing with trainers, breeders, jockies and tracks and this book rates up there with the best. You will get a first-hand, honest, emotional view of breeding, delivering and raising horses. You will feel like you are there and experiencing all the beauty and heartbreak with the writer. I only wish he would write more often on this topic. I have read his first book twice and couldn't wait for this, his second. Please Mr. Pons, please write another diary of your life with these amazing fragile creatures. You are truly gifted.



2. In his second collection of diary entries originally published in a series for The Blood-Horse magazine, Thoroughbred farm owner Josh Pons discusses the triumphs, tragedies and frustrations within the industry.
   
   More like essays, Pons tackles a variety of issues that are bolstered by an array of photographs, like the fading away of farms due to commercial/residential developments, the fragility of the equine athlete and family tragedies, on and off the track.
   
   The Thoroughbred is poetry in motion; Pons adds a personal touch for a unique perspective on "The Sport of Kings," from the grass-roots.

5 comments about Wink: The Incredible Life and Epic Journey of Jimmy Winkfield.

1. Thank you Mr. Hotaling for sharing Jimmy's story. His biography takes us to an important time in American history and takes us to far off places in the early 20th Century. Jimmy's passion for the sport and his circumstances brought him to Warsaw, controlled by the Russians in 1904. I can't imagine taking this risk, it tells us so much about Jimmy's confidence, his sense of self worth and passion for racing. He watched other jockeys leave America and found a way to participate in racing overseas. His story takes him through difficult times in Europe where he died at the age of 94.
   
   What I liked most about the book is that it is a human interest story that shows Jimmy Winkfield's courage, gives us insight into early 20th century horse racing in America and what circumstances moved American jockeys overseas to ride. The story is told in the context of 20th Century history, which increases our understanding of the times in which Jimmy lived and the career decisions he made.
   
   A must read for those who love horse racing, history and a good human-interest story.



2. Like a couple of the other reviewers here already said, this is a great book. I really don't care much for racing but Ed Hotaling really brought the story of Jimmy Winkfield to life for me. What an amazing life and what a fine book.
   
   Still, like the reviewer below noted, Hotaling glosses over the less-than-wonderful aspects of our hero's behavior, particularly towards his family. And given that this is probably the only book we're going to see on him for a while, it is a bit frustrating about all the information he leaves out. He never tells us where Winkfield is buried, nor does he go into any particular detail about what happened with his children or grandchildren. It's a somewhat slim book - 300 pages without the end notes - and I get the feeling that it was violently trimmed down in the editing.
   
   In any event, though, these are just minor gripes. Even if you aren't a big sports fan, this is a gripping read for anyone who loves books.



3. You don't even have to like horseracing to love Ed Hotaling's brilliantly researched and engaging histories with a racetrack theme.
   
   As he did in his other two memorable and important books on the subject, Hotaling's WINK unearths the forgotten magic of the past and brings it to life, vivid, and sparkling.
   
   WINK is a major contender to win a National Book Award or Pulitzer for biography. It is just terrific.



4. I learned of the book when I heard its author being interviewed on NPR. I have no interest in horse racing, but bought the book on the theory that a life this compelling must result in a book equally so. I was, in large part, correct. The writing style leaves a little to be desired, but this is a fast, and gripping, read. In the end, one is left with a real sense for what Winkfield's life must have been like.



5. What a breathtaking book for any reader that loves thoroughbred horses! Jimmie Winkfield stands before a great curtain of racism, assassinations, prejudice, and person danger. But through it all it was the horses that he understood and loved. This gifted rider a mere, 4'11" lived his life with great persistance and bravery. If anyone loves stories of thoroughbred racing they will find "Wink" a true revelation. Hotaling not only told the story of a black jockey but he wove the story in and around events in history. If you are looking for this book to be of the same flavor as "Seabiscuit" you will be grossly disappointed. Hotaling is a writer that does not rely on the "Hollywood" view of how to write a book, rather he writes an intellectual adventure of a great person in historical thoroughbred racing.

No comments about Thoroughbred Racing and Breeding: The Story of the Sport and Background of the Horse Industry.

5 comments about Investing at the Racetrack.

