3 comments about The New Care and Training of the Trotter & Pacer.

1. This book really covers everything about training trotters. I would highly recommend it to anyone interested in training of trotting horses.



2. I think that "The New Care and Training of the Trotter & Pacer" provides an easily readable tutorial to the harness racing and welfare of a horse. The book contains chapters from virtually all relevant areas of training and maintaining horses and some of the authors are even able to provide some detailed tips on specific issues of shoeing, training and caretaking. Although it should be kept in mind that there is no universal truth in horse training & racing I believe that the authors of the book provide lots to think about within their area of specialty.
   
   For a European-based reader these a word of caution: one should always reflect the content of the book against the American racing culture. For instance, in America horses predominantly race at the ages 2 and 3 whereas in most parts of Europe horses race at the ages 3 and above. These type of differences should be taken into account when adapting the methods etc. provided by the authors of the book.
   
   Nevertheless, a very recommended reading for any horseman!



3. This is a must if you want to understand the trotter and it's history. It also recalls some of the best stallions
   and feedback about them from their perspective trainers. After reading this book you will have built a foundation for yourself to be better at buying yearlings, understanding pedigrees and horses in general.
   There is a large amount of information now on the internet that is accessible for reasonable fees. This book
   gives you the ability to use that information to make the sport and your future in it that much more exciting!!

No comments about Delaware Park: Winners, Losers, and Long Shots.

5 comments about Kelso: The Horse of Gold.

1. It is very difficult to be sypathetic towards first-time author Kennedy. This publication had the potential to be a perfect thoroughbred biography and instead it is dull, overly-chronologically correct and badly written.
   
   In the wake of its rivals - Nack's "Secretariat", Jane Schwartz's "Ruffian", Dorothy Ours' "Man O'War'" - Kelso is so very poor. The book is simply a string of chapters that lists Kelso's wins, who ran against him in them and the track times. The research is so obviously simplistic that it appears to the reader as if it could have all been garnered from newspaper archives. There is no colour, no depth, and next to no insight into the horse himself. The collection of photos are not presented in a way that readers of this genre are used to. I can't imagine how anyone could possibly enjoy this book.
   
   I was so frustrated by the time I finished it because this horse's story is very different to the champions we are used to and the paragraphs just bored me from this race to this race, and then it's the next race and then the next race and then... switch off.
   
   I read all of these types of books and I regret that this one does such a poor job because most of them, Jay Hovdey's "Cigar" included, are excellently insightful and well-written. Sorry, but I would not recommend Kennedy's "Kelso". Go on the internet and learn about the horse there, it will be much more enjoyable.



2. My Review by Charlotte Farmer of the book, "Kelso, The Horse of Gold."
   
   In reading the book, "Kelso, The Horse of Gold" I found myself being transported back to those days when we all gathered around the television to watch history being made on the tracks. We held our breath and from the moment the gates opened until he crossed the finish line, a winner, we didn't blink. Deep in our hearts we knew he could overcome the high weight and the field of horses that had come to see if they could dethrone, "King Kelly." We would yell, "He did it! He won!" This book focuses on Kelso, and Linda Kennedy has done a wonderful job of bringing HIS story to the public.
   
   Maybe for some readers they are use to a certain style of writing about the thoroughbred immortals that includes the traditional collection of photos, which is fine, but I for one like reading something different, something that hasn't been around the barn for the millionth time.
   
   What, I believe, Linda Kennedy has done is keep it simple as it was back then. During those years, unless you were lucky enough to live in the east, the only thing you could rely on was the broadcast of the race and the write-up the following morning, and if that didn't capture your heart for a horse with extraordinary abilities then nothing would. Linda Kennedy has done that, kept the spotlight directly on the horse. We can't forget the great lady herself, Mrs. Allaire du Pont, Kelso's owner, the enormously talented trainer, Carl Hanford, and the jockey with the golden touch, Milo Valenzuela, but this IS NOT their story it is Kelso's.
   
   It is a simple story told wonderfully about a horse whose likes will never be seen again. His story cannot be told through an Internet website. People need to read the book to understand all that encompassed his greatness. One does not need to have lived during a specific time period to understand or feel those times. If a book is written well then the reader will be transported to those places where events were larger-than-life. Linda's book does just that. It is the 1960's when one horse, and one horse alone, was on the lips of everyone, Kelso.



