Racing Books

Excerpt from 8/25/07 Tulsa World review by Horse Racing Correspondent Richard Linihan, "Many horseracing critics are calling it (Triple Crown Winner: The Earl Sande Saga") one of the best books of its kind ever written."

Triple Crown Winner: The Earl Sande Saga is the biography of a tall, lanky kid who learned to ride in competitive horse races on the "leaky-roof", dirt track, racing circuits, eventually rising to the top ranks of North American jockeys racing on the most prestigious courses in the country. Sande was a distinctive jockey who, in a time when other jockeys routinely resorted to the whip, used the whip sparingly, preferring to coax supreme efforts out of his mounts with a gentle hand while riding them to victory and singing in their ears. Biographer and horse racing enthusiast Richard J. Maturi has done a truly excellent job in presenting the life story of one of horse racing's most memorable jockeys -- Earl Sande.

Author Richard J. Maturi hustled around the country like a jockey's agent when Triple Crown Winner was published. I saw him being interviewed in the outdoor paddock of Thistledown Race Track in Cleveland, OH, and a few days later he conducted an interesting phone interview on a Thoroughbred talk-radio show based in Cleveland.

Earl Sande can be considered the "lost athlete" in the Golden Era of Sports; a renowned jockey as dominant in his popular sport as Bill Tilden in tennis, Babe Ruth in baseball and Jack Dempsey in boxing. But his name has somehow gotten dropped when mentioning that period when athletes became larger-than-life celebrities to the public.

Like too many athletes then and now, Sande retires on top of his game, but must come out of retirement for financial reasons. And unlike so many stars who fail miserably when age rots away ability, Sande adds an exclamation point to his brilliant career when the odds were stacked against him.

Maturi starts his journey in unearthing the Sande story through a very unique circumstance. He then leads the reader through the dead-ends and great triumphs in putting the fragmented pieces of Sande's story together.

The text falters when Maturi relies too much on the staid statistical reporting of Sande's racing achievements. It simply stalls the creativity.

Also, to push the story along, Maturi has quotes from Sande that are nothing more than wooden in nature. His "comments" upon his wife's death, for example, would lead one to believe that this personal tragedy really did not phase him one bit. If Sande was so stilted, then Calvin Coolidge was actually one wild and crazy guy!

The Thouroghbred industry oftentimes does a poor job in relating the rich history to what is happening on the track today. Maturi does a great job out of the gate in researching Sande, but comes up short in striding to the winner's circle due to portions of the text failing in the deep stretch.

I laid aside "Triple Crown Winner: The Earl Sande Saga" long enough to watch undefeated Barbaro move into the saddling area at Churchill Downs. I studied the horses and listened to the commentators as the trainers gave their jockeys a leg up. With jockeys Jerry Bailey, Gary Stevens, and Pat Day retired, I said to my husband, "I'd sure like to see Edgar Prado win the Derby this year."

The last time I watched a horse and jockey claim all three jewels in the Triple Crown, I was in high school. Spoiled by three amazing horses during the seventies-Secretariat, Seattle Slew and Affirmed-I thought winning the Triple Crown was pretty common. With no winners since then, I know better now.

This decade, racing fans have savored a resurging interest in the sport of kings, thanks to the book and movie Seabiscuit and four horses that came close to claiming the elusive Triple Crown. My husband and I settled into our recliners and watched Barbaro-rode by Prado-"Run for the Roses" and win with a commanding lead despite a stumble at the start. I wonder if this colt might be the one.

After the race I returned to Earl Sande's story. Like the little-remembered Seabiscuit, Sande slipped into time without the attention and recognition he deserved. America now knows about Seabiscuit. It's time Americans revisit the accomplishments of one of the greatest Hall of Fame jockeys.

Sande's career spanned decades including the Twenties, a golden era for horse racing. He left home and went into racing as a thin Midwestern kid almost too tall to be a jockey. Good friends and horsemen along the way helped him develop his natural talent. Soon Sande rode in the big races with great horses. He logged some of the top stats in the sport, including a lifetime percentage of in-the-money wins of 60.9 percent.

