Product Description
Virginia, mother of presidents, is also the mother of American horse racing. From the very beginning, Virginians have risked it all on the track as eagerly as on the battlefield. Follow the bloodlines of three foundation sires of the American Thoroughbred through generations of rollicking races and largerthan- life grandees wagering kingly stakes, sometimes on horses not yet born. How did the horse nicknamed Damn His Eyes get protection money from other horse owners? What did it mean to tap the claret to break a neck-and-neck tie? Why was Confederate cavalry so much better than Union was it the riders, or was it the mounts? All these and many more stories of horsemanship on and off the track fill the pages of Virginia Horse Racing: Triumphs of the Turf. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Stirring Tales of Virginia's Horses and Virginia's Heroes
In short: it's about time! Whether in peace or war, behind the plough or prancing in a parade, and most especially displaying their speed, strength and undeniable beauty on the turf, horses are a vital part of America's heritage. The lavishly illustrated _Virginia Horse Racing_ does a marvelous job telling their story in the Old Dominion.

Beginning with the first recorded arrival of horses in the colony, the authors recount the role of the horse in general - and the racehorse in particular - in Virginia. The writing is superb: tales told with drama, flourish and the seasoned style of a veteran journalist. I enjoyed this as much as _Sea Biscuit_ and urge those who love horses, racing and Virginia history to take this new book out for a gallop!
... Read more