3. It was the sixties, and thoroghbred tracks did not need slot machines to attract a crowd. My father was a vetrinarian who loved, owned and raced horses. Linda Kennedy's book brought back so many memories of my father at the track, trailed by his son who never quite understood what it was all about. Ms. Kennedy makes clear that this was sport on a very high level. Honor, skill and luck combine to bring out the best in horses, owners, jockeys and trainers, without product endorsements. Mrs. Allair DuPont was a class owner who did not shrink from the competition when weight was added. The hall of fame trainer, Carl Hanford never doubted the horses greatness and took the blame when he felt his judgment caused a loss. Kennedy provides the rationale without being tedious and assembles the facts in a very enjoyable read to explain why Kelso deserves this book and his place in the lead for history's greatest thoroughbred.



4. Kelso was an amazing horse. In Linda Kennedy's book, his exploits are detailed on a year by year basis. In my first year going to the track, I was fortunate to see Kelso run twice. Therefore, this book brought me back to my youth and those exciting days. However, after finishing the book, I felt something was missing. This book did not go into any depth concerning the trials and tribulations Kelso faced. His trainer is mentioned often but cannot be considered a character in the book because we do not get to know him. The same is true for his jockey, Milo Valenzuela and owner. Character development is not there. I recommend this book to all horse racing fans to learn about Kelso's greatness. I am not sure if non-horse racing fans would get the same enjoyment as when they read the book, Seabiscuit.



5. Kelso was a champion of a magnitude where not even the most famous superstars found room on the rail to pursue in a full stride.
   
   From 1959-1966, the gelding raced on 14 tracks in six states, winning an unprecedented five consecutive Eclipse Horse-of-the-Year honors, while dominating some of the greatest races over a number of years; Jockey Club Gold Cup (five consecutive wins), Woodward Stakes (three consecutive), Whitney Stakes (three times) and Suburban Handicap (twice).
   
   Author Linda Kennedy keeps the action centered on the track in this chronicle of a remarkable career. There are plenty of race recaps, but Kelso, 1957-1983, entered the starting gate 63 times, winning 39 races and finishing off the board only 10 times.
   
   After injury forced him into retirement, Kelso went on to a second career as a hunter and show jumper. Kelso had a heart of gold and the will of steel; Kennedy allows the champ to tell the story through performances that should never be forgotten.

5 comments about Six Secrets of Successful Bettors: Winning Insights into Playing the Horses.

1. it kept my intrest , however i expected it to cover more of what type of plays these guys make at the track.



2. This book won't teach you how to handicap thoroughbred races. However, if you are already an experienced handicapper, it will give you some interesting comments to digest, all from well known professionals.
   
   The six secrets aren't very secret anymore, but the views expressed are worth reading, and are particularly entertaining when the pro's disagree.



3. This isn't a book that will greatly improve your handicapping, but it does explore the insights of professional gamblers and how they are able to make a living in the game. I found this was a more relaxing read than usual handicapping books that keep my nose in the pages for fear of missing some nugget of information. Though the subject matter is a group of professionals, it works for the recreational handicapper who gains a better understanding of what the pro's do to approach their business.



4. This book uses the words from the mouths of successful bettors to tell the readers what the essential factors on horse handicapping and betting are. These essential factors include edge, track bias, record keeping, money management, and some psychological factors etc. This book is good in the sense that it offers the readers a quick look on the factors that lead to successful horse handicapping and betting. It is then up to the readers to explore in details each of these factors in other books so as to strengthen their horse handicapping and betting skills.
   
   As an experienced horse player who have read over 20 books on horse handicapping and betting, I cannot find any more secrets from these successful bettors. However, this book refreshes me and reconfirms my knowledge again.



5. I thought this book lacked focus and detail. Its basically a collection of thoughts from a number of so called "Pros" who use various methods and comment on what I consider to be the basics. I didn't buy it looking for handicapping advice(which is fortunate it has none)but I did expect some detail about wagering based on the books title. Instead it is a bunch of philisophical ramblings from a few well known handicappers and some who chose not to be identified. You'll laugh,(not really) you'll cry, you'll kiss 20 bucks goodbye. I can't reccomend it.

No comments about Affirmed and Alydar (Thoroughbred Legends (Unnumberd)).

5 comments about Seabiscuit: The Saga of a Great Champion.

1. Good for all ages.
   Step back in time and stand with the crowds to watch the Biscuit fly down the track. Beckwith takes you there again as he did when he wrote this book more than 60 years ago. The writing style, the photos, and the fabulous drawings all help immerse the reader in the late 1930's time period. I particularly enjoyed seeing the real Seabiscuit and hearing what the owner, trainer, and jockey had to say at the time.
   If you enjoyed the movie and/or Laura Hillenbrand's book, you will treasure this wonderful piece of tangible history. I recommend this edition highly. Don't miss your opportunity to own this gem!



