What will you learn from this book
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Early Life and Pedigree: The biography explores Man o' War's early life, including his breeding and lineage, tracing his ancestry back to influential racehorses like Fair Play and Mahubah.
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Racing Career: Man o' War's illustrious racing career is chronicled, highlighting his remarkable performances on the track, including his undefeated streak and numerous record-breaking victories.
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Dominance on the Track: Man o' War's dominance on the racetrack is emphasized, with the biography detailing his powerful stride, exceptional speed, and ability to outclass his competitors in both sprint and distance races.
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Rivalries: The book delves into Man o' War's rivalries with other notable racehorses of his time, including Sir Barton, the first winner of the American Triple Crown, and Exterminator, another top racehorse of the era.
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Legacy as a Sire: Man o' War's legacy as a stallion and influential sire in the Thoroughbred breeding industry is explored, with discussions on his successful progeny and their impact on future generations of racehorses.
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Cultural Impact: The biography examines Man o' War's cultural impact and enduring legacy as one of the greatest racehorses in American history, inspiring admiration and fascination among racing enthusiasts and the general public alike.
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Historical Context: Man o' War's racing career is situated within the broader historical context of the early 20th century, providing insights into the social, economic, and political developments of the time.
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Relationship with Owner: The book explores the close bond between Man o' War and his owner, Samuel D. Riddle, highlighting their shared passion for horse racing and their mutual respect and admiration for one another.
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Retirement and Later Years: Man o' War's retirement from racing and his later years as a beloved equine celebrity are chronicled, with anecdotes and stories illustrating his continued popularity and public adoration.
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Enduring Legacy: Finally, the biography reflects on Man o' War's enduring legacy as a symbol of excellence, determination, and athletic prowess, leaving an indelible mark on the world of horse racing and beyond.
| Language | English |
|---|---|
| ISBN-10 | 0312341008 |
| ISBN-13 | 9780312341008 |
| No of pages | 368 |
| Font Size | Medium |
| Book Publisher | St. Martin's Griffin |
| Published Date | 01 May 2007 |
About Author
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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. All of them became caught in a battle for honesty.
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.