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Books About Horse Racing to Inspire You

Header Photo Credit: Aliaksei Semirski, Pexels

Horse racing has remained a fan favorite since as early as the 80s, and it won’t change anytime soon.  That alone has prompted many writers to publish countless books that capture the sport’s beauty and excitement as a result.

If you’re an avid reader who’s interested in horse racing, then visiting this page is a good place to start. That way, you will get familiar with several horse racing terminologies that appear consistently in books.

And if you feel like you’re ready, let’s dive into some of the best books in the industry.

Seabiscuit: An American Legend by Laura Hillenbrand

Real-life experiences are usually one of the best ways to capture the hearts of many people, and this is the case with Seabiscuit. It is a true story of an ordinary racehorse who rose to fame. Laura Hillenbrand really captures how an average horse eventually won the hearts of Americans during the Great Depression.

Hillenbrand’s detailed writing and impeccable research absorb its readers in following this exciting experience. For those who love horse racing and underdog stories, you’ll definitely find this book quite inspiring. Discover the story of Seabiscuit’s rise to fame, his victories, and the people who trained and raced him. 

The Horse God Built: The Untold Story of Secretariat, the World’s Greatest Racehorse by Lawrence Scanlan

Dedication, hard work, and success— these are the major takeaways from Lawrence Scanlan’s touching piece. This book offers a closer look at the horse and other aspects of its life outside racing. Scanlan’s writing makes this story very fascinating thanks to his writing tone. 

He provides insight into the personality of the horse and the dedication and hard work of the people who made his success possible. 

Reading the Secretariat will allow you to understand why it’s widely regarded as one of the greatest racehorses ever. 

A Year at the Races: Reflections on Horses, Humans, Love, Money, and Luck by Jane Smiley

Jane Smiley has written some of the finest works on horses and racing, earning her the Pulitzer Prize. Her book, A Year at the Races, details her adventures as the owner and breeder of several thoroughbred racehorses. Using her own interactions with these magnificent creatures as a foundation, Smiley offers a unique viewpoint on the world of horse racing. 

Among the things that make this book entertaining are her observations on the highs and lows of the sport. The recent effect of the coronavirus on horse racing makes this piece even more relatable.

Black Caviar: The Horse of a Lifetime by Gerard Whateley

At one point, horse racing enthusiasts must have heard about Black Caviar, one of the finest racehorses in Australian history. Yet greatness is nothing without a tale, and Whateley does a good job of tracing its ascent to prominence. His book recounts the success of the Black Caviar and the individuals who contributed to them.

A master storyteller, Gerard Whatley is able to provide a thorough understanding of this well-known technique. In addition, it provides information on the extensive training and long hours required to raise a champion racehorse. 

On every page, his passion and admiration for Black Caviar are evident. For anyone interested in learning more about this sport, this is, without a doubt, a must-read.

Many people believe that movies do a better job, but these books may well prove these notions wrong. In fact, you may be surprised just how much the words of a book sting deeper than the scenes of a movie.

These books could be among the best you will ever read, and they will put your imagination into action.