2 comments about Secretariat (Thoroughbred Legends (Unnumbered)).

1. Tim Capps has written several of the Thoroughbred Legends books and my thoughts on his previous efforts (Spectacular Bid and Affirmed/Alydar) were that he really didn't make any effort in writing them. It just seemed like he went through magazine and newspaper articles and came up with a 175 page summary (which was well-written, but seemed empty). When I saw that he was to write the Legends bio of my equine hero, Secretariat, I was apprehensive at the prospect, especially since two outstanding books (by Raymond Woolf and Bill Nack) had already been written about Big Red.

   But I have to say that Capps did a great job with the limitations of the Legends format. He states right up front that he was apprehensive of doing the project because of the aforementioned books which had been published about Secretariat. But he states that Secretariat was his favorite and he wanted to do him justice. He has. Obviously there is not the detail that is contained in Nack's book or the beautiful photography of Woolf's book, but Capps gives a clear story of each of Secreatiat's races, plus some of the behind the scenes dealings related to his syndication.

   I didn't learn anything new with Capps' book since I have read everything I could about Secretariat, but this would be a great book for a young horse racing fan who wants to learn about this great horse with the big heart.




2. In the wake of the Big Brown Bomb fiasco, one would hope for a little more in the way of mementos of the life of the equine Prometheus, yet the pickings are still slim - you don't even see Secretariat's SportsCentury show on ESPN Classic anymore.
   
   Besides this one, the only other mass-market book about Secretariat with any availability is the William Nack biography which I review on its Amazon page. I prefer this to the Nack book because of its pithier style - a good example is the discussion of Secretariat's lineage where Capps does a much better job of referencing it to overall horse racing history.
   There are still too few photographs, but the ones included are much more pertinent than those in Nack's.
   
   Until we get a DVD from ESPN, this is my first choice for an introduction to the greatest four-legged athlete.

3 comments about Dynasties.

1. Edward Bowen has done it once again with having written a marvelous book about the great sires of the twentieth century and their influence upon the thoroughbred breed. All of the important sire lines are included, such as Nearco, Northern Dancer, Princequillo, Mr. Prospector, Hail to Reason, Nasrullah, Bull Lea, and, in this reviewer's opinion, the greatest sire of them all, Bold Ruler. Bowen gives a detailed biography of each sire and that horse's important descendants.

   An added bonus is a section of charts in the back of the book of each sire's male line and the important winners from each of those lines. For example, the chart for Bold Ruler shows all of his male line ascendants, and his important descendants. One descendant, Bold Bidder, has under his name the important race horses Spectacular Bid and Cannonade, and Cannonade in turn sired Caveat who in turn sired Awad and Ops Smile. What is nice about the charts is that they instantly show how so few sires have had so much influence on thoroughbred racing.

   I highly recommend this book and the companion book MATRIARCHS.




2. Edward Bowen has selected what he thinks are the most important sires of the twentieth century and devoted a chapter to each, giving their own achievements and those of their descendants, as well as information about some of the more interesting people involved. To this end, he has included one or two sire lines that might not actually be the most important, but where their story is particularly interesting. In his introduction, the author acknowledges that the Challenger sire line was selected instead of the Count Fleet or Pharamond lines precisely because it presented a more interesting story. None of them were essential based purely on their importance.

   Of course, all the essential lines that are still thriving are there, including Nearco and Native Dancer, who between them have each established several important sire lines. Indeed, a significant proportion of the book is devoted to those stallions and their descendants, which include Storm cat, America's leading sire at the turn of the millennium, and Sadlers Wells, Europe's equivalent.

   This book is not a comprehensive guide to sire lines. Although there are charts near the back of the book giving diagrams of the sire lines covered by the book, they do not list once-important but now extinct lines like the Diomed/Lexington line - a line that was already struggling at the beginning of the twentieth century, but somehow survived into the 1980's. Indeed, there is no diagram of the Herod dynasty at all, although a different branch of it survives in Europe, most notably via the Irish stallion Indian Ridge.

   Also, the diagrams that are present focus, with few exceptions, on those branches where a stallion was standing in America at the time the book was written. Of course, this is understandable, as it is a book about American bloodlines, but since thoroughbred breeding is international, it is a bit misleading. The Hyperion line is not as close to extinction as the diagram makes it appear, although its long term future is uncertain.

   Still, I have learned that the best place to look for comprehensive sire line charts is on the internet, which has the advantage of being more up-to-date than any book is ever likely to be. Despite my reservations about the charts, the author is a great storyteller and the charts will be sufficient for most purposes.




3. Written for horse people, this book serves as an excellent reference but not an outstanding read. I never became comfortable with the author's style, and his annoying habit of reintroducing his favorite source ("Sire Lines" by Abram S. Hewitt) a different way in every chapter really started to bother me. Also galling were the inexhaustible personal anecdotes, which did bring a hint of personality to the book, but often sounded like mere name-dropping. Furthermore, the author frequently omitted explanations of the racing jargon he used, although a few terms were finally defined in the last section of the book. On the other hand, the stories of the various stallions' breeding, racing, and stud careers were very interesting and seemingly well-researched. I appreciated the in-chapter pedigrees as well as the more complete sire line charts at the end. Many black and white photos are included of the famous sires and some of their progeny.