2. Owner of Ponder Publishing Company, LLC, my first response after reading was `I wish I had found Beckwith's story before this publisher did!' I was there! I heard Seabiscuit breathing. I saw him sweat, felt his determination, smelled the liniment. You could taste the air of early last century, to anguish and rejoice with one horse's determination to Keep on Keeping on, despite all adversity. Here, love touches a reader, as it touched the crowds who flocked to admire the Biscuit, in the flesh, his ample flesh. My Christmas shopping is done this year!
   www.ponderpublishingcompany.com



3. I knew B.K. Beckwith personally, and worked with him the last ten years of his life at Santa Anita. He was our television commercial spokesperson for the Santa Anita Handicap for several years, recounting remembrances of Seabiscuit. He was a consummate horseman turned journalist and writer, and had been at Santa Anita from the opening on Christmas 1934. He also wrote "The Story of Santa Anita," which was never published commercially, but used the same heroic and emotional Grantland Rice style that you enjoy in his Seabiscuit book. His memory was a treasure, and since he wrote this book contemporaneously with events, you can feel the horse come alive, as well as the people and the places. This is SO GREAT to have the publisher find this work of art, enjoyable for anyone who loves horses, or racing, of any age. The drawings by Howard Brodie -- who went on to great fame otherwise -- are superbly reproduced, and so are the historic photos. You can see the 'Biscuit's personality come through, especially when he's looking out of his personal railroad car at all the fans and cameras, and in several others!



4. Inspiring story placed in compelling historical setting. Beautifully done by someone who knew the main characters well.
   Nothing to find fault with here. Terrific read.



5. Seabiscuit was my favorite book in elementary school and still rates high amongst a handful of favorites. Many times over decades, circumstances gained perspective by recalling the depth of spirit and perseverance conveyed so concisely by Mr. Beckwith. Seabiscuit's story is truly for all ages. I believe stories like this are a reason why people are prone to assign human emotions to animals or treat them like a best friend.
   
   As a child I often dreamt about having a horse, hoping I might even be fortunate enough to have one like Seabiscuit. I ended up with four, all of whom indelibly changed my life. I took care of them as if my life depended upon them; even sleeping with them in their stalls when I could get away with it. Bingo, Scamper, Scully and Crackerjack have permanent places in my heart. With them is a picture of Seabiscuit from Mr. Beckwith's book. They always gave their very best and showed me mine. Anyone who reads Seabiscuit's story will come to understand that the innate ability to recover and succeed resides in every person and all life. Opportunity to find and use that power of heart and energy is always available.
   
   I am infinitely grateful to Mr. Beckwith for recognizing and writing Seabiscuit's story and especially to my father for making a vital, life changing dream come true.

5 comments about A Year at the Races: Reflections on Horses, Humans, Love, Money, and Luck.

1. Why did Smiley not end the book with a chapter describing how she dumped her beloved Waterwheel, pregnant and broken-down, at an auction where she could have easily been purchased for slaughter? Unfortunately, this is where many ex-racehorses end up, brutally slaughtered. Smiley is no different than the unfeeling horse owners she vilifys in her books as she apparently could not be bothered to provide for a mare she gushed about in her book. She made money off her mare and then cruelly disposed of her horse.



2. For dumping your racehorse at an auction because she wasn't good enough for you.
   
   I read the book a few years ago. I wasn't terrible, but a little too touchy-feely for me (and I'm the type of person who spoils her horses), but rest assured I will never buy another book from an author that "disposes" of any unwanted horse at an auction. What does she think will happen to a broken down mare (she'll never be sound enough for work) that has a record of 2 unplaced starts and less than 5k in earnings? To Ms. Smiley: Show a bit of responsibility and either keep the mare or euthanize her. Use some of that book money. Don't risk her ending up at the killers.



3. The first book I have read of Smiley's, I was not impressed. It felt disjointed, awkward, and rather silly at times. She humanizes her horses to the point where it feels absurd. I fell in love with her horses, but I was less impressed with the author.
   After reading the book, I learned that Waterwheel, one of the horses featured in the book, was dumped at auction (Barrett's January mixed sale) lame and pregnant, and sold for the near rock bottom price of $1000. After bringing her owner in so much money through this book, she couldn't afford to keep her retired? Sorry, but I refuse to buy books written by a hypocrite, and I will never read a Smiley book ever again.



