The Most Glorious Crown: The Story of America's Triple Crown Thoroughbreds from Sir Barton to Affirmed
by Marvin Drager
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Book Summary Information
Author: Marvin DragerBrand: Unknown
Edition: Hardcover
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language); English (Published)
Published: 2005-04-01
ISBN: 1572437243
Number of pages: 304
Publisher: Triumph Books
Product features:
- 304 pages
- 9 x 10, Hardbound
- pub date 2005-04-01
- b/w images throughout
Book Reviews of The Most Glorious Crown: The Story of America's Triple Crown Thoroughbreds from Sir Barton to Affirmed
Book Review: Mr. Long-tail and Mr. Banana-nose
Summary: 5 Stars
I read "The Most Glorious Crown" after Barbaro won the Kentucky Derby, then didn't have the heart to write a review until after he was back on his feet, cleaning up his hay rack, nickering at nearby mares, and scratching at his ear with his leg cast. I'm just a fan. I have no right to my affection for him, being neither owner, nor trainer, nor even hotwalker. However, it's terribly saddening to see one of these beautiful, spirited creatures break down, especially one who had a chance to win the most glorious crown.
The eleven horses that did win the Crown exemplified the highest qualities of speed, stamina, and heart, but each of them had his own character and peculiarities. The author shares rare photographs and anecdotes with a lavish hand, bringing each of these special Thoroughbreds to life along with the people surrounding him. I was especially taken by the story of Whirlaway, Calumet's first Triple Crown winner (who also figures prominently in the accompanying DVD).
'Mr. Longtail' was quite a character: "Dumb, half-witted, willful, knuckleheaded, stubborn, unmanageable--these and similar adjectives were sprinkled in the reams of copy written about him." If it weren't for the combined efforts of Ben Jones, his trainer, and Eddie Arcaro, his jockey, Whirlaway might never have won a race, much less the Derby, Preakness, and Belmont.
Martin Drager also includes a chapter of near misses, ending with Birdstone's defeat of Smarty Jones in the 2004 Belmont. In his epilogue, "They Were Only Human" he includes the usual statistics on the triple crown winners and also (just to prove that there is no such thing as the 'perfect' horse) mentions that four of the glorious eleven were challenged to match races...and lost (Sir Barton to Man O'War, War Admiral to Sea Biscuit, Whirlaway to Alsab, and Assault to Armed.)
The History Channel DVD "Win Place or Show" that accompanies this book is a miscellany of American Thoroughbred racing, including some rare footage of Man O'War's races, plus clips of many of our Triple Crown winners. Calumet Farm is featured, as well as Hall of Fame trainer Woody Stephens, best remembered for his 5 consecutive Belmont wins in the 1980s. The commentary by various owners and trainers, including Jimmy Jones is priceless. The DVD alone is worth the price of this book.
Be certain to buy the updated, 2005 reissue of this book in order to get the History Channel DVD.
More The Most Glorious Crown: The Story of America's Triple Crown Thoroughbreds from Sir Barton to Affirmed reviews:
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Summary of The Most Glorious Crown: The Story of America's Triple Crown Thoroughbreds from Sir Barton to Affirmed
After nearly 130 years of trying, only 11 colts have swept the Kentucky Derby, the Preakness Stakes, and the Belmont Stakes to earn the Triple Crown?the grand slam of Thoroughbred racing. These 11 were more than just magnificent Thoroughbreds?they were stars, and their stories are full of the drama, passion, and courage associated with stardom. These champions? stories are found in The Most Glorious Crown, the most entertaining and comprehensive work on the Triple Crown winners ever assembled.Biographies Books
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