Man o' War

Man o' War chronicles the life and racing career of one of the most celebrated Thoroughbred racehorses in American history. The biography covers his birth in 1917 through his racing years and retirement at Glen Riddle Farm. The narrative follows owner Samuel Riddle and trainer Louis Feustel as they develop the big red colt into a racing champion. Racing details, track conditions, and key personalities of the era are presented through extensive research and historical records. The book documents Man o' War's impact on horse racing, sports media coverage, and American popular culture during the post-WWI period. Social and economic context from the early 20th century provides background for understanding Man o' War's rise to fame. The biography reveals broader themes about the relationship between humans and horses, as well as the role of sports heroes in shaping national identity. Through Man o' War's story, readers gain insight into a transformative period in American sporting history.

Readers describe this as a detailed, research-heavy biography that focuses on Man o' War's racing career and historical context rather than emotional storytelling. Readers appreciate: - Comprehensive race descriptions and statistics - Period newspaper coverage and primary sources - Technical details about racing in the 1910s-20s - Coverage of Man o' War's trainer, jockey and connections Common criticisms: - Writing style feels dry and academic - Too much focus on race details vs. character/personality - Limited coverage of Man o' War's breeding career - Dense statistical information can be overwhelming Ratings: Goodreads: 4.1/5 (89 ratings) Amazon: 4.5/5 (31 ratings) One reader noted: "Exhaustively researched but reads more like a textbook than a story." Another commented: "The race descriptions put you right there trackside." Most recommend it for serious racing historians but suggest casual readers may prefer more narrative-focused biographies.

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🏇 Man o' War earned his nickname "Big Red" not just from his chestnut coat, but because he stood an impressive 16.2 hands high (66.8 inches) at maturity. 📚 Author Dorothy Ours spent over a decade researching this book, accessing previously untapped sources including rare photographs and private correspondence. 🏆 Despite his legendary status, Man o' War only raced for two seasons (1919-1920) and lost just once in 21 starts - to a horse aptly named "Upset." 🌟 The book details how Man o' War's owner, Samuel Riddle, turned down offers of up to $1 million for the horse in 1920 - approximately $13 million in today's money. 🎬 Man o' War was so famous that his funeral in 1947 was broadcast on NBC Radio, and he was embalmed and laid in state for fans to pay their respects - an honor typically reserved for heads of state.