NONFICTION

American Pharoah: The Untold Story of the Triple Crown Winner's Legendary Rise

by Joe Drape
Hachette. Apr. 2016. 304p. notes. index. ISBN 9780316268844. $27; ebk. ISBN 9780316268837. SPORTS
COPY ISBN
It would be hard to imagine going a year without a World Series winner or a Super Bowl champion. Yet that is akin to what horse racing fans have endured for more than 30 years while awaiting a horse with the ability to win the three races that comprise the Triple Crown: the Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes, and Belmont Stakes. New York Times sportswriter Drape (Our Boys: A Perfect Season on the Plains with the Smith Center Redmen) covers the entire life (so far) of American Pharoah (AP). The author provides a full picture of the major figures in the horse's life including trainer Bob Baffert; jockey Victor Espinoza; and Ahmed Zayat, the controversial and outspoken businessman who bred the horse despite looming bankruptcy. Drape further details the many others who cared for AP or had some part in his path to racing stardom.
VERDICT A captivating story woven with an affectionate yet honest portrayal of the sometimes seedy sport of kings, this work will appeal to horse-racing fans and anyone who enjoys athlete biographies.
Reviewed by Sara Holder, McGill Univ. Libs., Montreal , May 15, 2016
Comment Policy:
  • Be respectful, and do not attack the author, people mentioned in the article, or other commenters. Take on the idea, not the messenger.
  • Don't use obscene, profane, or vulgar language.
  • Stay on point. Comments that stray from the topic at hand may be deleted.
  • Comments may be republished in print, online, or other forms of media.
  • If you see something objectionable, please let us know. Once a comment has been flagged, a staff member will investigate.

RELATED 

NONFICTION

Barbie: Her Inspiration, History, and Legacy
by Gerber, Robin
NONFICTION

Sex Cells: The Fight To Overcome Bias and Discrimination in Women’s Healthcare
by Greenberger, Phyllis E.
NONFICTION

In the Spell of the Barkley: Unravelling the Mystery of the World’s Toughest Ultramarathon
by Panhuysen, Michiel
NONFICTION

Gamblers, Fraudsters, Dreamers & Spies: The Outsiders Who Shaped Modern Japan
by Whiting, Robert
NONFICTION

Vinyl Record Collecting for Dummies
by Thompson, Dave
NONFICTION

Survival Is Not Assured: The Life of Climber Jim Donini
by Powter, Geoff
More
ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?

We are currently offering this content for free. Sign up now to activate your personal profile, where you can save articles for future viewing

ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?