4. Jane Smiley sold a racehorse broodmare at California's premier auction house for thoroughbred racehorses. She did not "dump" the mare at an auction where she could have gone to slaughter.
   
   Selling horses is a normal part of owning horses, especially racehorses. Auctions are the primary method of selling racing bloodstock. Writing a book about one's experiences owning racehorses does not obligate Smiley to keep every horse she has ever owned forever. People are actually suggesting that it would have been better to kill the mare than send through the ring at Barretts???!!!!
   
   These reviews are absurd, and these reviewers need to get a life.



5. My understanding is that the horse Waterwheel was sold at auction by Jane Smiley for $1000 and was lame and in foal, not a happy caring ending provided by Ms. Smiley This makes Jane Smiley appear to not be all she claims to be in terms of providing quality care for this horse and makes me strongly question her use of this horse to sell books and then rid herself of her in a very uncaring way. Many healthy horses sold at auction, especially for this little money, can begin a downward spiral and are at high risk of eventually going to slaughter in Canada or Mexico. I suggest Ms. Smiley address this issue. I would love to know where Waterwheel is and hope she is well and beloved somewhere in a forever home.

5 comments about Man o' War: A Legend Like Lightning.

1. I love horse racing so starting reading this book out of that interest. I found, however, that the subject matter necessarily went well beyond what is arguably the greatest race horse. Big Red's influence transcended sports and wove itself into the fabric of American Society. There is a good reason Man o' War's name is immediately recognized by the general public almost 100 years removed. Ms. Ours, in an extremely well-researched, well-written and extremely entertaining work, provides us with a legend and his times. If you have an interest in racing, don't miss this. If you have an interest in early 1900 America and like a good story, well told, Man o' War is worth your money and time.



2. Dorothy Ours weaves a rich tapestry based on thorough research and fine writing. I couldn't put this book down. It was a weekend well spent.



3. I suspect many folks considering this book are like me: really loved Seabiscuit, looking for more like it. This book had some glowing reviews on its cover (including one from Laura Hillenbrand) and mostly favorable reviews here, so I was optimistic. But I found the book very disappointing. The quality of the writing is second-rate. Her knowledge of the subject seems fine, but I wasn't looking for facts, I was looking for an engaging story. I wish I'd read the first 10 or 20 pages before buying it.



4. Dorothy Ours' Man o'War was the first book on horse racing for me, and I found it a fascinating read. My research into other events of 1919-20 gave me a feel for the times, and this account meshed well.
   I found myself looking forward to each race, even though I knew the outcome. The detail is incredible, the reader is never given too much or too little. We also get to know the great horses' supporting casts - the owners, trainers, jockeys, and more. This was a treat, a story worth telling, and well-told.



5. I've been a Man o' War fan since childhood, and Ours' biography of the champion is the best of all that I've read. Like Laura Hillenbrand's "Seabiscuit," Ours' book is meticulously researched, using contemporary newspaper and magazine accounts of Big Red's career and secondary sources. Ours is a talented writer and her prose captures the excitement surrounding Man o' War's races - you really feel like you are there by the rail watching him run!

No comments about Handicapping Enlightenment.

5 comments about Traits of a Winner: The Formula for Developing Thoroughbred Racehorses.

1. Carl and Wanda Nafzger set goals and attained them in the highest manner in a horse business that often takes advantage of newcomers. The writer also gives a very clear picture of how horses attain the rarified status of "Stakes Horses" or continue on to the best of their abilities as "claimers" or in other endeavors. We bought and gave as holiday gifts five copies of this valuable story.



2. Carl's treatise on Thoroughbred training deserves another look now that he has won the Kentucky Derby again (2007) with Street Sense.
   Carl and Wanda are a class act, he isn't desparately entering horses in the Kentucky Derby so his owners can have cocktail party conversation like so many of the his contemporaries seem to be doing now.
   Carl lets the horse bring them to the Derby, if he's worthy.



3. Great book, written by a legend. Gd anecdotes for the non horsey hands on type. ted b.



4. The Zen of Horse training and how it is a microcosm of life .
   This is a book that can raise everyone's awareness of Life . . .



5. I would highly advise anyone who enjoys thoroughbred racing to purchase this book.It takes you behind the scenes and lets you know what really goes into preparing a horse to race.Great stories by Nafzger about the Derby Trail etc...and also the development process of the horses. I think I'll read the book again..Nice to incorporate a book like this into all the handicapping books I have read...A must read !!