Great read on Secretariat

[shamrocker]

My dear non-horsey husband brought home a new book for me from the Library last week. It is titled “THE HORSE THAT GOD BUILT”, the untold story of Secretariat. I really enjoyed this book as it focused on Secretariat’s relationship with his long time groom, Eddie Sweat. It is a homage to grooms and surely the theme that runs under this book is “behind every great horse is a great groom”, and this really hits the nail on the head.

I’m a dressage rider, junior event rider mom, and spent a few years working on a large TB training and breeding facility in NY. Wilhelmina and Tom Waller’s Tanrackin Farm, before venturing off into hunter/jumpers etc. many years ago.

This is a well written book for those of us who love horses and all the people who revolve around them.

[Glimmerglass]

Image - Eddie and Secretariat at Belmont in the paddock

Edward ‘Eddie’ (a/k/a ‘Shorty’) Sweat died in 1998, at age 59, and is laid to rest in Holly Hill, SC

[K_2]

I just read this book, and had the exact opposite reaction. I didn’t like it at all. Not that I don’t appreciate the story of Eddie Sweat, but the author just seemed to wander all over the place. I also didn’t enjoy his references to images in other Secretariat books… I don’t have the books, so how am I supposed to see them?

[anchorsaway]

I finished it a few months ago and liked it, a lot.

Yes, it jumped around a lot and may not have a ton of literary merit, but who cares? It was fairly well written and was well meaning. It made me want to read Bill Nack’s Ruffian book, which I hastily went out and purchased…

[Dinah-do]

I liked the book but parts were very sad. Very sad situation that the racing industry ignored E Sweat when he died. Really think Secretariat’s connections could have at least sent flowers to his funeral. Assuming that the book was accurate.

[lassoch]

Here’s a cool bonus video of Secretariat in retirement:

Secretariat at 12

[lesson_junkie]

lassoch-thanks for that link! the folks on the H/J forum discussing daisy cutters need to see the red horse move!

[scpezold]

I just got finished reading this book and enjoyed it very much. Anyone know if there are any books out discussing the “x factor” as well as any other great Secretariat books that are out there that may be out of print?

Anyone read “The Black Meistro (sp)”? Have been eying this book for about 6 months and think I will get it next.

Great footage on Big Red in his paddock. Thanks so much for sharing!

[farmgirl88]

Its a WONDERFUL read! Bought it when i had to go to jury duty for the day. Havnt finished it yet- but its fascinating!

[caffeinated]

@scpezold;3880930

Anyone read “The Black Meistro (sp)”? Have been eying this book for about 6 months and think I will get it next.

I loved that book and couldn’t put it down! He just led quite the life… like something they’d make a movie out of and no one would believe

[Glimmerglass]

[QUOTE=caffeinated;3881169]
I loved that book and couldn’t put it down! He just led quite the life… like something they’d make a movie out of and no one would believe :)[/QUOTE]

I recall reading that New York Times spotswriter Joe Drape who wrote this book on Jimmy Winkfield reportedly optioned out the book to be made into a movie. Although another book came out at the same time by Ed Hotaling - Wink - The Incredible Life and Epic Journey of … who too likely is optioned out. Hopefully if either book does make it into a movie it would be of a production quality on peer with Seabiscuit.

[Buffyblue]

That video was really awesome! I have a Secretariat great-granddaughter and feel blessed! Haven’t read the book but almost bought it last week. I have jury duty the end of the month, so that might be just the thing to take with me!

[shamrocker]

Thanks for recommendation on “Black Maestro”. I have just ordered it for a great price from Amazon Marketplace. look forward to another great read.

[K_2]

If you are looking for good prices on books, try http://www.bookcloseouts.com

They often have racing books available. Most are surplus, so may have a mark on them. I just got a damaged copy (slight crease in the cover) of Frankie Detorri’s Autobiography, and bought the book in the original post from there as well.

[poltroon]

Big Red of Meadow Stable by William Nack (and his reissue with a different title) is an earlier work about Secretariat, and quite good.

[scpezold]

@Glimmerglass;3881313

I recall reading that New York Times spotswriter Joe Drape who wrote this book on Jimmy Winkfield reportedly optioned out the book to be made into a movie. Although another book came out at the same time by Ed Hotaling - Wink - The Incredible Life and Epic Journey of … who too likely is optioned out. Hopefully if either book does make it into a movie it would be of a production quality on peer with Seabiscuit.

A movie would be wonderful tribute to this mans life (what little I have heard thus far). I hope they change their minds. I might just order both books. Thanks GG!

[scpezold]

@K~2;3883660

If you are looking for good prices on books, try http://www.bookcloseouts.com

They often have racing books available. Most are surplus, so may have a mark on them. I just got a damaged copy (slight crease in the cover) of Frankie Detorri’s Autobiography, and bought the book in the original post from there as well.

Not to worried about the damaged as long as it is still legible. Thanks for the link!

[scpezold]

@poltroon;3883674

Big Red of Meadow Stable by William Nack (and his reissue with a different title) is an earlier work about Secretariat, and quite good.

I will check this out. Thanks you all for your suggestions