Book: The History of Thoroughbred Racing in America (621 pages)

by: William H.P. Robertson
Format: Hardcover
Pages: 621 (Great coffee table book!)
Condition: Used  but in very good condition

One volume history covering every era and every region of thoroughbred racing in America from Colonial days through the Golden Years to the gigantic business of the track today.

Review: I found this book fascinating especially because of how far back HP Robertson goes to tell the story of organized racing's origins in America. He also covers the evolution of gambling (albeit only in moderate detail), which really reveals some insight into how our current gambling system has come to exist. However, what is truly impressive about this book is the epic sense of scope and span of time this book covers - it highlights many great and often forgotten super horses, as well as connects many of them together with some important figures in American history (namely, several U.S. Presidents) which creates an awe-inducing sense of history. I read this book simply on a whim as someone who has grown more interested in thoroughbred racing history after reading Laura Hillenbrand's "Seabiscuit", and I have come away from it feeling close to an expert in terms of racing history, chronology, and understanding how the sport has grown and changed over the past 300 years. Absolutely a must-read for any true racing history buff.

• Name : Mary Jo DiLonardo