No comments about Horse Lover's Joke Book.

1 comments about Dark Horses.

1. Norman Mauskopf, Dark Horses (Twin Palms Publishing, 1988)
   
   Dark Horses is a big book that got a small printing. (Five thousand. Good luck finding one.) Norman Mauskopf's photographic journey through tracks big and small, domestic and international, is prefaced by a wonderful, if short, Bill Barich essay on the photographs, and he captures their essence wonderfully (as is Bill Barich's wont with pretty much anything to which he sets his mind; if you have not discovered the joy and wonder of Bill Barich's writing, please do so at your earliest convenience). After that, it's just the photos. The only captions given them are the names of the racetracks, and in some cases those of the notable humans in the shot. Mauskopf is not just interested in the horses, or the tracks themselves, but is usually more interested in the humans around the track and how they interact with it. A must-own for anyone interested in, or involved in, racetrack life. Absolutely gorgeous, and worth every penny. **** ½

5 comments about Shooting from the Outside.

1. I thoroughly enjoyed this in-depth view of Tara's work with the Women's National (Olympic) team of 1996. The team was a masterpiece, and being able to see it thru the eyes of its coach was really something special. It gave me great insight into Tara and her drive and dedication to the sport and to the team. A great book!!



2. I confess that I have been a fan of Tara Vanderveer for nearly 10 years. I think I understand that basketball is a very major part of her life. She likes Bob Knight, sheesh. This book was a very easy read even though you already know how it will end. When you finish the book you might feel like you want to see if the players saw everything the same way. Well, this is her point of view.



3. This is a really inspirational book for those who care about womens' basketball. I had a really hard time putting it down. You feel as if you are part of the U.S. Olympic Team, and were there to witness the trials and tribulations of their road to Gold. Great book for those who play basketball or enjoy it. (Especially if you're female!!) I think I will start reading the book from the beginning again tomorrow. It also meant more to me then maybe someone else because I have been to Tara's Camps and been able to interact with Jennifer Azzi and Katy Steding, and other players as well. It is totally my favorite book ever!



4. Tara Vanderveer is the author of the inspiring autobiography Shooting form the Outside.  In this autobiography, Tara Vanderveer discusses the challenges and obstacles that she must overcome into to reach her goal of winning the gold medal.  The autobiography discusses the hardships, conflicts, and problems that the team faces throughout the year and shows how teamwork can overcome anything.
   This novel is pretty much an overview of the Women's Basketball team throughout their Olympic season.  The novel starts out with Tara Vanderveer talking about her child hood days and how she developed a love for the game.  She talks about how she use to be a mascot for the school, used to write down every new play she heard in a notebook, and how she went and watched the men's basketball team to learn any new play on offense or defense she could pick up.  The story then proceeds to Coach Vanderveer discussing her thoughts and concerns for the year that lay ahead of the eleven woman that have been selected as the national team.  She talks about her past failures like the 1994 World Games that have pushed her and motivated her to win the gold medal.  She promised that the embarrassment and disgrace that she felt from the World Games will never happen again.  One can easily feel the strong determination and motivation that Coach Vanderveer feels, and how she uses this as an ally and works the team harder than they have ever been worked before. 
   This book was undoubtedly worth reading from my point of view.  This book taught me information about Title IX that I had previously never even heard about.  The book showed me the true struggle that a woman must face and has taught me a sense of respect for woman who have succeeded in the past. 
   One issue the book brings up is that woman are not given enough opportunity to succeed in life.  A woman's determination and motivation can easily be destroyed or brought down by the cruelness and unfairness of discrimination towards woman.  Therefore, since woman can do all jobs just as productively as men, the book suggests that woman should be given fair and equal treatment and equal opportunities to men. 
   In conclusion, Shooting from the Outside is an excellent book that teachers lessons and values that should be known and followed by all of society.  The story teachers discrimination is pointless and by not allowing woman to perform to their full capacity we are truly ruining our own opportunities to further succeed in life.



5. This is a fun and easy read for any fan of the women's game, centered around the pivotal 1996 Olympic gold medal-winning team, which in many ways marked a turning point in establishing the foundation upon which the modern game is built.
   
   But not only does this book offer a wonderful historical perspective, and some great stories and inside anecdotes on many top players past and present, it also provides insight into the mind of one of the college game's top coaches.
   
   Even for those close to Stanford basketball, Tara Vanderveer is a very private inividual. That's why I found this book especially helpful in providing a better understanding of her personal history, philosophy toward the game, how she feels it should be played, and how that all filters down to the teams she puts on the floor today.
   
   Because Tara is often softspoken in public and not one to actively seek the limelight or TV cameras like some of the other big names in her profession, there may be a tendency by some to think she is more of a hands-off coach. And despite the occasional glare from the sideline, a calm and quiet presence. Nothing could be further from the truth. This book does a good job of uncovering the intensity that boils deep inside and her unbending desire to win.