1. The author's premise -- that placing bets at the horse track can be as reliable as investing in the stock market -- may be a bit hard to swallow at first... but handicapper William Scott makes the concept appear quite plausible. Scott shows a refreshing willingness to break with established traditions as he provides the racegoer with a well-explained handicapping method that attempts to remove "luck" from the equation.

   Readers new to racing will gain valuable insights into the science and art of the sport, while experienced bettors will appreciate the fresh perspective on the "accepted" methods of rating horses and their past performances.

   The methods detailed in the first half of the book are explained in easy-to-follow detail, supplimented by charts reprinted from various regional editions of the bible of the racing industry, the "Daily Racing Form." While the examples and calculations are explained in easy-to-understand terms, Scott never talks down to his audience -- even the experienced horseman won't be bored. The last half of the book, which shows Scott's methods in use in each race over a typical week at Belmont, serves to cement the lessons learned.

   Experienced handicappers may shudder at some of Scott's play-it-safe suggestions, and businesspeople with their 401(k) statements may roll their eyes at the idea of blowing money on the ponies, but both should put "Investing at the Racetrack" to the test. After all... it's only money...




2. Simply put, this book actually does what it says. I won't go so far as to say that it is safer than the stock market. I will say that after reading this book and studying the formulas, that I had the same results (or better) when I took a vacation and spent 2 weeks actually betting at the track, than the author did during his week at the track that he describes in his book.

   The book tells you how to figure out the speed, endurance and stamina of a horse to see if he has what it takes to be up at the front when the finish line comes rolling around. I have to say that even if you don't believe what he is selling, and even if you don't follow all his little rules, the major tips he gives you in this book will definitely help out the novice handicapper and make a day at the racetrack much more fun. I mean why not, winning money is more fun than losing money. Right?

   My average was on $20.00 bets. I made $70.00 per day per track bet. My worst day I lost $80.00. My best day I made $700.00

   Good Luck




3. IS THE PROGRAM IMPLEMENTABLE?
   I bought this book back in the late 80s when I went through my gambling phase, trying horseracing and counting cards at blackjack (which btw actually works but you need to bet big money b/c the margin is so slim), among other things. I used to drive 20 minutes to buy the Daily Racing Form, come back to my house and methodically key in the race histories of the horses in that day's races, and this was back in the days of the Apple II computers when there was no Internet. I wrote a spreadsheet program (in Lotus 1-2-3, remember that?) that took the data, applied the formulas and concepts in this book, and spit out what bets I should place on each race.

   Well, nowadays the Daily Racing Form has all of its data available for download in spreadsheet format so if you have some decent MS Excel skills, the number crunching process can probably be accomplished quickly in the morning, allowing ample time to get to the track (I haven't actually downloaded the DRF's data, lest I slip back into my gambling phase, which I'm happy has passed).

   DID IT WORK FOR ME?
   Yes it worked for me. I crunched the numbers, followed the betting rules pretty much to the letter, and overall had a positive outcome over the course of 8 to10 race cards. My rate of return (net winnings/total bets placed) was pretty low, but it was positive. The system itself is very easy to implement if you can automate the data entry and calculation part of it. If you can automate that through DRF Online, the tweaking process afterwards is pretty easy and can be done at the track. Those that can do math in their head quickly and well (and think in fifths and fractions) may actually be able to pick up a DRF at the track early and get the crunching process done in their heads. For everyone else (like me) that can't do that much math in your head (say within the 15-20 minutes between each race), the system is a little overwhelming and the principles can only serve as a guideline then.

   WOULD YOU WANT TO IMPLEMENT IT?
   Should you be able to "invest" money at the racetrack and expect a certain rate of return? Well, let's examine the traditional investment - stocks. You should expect a positive rate of return from the equity market (over time) because you are lending money to others who take that money and invest it in a productive process that adds value. How about card counting in blackjack? Yes, you should expect a positive return when counting cards in blackjack - the odds are slightly against you without counting cards (and following the "optimal" hit/hold strategy), but altering your betting scheme and hit/hold strategy based on face cards left in the deck has been mathematically proven by IBM mathematicians (and others after them) to allow the player to have the statistical edge on the house (see "The Worlds Greatest Blackjack Book"). So then horseracing? Races are determined by the events primarily within the power of dumb (and I mean that in the biological sense) animals, with intervening events like weather, race fixing/throwing, injury, jockey error, etc. Barring your knowledge of non-public information like a jockey's intent to throw a race, there are no theoretical or mathematical reasons why you should be able to make any money (especially not counting the house fees you are paying) betting on horses. The pari-mutuel system reflects the collective public knowledge of those betting - it's not enough to simply choose the horse that will win (or place/show), you also have to choose the horse with more consistency than your fellow bettors.

