Shopping online is one of the most convenient ways to get your Christmas gifts. No lines, no parking nightmare, and they deliver to you or to the recipient! If you are looking for that perfect gift for the horse racing fan in your life, here are some ideas and places to shop that should make your life easier this Christmas. Don't like any of these? Also be sure to check out my full holiday shopping section with lots of more places to browse.
More Old Friends: Visits with My Favorite Thoroughbreds
Eclipse Press
Photographer Barbara Livingston takes us to visit retired thoroughbreds that many fans will remember racing. 175 beautiful photographs make this a great gift for any fan.
2008 Horse Racing Calendar
Willow Creek Press
This lovely calendar features 12 large 13"x10" color horse racing photos that any fan will enjoy displaying.
Ruffian - DVD
ESPN Video
This is the movie broadcast by ESPN last year and released on DVD this year. It tells the story of Ruffian's life and death fairly accurately. The last part dealing with her breakdown and death may be too intense for some viewers. Extras on the DVD include nearly all her races along with a documentary and interviews with her connections.
Kentucky Derby Throw Blanket
Mill Street Design
This cotton throw has "Down the Stretch" above a racing scene, one of the twin spires, and roses. A lovely addition to any racing fan's couch. A matching pillow is also available.
Greatest Kentucky Derby Upsets
Eclipse Press
Written by the staff of Blood-Horse Publications, they chose 12 Kentucky Derby winners they consider the Greatest Kentucky Derby Upsets, unlikely winners that defied their longshot odds to wear the garland of roses. Starting with Elwood in 1904 and ending with Giacomo in 2005, this book pays tribute to some of racing's most improbable heros.
Thoroughbred Gelding at the Horse Park
Art.com
This print by Raymond Gehman is from the National Geographic collection, and while it doesn't say it is John Henry it very well could be. A lovely print that comes framed or unframed in several sizes.
Four-Horse Racing Game
Trend Times Toys
A realistic powered horse racing game with sound effects for up to four players. Charged horses emerge from the charger barn ready for a three minute run and can be adjusted for speed. Set includes four horses and four riders. A pinwheel spinner determines which rider the player will be awarded for racing.
Gallop Racer 2006
Tecmo
This is the latest in Tecmo's series of excellent horse racing simulation games for Sony PlayStation2. Updated and even better than the previous versions. This game always gets good reviews from users and is supposed to be the best horse racing sim game available.
Barbaro Beanie Baby
Ty
This cute plush horse has Barbaro's markings and is wearing his #8 saddle cloth from the Kentucky Derby. A portion of each sale goes to the Barbaro Fund at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine.
2007 Horseplayers Expo Collector's Edition DVD Set
Daily Racing Form
Top handicappers such as Andrew Beyer, Mark Cramer, and Steve Davidowitz discuss their modern-day handicapping and betting strategies in over 18 hours of panel discussions, recorded live in Las Vegas this February and available now on a five DVD set.
