There have been so many good history books released since the success of Seabicuit. Here are my selections for some of the top ones.
by Laura Hillenbrand. The masterpiece that launched the current wave of new horse racing books. An excellent book which was also made into an excellent movie in 2003.
A Collection of Memorable Writing on Thoroughbred Racing edited by Frank Scatoni. This collection of classic racing articles is highly recommended for any racing fan.
"A History of the Calumet Trophies" by Judy Marchman and Tom Hall. Finally, a book documenting part of their wonderful collection plus biographies of some of Calumet's greatest horses.
By Edward L. Bowen. This book revisits some of racing’s most unforgettable and exciting finishes, including Affirmed and Alydar’s electrifying battle for the 1978 Belmont Stakes, the 1933 "Fighting Finish" of the Kentucky Derby, and Seabiscuit’s 1940 Santa Anita Handicap.
Photographs by Bert Morgan and edited by Eric Rachlis and Blossom Lefcourt. One hundred and fifty black and white photos, selected from the Bert and Richard Morgan Collection, grace the pages of this book. Many readers would be too young to have witnessed what Bert Morgan was able to witness in person, but through this book we are given an opportunity to take a look back at racing's glory days, and one cannot help but wish things would return to the way they were.
By the editors and writers of the Daily Racing Form. First there is a nice summary of North American racing history for each decade with over 100 great photos from the DRF archives. Then to make it even more special there are lifetime past performance charts for 487 champion racers of the 20th century. This book is a wonderful reference book to have in your library and gives a great perspective on how much things have changed in racing over the decades.
By Sean Magee with Sally Aird. Ascot's importance in racing is without question due to the many superstars both equine and human throughout its history. This book is a necessity for any racing fan's library.
Saratoga's Fallen Favorites by Bill Heller. Analysis of Saratoga's notorious jinx for heavy favorites brought to life in an entertaining series of historical narratives.
The True Story of Racing's Greatest Con Artists' by David Ashforth. These true tales of the shadier side of racing are a very interesting read for all fans.
By Perry Lefko. This is an excellent book for all fans of racing. Those who have followed the Breeders' Cup since its inception will enjoy reliving the memories of the last twenty years, while new fans will quickly earn an appreciation of how important the Cup is to racing.