Like everyone, Sande faced his share of setbacks. Unfair treatment, financial problems, a traumatic racing accident and the resulting health problems all conspired to keep Sande down. Yet, this comeback kid kept on. He overcame serious injuries to win the Kentucky Derby. Later, he came out of retirement and rode Gallant Fox to the 1930 Triple Crown. Once America's top money-winning jockey, he also became the top money-winning trainer.

Maturi tells Sande's story in a conversational style weaving an interesting biography. He includes Sande's comments, friends' perceptions, and reporters' coverage throughout the book giving readers insight into the athlete, the friend, the husband, the lover of horses. The book covers Sande's up-and-coming years, his successful career, and the end of his life. The black and white photos, illustrations and racing memorabilia depicted provide telling glimpses into Sande's life and transport the reader back in time.

If you can't get enough of racing this season, pick up a thrilling piece of the past and read about one of America's greatest jockeys of all time.

A very well done, beautifully bound book that chronicles both the tragic and triumphant life of jockey, Earl Sande, culminating in his reaching the absolute pinnacle of his sport. Often, it has been the 4-legged characters that captured audiences' hearts in books and movies of the past; now finally, an incredible tribute to one of horse-racings' all-time greats, Earl Sande, will take your breath away. Humor, tragedy and triumph are all captured in this rich and detailed biography. The dozens and dozens of period photographs make this exciting ride all the more real while truly immersing one into the Golden Era of Sports. Let Maturi take you on a ride from the grandstands to the stables to the mud-flung tracks in early May as the story of one of the greatest jockeys ever, unfolds. Certainly deserving of a movie script, this epic account of one of racings' greatest contributors is definitely a "Triple Crown Winner" in my book! Highly recommended for every and anyone!!

I've never been a Rossi fan; although a very committed MotoGP fan. After reading this book, I've come to understand the sport and it clarified my unclear situations that I have come across in the current years of MotoGP. I think it is a must read for all the Sport fans.

I enjoyed reading this book tremendously. The writing style was surprisingly good, though I'm not entirely sure if it was more representative of the author or the translator. The reader is taken through his childhood, decision to commit to racing motorcycles, evolution through the European classes to MotoGP, many bad-boy exploits and finally some of the most challenging experiences Rossi has participated in as a MotoGP rider. It was fascinating to compare his perspective from inside the helmet with my perspective as an observer. It reads much like the script to Sundance film, starting in the present, digressing into history, and progressing back to present. I found it a bit difficult to follow at times but in the end was satisfied. If you follow MotoGP at all this book tells you what you already know, Rossi is a bad a-- on and off the track, yet warm, thoughtful, personable most of all simply human.

If you are a fan of Rossi or MotoGP this is a must read.

This is a neat book that dives into the life of one of the most accomplished racers to ever live. Lots of pictures, but haven't read entire book yet.

Definitely another good V. Rossi book which contains so much images within his life and two wheels.

What a great book. I bought this book as a present for my husband and being a fan of motogp myself we both really loved this book. A must for all Valentino Rossi fans to add to the collection. A great insight into the man and what drives his talent.Great photos.An inexpensive purchase but worth it's weight in gold.Very colourful and detail is excellent.

A truly wonderful story, written in the most intriguing way. I never cared for car racing, but I found the descriptions compelling and may reread some to better understand them. The canine narrator, Enzo, is more likeable than many humans and far more compassionate than most. He also might be one of the funniest dogs around...

I'm enjoying this book and so is my sister in Ireland who I purchased a copy, as a birthday gift. She is also getting a kick out of it. This book is touching our lives at the moment and for me, Enzo is stiring many memory's of our family pet, Billy who passed away 5 years ago.This book is a keeper. Thank you and Bless you, Garth Stein.

Incredible book! I was hooked from the 3rd page! A funny, sensitive, heart warming story that deals with life, death, and all the things that we humans go through, told through the perspective of a dog. There are life lessons that we all can learn. Pick this up - you won't be disappointed!

This is the best book I've read in a very long time!! I read it cover to cover on the plane to TX, crying, laughing and totally entertained. I recommend it to every reader. It's very very very good! Told from a beloved dog's point of view, it has sadness and joy!!

