explores 20 of the greatest match ups, as selected by a panel of turf writers and racing historians. Lavishly illustrated with historic and contemporary photos.
Muhammad Ali had Joe Frazier. Chris Evert had Martina Navratilova. Jack Nicklaus had Arnold Palmer. And, Affirmed had Alydar. These great sport rivals will forever be intertwined in history. Rivalries are why we tune in. They’re what we discuss at the water cooler the next morning after a big game.
Horse Racing’s Greatest Rivalries explores 20 of the greatest match ups, as selected by a panel of turf writers and racing historians. The story of the filly Gallorette and the 19 races she ran against her older male rival, Stymie, may not be as well known as the epic battles between Seabiscuit and War Admiral or Sunday Silence and Easy Goer, but each rivalry is just as compelling as the next.
Whether you were a Silver Charm fan or a Free House fan or whether you cheered for Alysheba over Bet Twice or visa versa, this book reminds readers of why they became fans of the sport in the first place. As horse racing awaits its next great rivalry, this book brings to life the horses and their connections that make its history so exciting.
WHAT THE CRITICS ARE SAYING
“Reading about great racing rivalries amounts to hopping through time from one epic moment to the next. With solid reporting and deft writing, Horse Racing's Greatest Rivalries takes you on an exciting trip through history.”
—John Eisenberg, co-author of My Guy Barbaro and author of Native Dancer and The Great Match Race.
“Horse Racing’s Greatest Rivalries is a must read for every sports fan, not just horse racing fans. This book accurately portrays the excitement and drama that surround these amazing moments in sports history and makes you appreciate the great horses of the last century.”
– Hall of Fame jockey Steve Cauthen, 1978 Triple Crown winner aboard Affirmed.
“Illustrated with historic black-and-white and color photography throughout, Horse Racing's Greatest Rivalries is an amazing chronicle highlighting memorable match races, Triple Crown campaigns, and season-long competitions.
A well-researched account that re-creates key races in minute detail, Horse Racing's Greatest Rivalries is the perfect giftbook for any enthusiast of the sport. A set of "Leaders Lists" rounds out this exceptional celebration of horse racing's rich history.”
– Midwest Book Review.
“Profusely illustrated with period photographs, readers will be treated to informed and informative descriptions of such well known examples as Seabiscuit and War Admiral, Sunday Silence and Easy Goer, as well as such lesser known but equally important pairings such as the filly Galloret and the nineteen races she ran against her older male rival named Stymie. A riveting history that is especially recommended reading for all thoroughbred horse racing enthusiasts, Horse Racing's Greatest Rivalries is a unique and welcome addition to personal reading lists and community library collections.”
– Midwest Book Review.