   BOTTOM LINE: If you want to have more fun at the race track and have a more structured approach toward horse selection and betting, this is a great book. If you are looking for the next best handicapping strategy, please get some help at GA, really.




4. william scott's ability times, which are the meat and potatoes of this book don't work to get you profits if you follow the books method of handicapping
   surprisingly his "ability times" have found their way into popular software and are often mentioned. to be honest they are just mumbo jumbo with numbers.
   i don't know how mr. scott remains popular in the handicapping world as his information is worthless if applied in betting on horses.



5. This is easily the best horseplaying book I've ever read, and brother, I've read a ton of 'em. Really, it's the only guide I've ever used that works at all. Its principles and betting rules are easy to understand and implement. Since it incorporates the two basic elements in the game that handicappers are forever trying to quantify-pace(or class) and speed-into one factor that he calls "internal ability time" it will make epiphanal sense to any veteran railbird. Anyone who has spent hours perusing every aspect and measurable available in the densely numbered Past Performance Charts will appreciate the simplicity of Mr. Scott's approach. Anybody who can do basic elementary school subtraction and addition and can afford a two dollar calculator can go to the track or OTB 20 min. before post time and easily handicap each race on the card before they're run. Unless you're a dolt it shouldn't take you more than 15 min. to figure a race out.
   However, it is important that you follow his selection rules to the letter, which means you will come across some races which simply are not bettable. If you have the will power to NOT bet races that are too uncertain, you're three-quarters of the way to becoming a successful handicapper anyway. Go ahead and try it yourself. Put his theory to the test. Read the book and go out and try some $2 win and place bets. Win/Place is all he suggests for his program. These are the only bets that a longtime player can steadily make money at. He also suggests some money management strategies for your bankroll which are commonsense--but that does seem to be a commodity that is in short supply.
   Your % return on this method will be better than the better mutual funds. You should in the long run earn somewhere between 10% and 20% but you gotta be willing and available to sit around a betting parlor for several hours a day in the company of degenerate ill-informed blabber-mouthed gamblers which can fray one's nerves. Personally it all drives me nuts but I am thousands of dollars ahead in my horse betting ventures.

5 comments about May The Horse Be With You: Pack at the Track.

1. I really enjoyed reading May The Horse Be With You: Pack At The Track. I saw Harvey Pack host the NYRA replay shows off my late Father's old C-band dish in the mid 80s. I was always impressed with the way Harvey KNEW how to use the medium of television. Unlike so many of today's so-called broadcasters, Harvey realized the strength and magic of using television to create a very intimate and personal relationship with each of his viewers. His ability to do that was also reflected in his "in person" persona. This past Spring, he held a room of handicappers captive with his genuine personality at the DRF Handicappers Expo in Las Vegas. Don't miss this opportunity to learn more about Harvey!



2. If you've been to the seminars at Saratoga, then the sharp wit and character of Harvey Pack is a familiar one. If you enjoy his lively repartee as I do, then I think you'd quite enjoy this book. True, there is a fair bit about his life, but it's all part of the experience that is Harvey, and isn't that the point?. Well done.



3. I was very disappointed in this book. I expected more horseracing and less name-dropping. Some of the stories are funny, but a lot are just self-aggrandizement.



4. Anyone who is a horse racing fan or a Harvey Pack fan will love this book.
   So uniquely Harvey in every way. You learn about how he became the true
   character he is. If you were a fan of his sports channel show in New York
   its a must read.Learn about what going to the track used to be like. Get to know all of Harvey's friends and learn how they got the nicknames they have.



5. Wonder how you get a job that really isn't a job but a means to address your passion? Pack outlays his life and his "angles" on how he made it happen. Full of facts regarding other "degenerates". Caught Pack towards his later horse days and scored on some tips. If you enjoy a quick track read that doesn't involve much handicapping, key this one.

No comments about Jockey: The Rider's Life in American Thoroughbred Racing.