1. The Horse God Built: The Untold Story of Secretariat, the World’s Greatest Racehorse by Lawrence Scanlan
I read this book for the first time when I was about 12 years old, probably not long after it came out in 2007. I have never forgotten the impact it made on me. Focusing on Secretariat's very close relationship with his groom, Eddie Sweat, this one evokes a broad range of emotions. While I have enjoyed other movies or books about Secretariat, this one remains by far, my favorite. When people ask why I recommend this one specifically, I feel that other storytellers whitewashed and cleaned up the story. From my perspective, this version was so touching, because Scanlan doesn't try to tidy up anything about it. Sometimes t's messy, it's dark, it's gritty, but it's very real and I love the raw beauty.
2. Seabiscuit: An American Legend by Laura Hillenbrand
Another incredible, gritty tale, Seabiscuit is one of my favorite stories. Ever. I love an underdog and this story weaves together the most unlikely of allies. Hillenbrand did a great job of capturing the difficult side of the racing lifestyle, especially during one of the darkest hours in American history. Her book explores the journey of a trainer who believed in an unimpressive racehorse during the Great Depression and then teamed him up with a jockey who was blind in one eye after a failed boxing career. This one will make you emotional, guaranteed.
3. American Pharaoh: The Untold Story of the Triple Crown Winner’s Legendary Rise by Joe Drape
The 12th Triple Crown Champion in history, American Pharoah broke a 37 year streak without a winner of the elusive title. The book offers an inside look at not only American Pharoah, but the people behind his success. I was a huge fan of American Pharoah prior to his Triple Crown win and enjoyed following his incredible season in 2015. Undoubtedly one of the greatest racehorses of my lifetime, I enjoyed Drape's account of every step of American Pharaoh's journey.
4. The Greatest Gambling Story Ever Told: A True Tale of Three Gamblers, The Kentucky Derby, and the Mexican Cartel
Written by Mark Paul, this is a next-to-none story. I discovered it recently on Audible and it went to the top of my "to be read" list. In 1988, a three-year-old filly named Winning Colors was a longshot in the Kentucky Derby. She won. Three gamblers bet on the filly and were unaware that they placed their bets with members of a suspected drug cartel. The adventure the trio embarks on to get their money is absolutely what you would call crazier than fiction.
5. Ruffian: Burning From the Start by Jane Schwartz
Although her wins were before my time, Ruffian remains my favorite racehorse of all time. For those who are unfamiliar with the breathtaking filly, I won't spoil the story. She always reminds me of a piece of art - her life was tragic and she was so, so beautiful. This account perfectly captures the many emotions that surround Ruffian's life.