From the start I was utterly entranced. This is a touching story of a family, their joys and heartbreaks as told by the one who knows them best - their dog 'Enzo'. Beautifully written, witty, heartbreaking and incredibly thought-provoking.

Enzo has gleaned most of his knowledge from watching his master Denny an aspiring racing driver, from watching TV (responsibly) and studying in-dash video footage from racing cars.

Certain passages made me laugh out loud "George Clooney is my fourth favorite actor because he's exceptionally clever at helping cure children of diseases on reruns of ER, and because he looks a little like me around the eyes". I loved his absolute joy when his owner Denny finally takes him for a spin in a racing car. Bark twice for faster! And I felt his fear of the crows in the backyard, their beady eyes trained on him as if to say "Come out little doggy, and we'll peck your eyeballs out!"

I read this on the sofa with my dog sprawled out next to me and every so often I gave his ear a little tickle, just in the crease behind the ear (Enzo described the exact spot perfectly) and as he watched me, watching him, I wondered just how much he really understands.

Having read several of Jay Carty's books now I have to say he is an incredibly inspiring writer and person to say the least. I am so excited each month as I check for new "stuff" from Jay Carty as it is always refreshing and different yet always connected to God with a three stranded cord. If you haven't been a reader of his books for long there are many to choose from and this writer never stops searching for Gods will in his daily efforts to continue to provide hearty reading material for all groups and all stages from salvation, and growth to a mature level of one's spiritual walk. I highly recommend anything he puts his hands on because I know the hand of God is on him. Some of what I have read and or listened to on tape are:"Discovering your natural talents", "Counter Attack: taking back ground lost to sin", "Playing with fire", "Something's fishy Getting rid of the carp in your life","Coach Wooden One on One", "Coach Wooden's Piramid of success", Darrell Waltrip - One on One, "Mike Singletary- One on One" all keeping me captivated from cover to cover!

Dora Wolfe - CA

Having read other Jay Carty books, I knew I had to read this one and I was not disappointed. This is the sort of inspirational book that one can cycle through over and over and never cease to be inspired.

Way to go Jay another outstanding book!!!!

WWJD

DW and Jay Carty make a great team in this super devotional.

As an Author, Coach, and Motivational Speaker I read alot of books about people, their motivations, and their relationships. Darrell Waltrip One-on-One is a straightforward statement of faith and inspiration by a NASCAR Champion working with his co-author, Jay Carty, a former NBA player and traveling preacher.

One-on-One consists of 60 daily devotionals. Each devotional starts with a life lesson by Waltrip and ends with a personal or biblical support by preacher Carty. Scripture readings are included for each day.

The stories are informative, educational, and inspiring.

- There's Darrell learning a lesson about foolish decisions that cost him a race, a car, and time in the hospital.

- Waltrip's common bond with his "frienemy" Dale Earnhardt, scripture verses written on duct tape provided by Darrell's wife Stevie before each race.

- The miracle healing of Darrell's arm after a wreck in 1990.

- The value of keeping focused on the big picture to win at racing and in life.

With each Waltrip story there's a story by Carty that serves to clarify, explain, and educate about the topic of the devotional.

If you're looking for an inspiring, motivating, and faith filled book written from a unique perspective then I recommend you buy a copy of Darrell Waltrip One-on-One: The faith that took him to the finish line.

Kevin Decker (kevindecker.com)

By working with a winner, Jay Carty has another winner!! In this book, the faith of DW comes forth to show that he is not only a winner on the track, but more importantly he is a winner off the track with his wife and kids and most importantly with the Lord!

If you're looking for the perfect gift for a fan of Forumula One, this book is it. I've given a few away as gifts, and it's always a riot to see the results. Whether it's a child, teen, or adult (I've mostly given this book to adults), faces light up, and the person who receives it becomes immediately drawn into the book . . . for hours. Try giving one at a party and watch as everyone gathers around to get in on the play. This is PERFECT for the fan who has everything (or the fan who wishes to have everything . . . such as a Ferrari F300). An unbelievable amount of fun. You won't be disappointed. Enjoy!

The CD has fantastic sounds-- BRM car brings back fond memories. The Pop Ups especially the Ferrari instrument panel and the F1 with pit crew is great. All graphics, photographs are 5 star quality. This is a must book for the F1 fanatic.

