Man o' War: A Legend Like Lightning
Dorothy Ours
Apr 2007 · Macmillan + ORM
4.1star
9 reviewsreport
Ebook
503
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About this ebook
The “riveting” true story of one of the greatest racehorses who ever lived, “researched meticulously and told brilliantly” (Laura Hillenbrand, New York Times–bestselling author of Seabiscuit).
His trainer said that managing him was like holding a tiger by the tail. His owner compared him to “chain lightning.” His jockeys found their lives transformed by him, in triumphant and distressing ways. Born in 1917, Man o’ War grew from a rebellious youngster into perhaps the greatest racehorse of all time. He set such astonishing speed records that the New York Times called him a “Speed Miracle.” Often he won with so much energy in reserve that experts wondered how much faster he could have gone. Over the years, this and other mysteries would envelop the great Man o' War.
The truth remained problematic. Even as Man o’ War—known as “Big Red”—came to power, attracting record crowds and rave publicity, the colorful sport of Thoroughbred racing struggled for integrity. His lone defeat, suffered a few weeks before gamblers fixed the 1919 World Series, spawned lasting rumors that he, too, had been the victim of a fix.
Tackling old beliefs with newly uncovered evidence, Man o' War: A Legend Like Lightning shows how human pressures collided with a natural phenomenon and brings new life to an American icon. The genuine courage of Man o' War, tribulations of his archrival, Sir Barton (America’s first Triple Crown winner), and temptations of their Hall of Fame jockeys and trainers reveal a long-hidden tale of grace, disgrace, and elusive redemption.
“Uncovers the true reasons for Man o’ War’s early retirement . . . this is must reading for racing fans, and it will reward anyone with an interest in the history of American sport.” —Booklist (starred review)
“A masterpiece of historical research.” —Chicago Tribune
His trainer said that managing him was like holding a tiger by the tail. His owner compared him to “chain lightning.” His jockeys found their lives transformed by him, in triumphant and distressing ways. Born in 1917, Man o’ War grew from a rebellious youngster into perhaps the greatest racehorse of all time. He set such astonishing speed records that the New York Times called him a “Speed Miracle.” Often he won with so much energy in reserve that experts wondered how much faster he could have gone. Over the years, this and other mysteries would envelop the great Man o' War.
The truth remained problematic. Even as Man o’ War—known as “Big Red”—came to power, attracting record crowds and rave publicity, the colorful sport of Thoroughbred racing struggled for integrity. His lone defeat, suffered a few weeks before gamblers fixed the 1919 World Series, spawned lasting rumors that he, too, had been the victim of a fix.
Tackling old beliefs with newly uncovered evidence, Man o' War: A Legend Like Lightning shows how human pressures collided with a natural phenomenon and brings new life to an American icon. The genuine courage of Man o' War, tribulations of his archrival, Sir Barton (America’s first Triple Crown winner), and temptations of their Hall of Fame jockeys and trainers reveal a long-hidden tale of grace, disgrace, and elusive redemption.
“Uncovers the true reasons for Man o’ War’s early retirement . . . this is must reading for racing fans, and it will reward anyone with an interest in the history of American sport.” —Booklist (starred review)
“A masterpiece of historical research.” —Chicago Tribune
Ratings and reviews
4.1
9 reviews
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March 22, 2012
Author has a deep knowledge about horses. I think that this is a terrific book, much better than seabiscuit (seemed written with a movie in mind). If you want a thorough knowledge of horseracing in the early 20th century and you are interested in horses this is the book for you. If you read People magazine, read Seabiscuit!!
About the author
A lifelong horse enthusiast, Dorothy Ours grew up in the history-rich states of Virginia and West Virginia. She worked for seven years at the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame in Saratoga Springs, New York, while researching Man o' War and has been cited for research contributions to several books on Thoroughbred racehorses. Her other fascinations include music, art, and ghost stories.
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