Big Red of Meadow Stable: Secretariat, The Making of a Champion

William Nack's biography follows the story of Secretariat from his birth at Meadow Stable through his racing career in the early 1970s. The book chronicles the key figures involved in raising and training the thoroughbred, including owner Penny Chenery and trainer Lucien Laurin. The narrative tracks Secretariat's development and the decisions that shaped his path to the racetrack. Nack, who covered horse racing for Newsday and Sports Illustrated, provides historical context about thoroughbred racing and breeding while documenting the day-to-day operations at Meadow Stable. Behind-the-scenes details reveal the complex world of horse racing, from stable management to race strategy. The book includes first-hand accounts from jockeys, trainers, and staff who worked with Secretariat. The biography examines themes of legacy, determination, and the unique bond between humans and horses in competitive racing. Through Secretariat's story, Nack presents a portrait of American horse racing during a transformative period in the sport's history.

Readers describe this biography as a detailed account of Secretariat's life and racing career, with extensive research and firsthand observations from the author who covered the horse for Newsweek. Readers appreciated: - The intimate behind-the-scenes details about daily life at Meadow Stable - Rich historical context about the racing industry in the 1970s - Technical explanations of breeding and training methods - Personal anecdotes about Secretariat's personality and habits Common criticisms: - Too much focus on racing statistics and bloodlines for casual readers - Slow pacing in early chapters about the stable's history Ratings: Goodreads: 4.4/5 (2,100+ ratings) Amazon: 4.7/5 (450+ ratings) Specific reader comments praise Nack's "reporter's eye for detail" and ability to "make you feel like you're there in the stables." Some note it requires basic knowledge of horse racing terminology to fully appreciate. Several readers mentioned getting emotional during the racing sequences despite knowing the outcomes.

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🏇 William Nack spent nearly a month living at Meadow Stable while writing this book, gaining unprecedented access to Secretariat and the people who worked with him daily. 🏆 The book details how Secretariat's record-breaking time of 2:24 at the 1973 Belmont Stakes still stands today, nearly 50 years later. 📝 Author William Nack wrote his first version of Secretariat's story from memory on a flight, without notes, filling 25 legal pad pages after learning of the horse's death in 1989. 🎬 This book served as the primary source material for Disney's 2010 film "Secretariat," starring Diane Lane and John Malkovich. 🔍 Nack reveals that Secretariat's heart was found to be an astounding 22 pounds during his necropsy - more than twice the size of an average thoroughbred's heart, helping explain his extraordinary racing ability.