I purchased this book for my husband, who has just become interested in Formula One racing. The whole family enjoyed reading and interacting with this informative book. We learned more about Formula One than we ever expected...this book has to be the best book I've purchased in years! HURRY - BUY THIS BOOK!!! Excellent, excellent, excellent!!!

All diehard Formula One fans can increase their knowledge of this wonderful sport by reading this book. The CD is fantastic,all of the engine sounds brings back fond memories. The Pop Ups especially the Ferrari instrument panel and the F1 with pit crew is great. All graphics, photographs are 5 star quality. A must book for the F1 fanatic's library.

Wow, great information, great fun! A must read, actually it is a tome to pour over. There is a lot to digest, and it is very interesting. It is a very clever layout, there are lots of pockets and flaps to explore. Not for children unattended though, it could be quickly demolished. My one beef is that I found the glasses (not 3d by the way) to be a little tough to view sometimes.

Those who want to learn about hockey - and not just what Alan Eagleson did to it - should run, not walk, to buy this book.
Conway's book is superb, and his work on Eagleson made him a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize.
It's a must-read for any sports writer, too. It's like having an "Investigative Journalism 101" class taught to you, and for a fraction of the money you'd pay at a university.

This is the most interesting book I have ever read. I studied it to do an oral presentation for Grade 9 English class a few years ago and was so intrigured by the Alan Eagleson story that, now in my first year of University, I am pursuing a career very similar to that of Alan Eagleson...one in which I would essentially deal with the business side of the NHL where I would love to make some sort of a positive influence, as Eagleson did. However, Alan Eagleson's corruption, which is described in this book, is an excellent example of how one person can cause a negative influence on many people's lives through illegitimacy and how public opinion of that person can change almost instantly as a result. Russ Conway did an excellent job of investigating Alan Eagleson, and his book is a wonderful summary of his work. I would recommend this book to anybody, whether they are a hockey fan or not.

Russ Conway has written a wonderful investigative piece about a man who is truly a disgraceful figure in the history of Canadian hockey. Russ brings forth, with his own agressive style, the wicked ways of a man who calling a crook is an understatement. First, he never backed down to get his answers and his writing is first-rate. Anyone who follows hockey should read about a man who almost destroyed it.

All hockey fans owe Russ Conway a debt of gratitude for helping rid hockey of the parasite Alan Eagleson. He documents Eagleson's criminal and disgusting behaviour in great detail, helping fans to better understand what hockey players faced in the past, the necessary background information for many of the issues facing pro hockey today. I haven't read such a gripping book since "Net Worth". Eagleson will be back in the courts again before long, no doubt willing to lie about the charges being brought forward by a number of retired hockey players. Read this book and you'll see that the players have justice on their team.

This is one of the most important sports books ever written. Through his exhaustive work, Russ Conway exposes the greed, corruption and financial swindling that plagued the NHL throughout Alan Eagelson's reign of terror and the financial and emotional price that so many players faced. Most importantly, Conway's work served as the catalyst for Mr. Eagleson's downfall and proving many player's assertions of corruption. Put simply, this is an important piece of journalism that every fan of sports should read, whether you are a hockey fan or not.

Every cycling enthusiast should have this in their library. Good information and a good read.

I am no newbie to cycling. I have read many books from Benard Hinualt's book to all the major "new" cycling books including "Performance Cycling", "The Ultimate Ride", and the Cyclists Training Bible".
NONE of these books discribe and outline proper training like Lemonds book! Lemonds book may not be quite a "scientific" as some of the newer ones but that does not mean it is an inferior book.

Lemond has put his wealth of info across in a very easily understood and practical way. I especially liked his info on training and fitness for the serious cyclist and also training for the older athlete.

If you want to know how to become a top cyclist, or even a pro, then this is the book for you.

This book is not just for the serious cyclist. It has all the info that a newbie to cycling would need to know as well. The more experienced cyclist can easily weed through the basic and dive right into the "meat and potatoes" of training and tactics.