No comments about Festival Gold: Three Decades of Cheltenham Racing.

4 comments about Riding for Success: Both in & Out of the Showring.

1. As someone new to the horse world, I found this book to be very insightful, taking nothing for granted, and explaining all the details on care, grooming and even riding tips. Illustrations and photos were also nice. Very readable, very concise. Being written by a college professor was also helpful compared to others that I have read.



2. This book could be considered a "maunal" for someone wanting to learn to ride Saddle Seat correctly, in its true art form. This book also covers many aspects of being a good horseman and the skills it passes are all generally applicable to all horses and styles of riding. This book is one of only 4 books that I highly recommend to my students.



3. This book could be considered a "manual" for someone wanting to learn to ride Saddle Seat correctly, in its true art form. This book also covers many aspects of being a good horseman and the skills it passes are all generally applicable to all horses and styles of riding. This book is one of only 4 books that I highly recommend to my students.



4. Having ridden with Gayle Lampe and shown in front of her before, I found this book to be full of useful information. I am a riding instructor and wish that all my students would read this book. Full of photos, this book is an excellent read for beginners and experts alike. This is a "must buy" for anyone in the horse world, not just saddleseat riders.

4 comments about The Great Black Jockeys.

1. Mr. Hotaling's latest horse-racing book is a must read for anyone who considers himself a true afficianado of the sport. It tells a story which far too many people, even serious horse players, know little about. Horse racing is unique among sports in America because it is has virtually no black presence. There are few black owners, trainers, and breeders, and very few of the most visible players in racing, the jockeys. This was not always the case. In fact, black jockeys once dominated America's oldest sport. The first winner of the Kentucky Derby was black, as was the Derby's first repeat winner and its first three-time winner. The jockey with the highest winning percentage in history was black. Hotaling gives the history of these pioneers, and in doing so gives a history of the sport. He also deals with the glaring question: why have black jockeys largely dissappeared from the sport? It is well-written and insightful, a book invaluable to those who value the history of horse racing.



2. This book explores a negleted aspect of the African-American experience in the United States. I had always assumed the African-American heros of sport were a twentieth century phenomenon. It was an eye opener to learn that there successful African-American jockeys and trainers as early as colonial time.

   I would recommend this well written book to anyone with an interest in American history




3. I read this book because it combined Black History and horse racing. Two of my favorite subjects. The book is well organized, full of information.

   The author seamlessly intertwines American History, African American History, and the history of horse racing in America. So the book keeps your interest. He also balances historical facts, with the colorful characters\stories surrounding horseracing, while elevating Black jockies to their noble place in the "sport of kings".

   This book is worth the price. A great read!!




4. Any person who is a serious study of sports history will find this a most compelling dialogue on the "true" evolution of the American professional athlete. It is simply the most "untold" and most compelling story in the American experience. Today's athletes - of whatever color - should read this book to get a true appreciation for the foundations of the "professional" athlete in America and the depth of character exhibited by these great athletes under the most dire conditions.

2 comments about Belmont Park: A Century of Champions.

1. This is a very good value for the (Amazon.com) price. It is a quality production, but it is flawed slightly. Richard Stone Reeves is one of the Greats in the history of Thoroughbred portraiture, without question. However, his recent works are sketchy, lacking in detail, and seem unfinished. Several of the plates betray the fact that that Reeves is either no longer concerned with perfection, or is having difficulty putting paint onto canvas or board now. His earlier works as included in this volume are very good, but the later ones (done during the past five years or so) are more "impressionistic" and sketchy. Boren has written descriptions of the careers of the horses portrayed, and there's nothing new there, just brief summaries familiar to most racing fans. Reeves describes the horses briefly, but his comments are limited mainly to the temperment of the "sitter" ("stander"?) and the races he viewed. These quibbles aside, the book IS very nice. By all means, purchase a copy...it's a great addition to any equine library.



2. Edward L. Bowen, Belmont Park: A Century of Champions (Eclipse Press, 2005)
   
   Richard Stone Reeves is likely to go down in history as the twentieth century's finest chronicler of the Thoroughbred racehorse. Here, Eclipse Press offers us a wide selection of Reeves' paintings, with text by both Reeves and Edward L. Bowen. The portraits themselves, of course, are above reproach; each one is a stunning portrayal of its subject. Where the book too often fails is in the writing.
   
   The main problem with the text is that Reeves himself, while a fine painter, is not all that good a writer. Bowen is, most of the time, but Reeves' comments are often redundant in the face of Bowen's writing, and the end result is a wish that they had been excluded, or at least heavily edited, in order to give more room to Bowen's descriptions of the horses, which are usually abbreviated, the text versions of highlight reels.
   
   The pictures are good, but if you're looking for depth, you might want to head somewhere else. ***

1 comments about The Jockey Club's Illustrated History of Thoroughbred Racing in America.

1. This is the very best history of horse racing in America written in modern times! It has wonderful illustrations and really makes you want to jump right into the Sport of Kings! I would advise any novice to buy this book--but also any expert!