Good horse racing books?

Question

Im very interested in horse racing and looking to learn more about the industry from a business standpoint. Any recommendations? Thanks

Answer 1

If you are interesting in breeding then I would recommend :

Racehorse Breeding Theories - Frank Mitchell

Publisher : the Russell Meerdink Company Ltd.

Answer 2

I would recommend that you get a subscription to the Blood-Horse magazine and whatever magazine is put out by the State-bed association in your state, if applicable (e.g., The Thoroughbred of California or Maryland Horse, etc.).

That will do for a start.  

The History of Thoroughbred Racing in America by William H. P. Robertson is, in my opinion, a "must-have" reference book for anyone who wants to learn about racing.  Although it's dated, only covering through the 1964 racing season and thus missing many important changes and developments in racing, it is invaluable as giving a background for the racing and breeding industry in America.  (It's also a good read, IMO.)

Beyond that, I think a lot depends on what aspect of the racing business you are interested in.  Breeding?  Bloodstock purchases and sales as agent?  Training?  Working with young horses or lay-ups?  Working for a sales company?  For a racetrack?  What specifically do you want to learn about?

Answer 3

Seabiscut was an excellent book.

Answer 4

Gary Stevens wrote a book called The Perfect Ride about his racing career.  It's an excellent book to see exactly what a jockey has to do to become a jockey and once he's racing and stuff.  And it's a great first hand account of riding in major races... the book opens with his account of his Belmont win on Point Given.  I highly recommend it, but then I absolutely love Gary Stevens, so I'm probably not the most objective person ;o)