The only thing that this book is weak on is training by measuring power output, which has become all the rage of late. The fact is though that one doesn't ever need to measure "watts" in order to train productively and become the very best cyclist that one can become. Experienced cyclist know that preceived effort at various intensty levels along with a decent heart rate monitor is all anyone ever needs to reach ones peak.

As far as I am concerned this is the best book ever penned on cycling!

Reading Greg LeMond's story - from his first race as a fifteen-year-old in 1975 to his second Tour De France victory in 1987 - makes you want to get out there and ride. LeMond still rides, you know. A friend recently participated in a benefit ride with Greg. Fans will be happy to learn, although he's picked up a few pounds over the years, LeMond still has a huge engine.
Included in this superior collaboration with fellow cyclist and writer Kent Gordis are extensive chapters on bike fit, training, diet, maintenance, and riding tips. These are techniques useful not only in racing but for everyday cyclists - road hazards, traffic issues, the proper gear to have along. It's all there.
I first read this book in 1992 when I began cycling at the age of 51. Even though the bikes are better now, and everyone can afford a HRM and software that will help you keep records of your workouts, the superior and detailed section on bike fit remains valid. Actually, nothing here is really outdated. It's still you, the bicycle, and the hill just ahead. Cycling is hands down the best way to get yourself in shape. Read, and then go for it. On your left!
Art Tirrell - author of The Secret Ever Keeps - coming March 07 from Kunati Book Publishers, rides a 2003 Lemond Chambrey.

Great insights on climbing, racing and training tactics. In depth fitting chapter is worth the price of the book alone. Equipment write-ups are dated, but that's not what you're buying this book for.

Some of the information in this book may be a little out-dated, but I think it is still worth it for the beginning cyclist. The chapter on sizing a bike is a must-read for all people who are beginners and may be seriously considering cycling. I would buy the book again just for this chapter. I think there are other books out there with more up to date information, but this one should be on every cyclists' bookshelf.

This is a super book, A must in every CART fan's book collection. Just a shame it had to be written.

When you combine the writing skills of Gordon Kirby and the legend of Greg Moore you get an outstanding book. There must be some really great racing going on in heaven. Although no book could do justice to Greg's life, this book comes close. I love everything that Gordon writes and this book is one of the most highly prized. This book is mandatory for any true Cart fan.

It's an awesome review on Greg's life, with hundreds of color pictures... It tells the story beautifully. A must for every Greg and CART fan.

This book about the young Canadian motorsport icon honours the life of one of the most cheerful and passionate drivers in CART racing. As a fellow Canadian, I have been well-informed about the young Maple Ridge, B.C. native and have enjoyed watching him climb to the top of the victory podium. A terrific biography of Greg Moore has been collected in a very indept account told by his beloved family through pictures and excerpts. Excellent pictures tell the journey that Greg Moore had taken from his first encounter with a motorized vehicle to the 1999 season where he drove the 800-plus horsepower Players champ racing machine.

It is hard to believe after looking at this book that a young Canadian who was taken from this earth all too soon could live such a full life.

Man, when I saw this book I thought "It must be great!" And when I had it on my hands it was even more perfect. For those fans who lost their idol there at Fontana, this is a must. It's the perfect book for a great driver and an even greater person.

There are so few books out there that give a realistic look at a professional groom's life. If you've ever considered becoming a groom or even going into the pro-horse world, this book is an amazing investment. Nusser gives almost every type of information you could want, including typical pay, benefits, housing, and insights into the personalities and habits of the grooms. It follows three pro grooms: a woman who just wants to learn everything she can, a woman who is wishes she was winning the medals, not grooming the horses, and a man who works for the money. Though it's non-fiction, it's written like a story and you can't help but be draw in. This is one of my top five favorite books - I can't impress on you how much you should buy it.

Follows the grooms in 3 areas of horse sport: eventing (grooms of the O'Connors), show jumping (of Anne Kursinski), and racing (of the breeding stallions at Lane's End). Very interesting, and for the most part not too dumbed down or inaccurate.

The stuff about Parelli got to be very annoying-this was back when the O'Connors were actually fans of him. The author seemed to be a bit too impressed with the man.

