The Ghost Horse

The Ghost Horse tells the true story of trainer Tim Snyder and a thoroughbred filly named Lisa's Booby Trap. Set against the backdrop of professional horse racing, the narrative follows Snyder's journey as he puts everything he has into training this unlikely horse. The book traces Snyder's path through personal hardship and professional setbacks in the competitive world of horse racing. His relationship with Lisa's Booby Trap becomes central to his quest for redemption and success on the track. The narrative incorporates the wider culture and community of horse racing, from the stables at Finger Lakes to the prestigious lanes of Saratoga. Layden reconstructs events through interviews and research while maintaining focus on the core relationship between trainer and horse. This account speaks to themes of persistence and the bonds between humans and animals. Through one man's story, the book examines how hope and determination can emerge from loss.

Readers describe this as an emotional underdog story about a racehorse trainer overcoming personal tragedy. Many reviews emphasize the book's authenticity in depicting the horse racing world and the bond between humans and horses. What readers liked: - Clear, straightforward writing style - Technical details about horse training - The portrayal of resilience and determination - Accurate representation of racetrack culture What readers disliked: - Pacing issues in the middle sections - Some found the technical horse racing terminology confusing - A few readers wanted more background on secondary characters Ratings: Goodreads: 4.1/5 (139 ratings) Amazon: 4.5/5 (86 ratings) Sample reader comments: "Captures the grit and daily grind of working with racehorses" - Goodreads reviewer "The racing scenes put you right there in the moment" - Amazon reviewer "Could have used more editing in parts but the core story shines through" - Barnes & Noble reviewer

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🐎 Author Joe Layden has written or co-written more than 30 books, including multiple New York Times bestsellers. 🏇 The Ghost Horse tells the true story of a nearly white thoroughbred named Lisa's Booby Trap, who was purchased for just $4,500 despite having several physical defects. 👥 The book chronicles the unlikely bond between the horse and Tim Snyder, a down-on-his-luck trainer who named the horse after his late wife Lisa, who died of ovarian cancer. 🏆 Despite being partially blind and having a club foot, Lisa's Booby Trap went on to win the Loudonville Stakes at Saratoga Race Course in 2010, becoming a fan favorite and media sensation. 💫 The story gained national attention and was featured on major networks including ESPN, with Lisa's Booby Trap being dubbed "The Cinderella Horse" by the racing community.