Some history of the horse was mixed in, as well as plenty of stuff about each discipline. It was very interesting to see how the horses were treated by each group of grooms. For example, the race horse grooms didn't seem to have a ton of affection for their charges and were very pragmatic. The O'Connor's grooms thought of "their" horses almost as if they were their pets or kids. Also enjoyed seeing the true lives of these people: long days, hard work, little pay, not much time for other people in your life.

Don't recommend this book for young kids: Some bad language, references to drugs and sex. Also some graphic scenes in the breeding shed of Lane's End. But for adults, this is an informative, entertaining read that doesn't make riding and horses out to be glamorous (unlike many horse books today). Nice book for the 99% of horse owners who do their own work, and for those that want to see what goes on in high-caliber equestrian operations. And it really makes you respect these incredibly hard-working people who get relatively little credit for any wins.

This book will certainly give you an appreciation for the hard work grooms put into caring for "their" horses, as well as the difficulty proffessionals have in finding and keeping gooms. Grooming is often a thankless job (more often than not, unfortunately!), with long hours and hard work, as well as little to no time off, but most people are unaware of this fact, even many horse enthusiasts. It's nice to see the grooms get the attention they deserve, as well as being an enlightening look into the world of professional riding.

My only qualm is that the book reads like a 200 page newspaper article, not like a novel. The writing (especially the tense of the writing), distances the reader from getting into the "story". Nonetheless, it's a worthwhile read for anyone interested in horse care or professional riding. Those with only a casual interest in horses or without any real experience in showing or stable management may want to look elsewhere for a book, but those with a working knowlegde of horse care and terminology will find this an interesting read.

This book left me thinking about grooming and a grooms life for days after I read it. Straight forward, with lovely descriptive passages about the things grooms do and are, it reads easily and quickly--and is over too soon. Nice too, that it parallels three types of grooms: racing, jumper, and three day. Well done.

What more can you ask of a book? When first I picked out this book, it was with the intention of learning about the world of a professional horse groom. What I did not count on was learning all about that and so very much more. I would not have given the equine sport called Three Day Eventing a second thought before reading this book. This author describes it so brilliantly & colorfully, I could not wait to turn each page to, as they say, "find out what happens next". It is the true account of this groom's daily life in the professional stables of World Olympic Champions David & Karen O'Conner. Many other well-recognized names at the top of the horse world are featured as well, as this skilled writer takes you on an intimate journey few spectators are ever privey to. This honest & intrigueing portrait of life at the top of the equine world is one that no horse enthusiast should miss. However you feel about the sport of Three Day Eventing, this honest & compassionate portrait will engross you page after page. The sheer strength & beauty of the writing made this book a joy to read.

This book is pure poetry in motion. From the story of Fireball Roberts and his untimely demise to the story of Joe Weatherly. A moving tribute to some of the greatest drivers ever.

Finally a tome that is down to the nitty-gritty of a sport that nowadays is white-washed and sugar coated.I have been involved in auto racing my entire life and can identify with poeple like Ralph Moody and Lou Larosa and can understand there point of view on the state of the sport today.True racers could give two shits about money!

At first, I was hesitant to pick up this book, as Golenbock is not exactly one of the most popular names in NASCAR writing. His last work on NASCAR - American Zoom - was filled with glaring errors and misinformation about the history of the sport. However, after sitting and reading merely a few pages from The Last Lap (...), I could tell this book was much different. Golenbock tells the history of NASCAR from a driver's standpoint instead of merely describing races and race results. Each era of racing is related to a different driver. He also tells the stories of several lesser known drivers who happened to have lost their lives prematurely. If you are a racing fan, I recommend this book. If you don't like racing, you may get curious after reading about the escapades of Curtis Turner and Joe Weatherly. It is my personal opinion that you do not have to be a fan of NASCAR to enjoy this book.

Each chapter is a separate story about one of NASCAR's heroes. The book does a great job of staying accurate, down to the improper grammer of the quoted person doing the story telling! A fun and informative look at how NASCAR built itself up to what it is today.

Peter Golenbock has captured the true face of NASCAR. He interviewed old time racers and their families to give you a look at what there lives where like. Stories about Curtis Turner, Fireball Roberts, Tim Flock, Maurice Petty and many others capture your attnetion for hours. This book is an absolute must have for any true NASCAR fan.