book review

For anyone who has had the opportunity to meet Barry Irwin, it's doubtful any one of them would describe him as subtle or understated. A former journalist and handicapper who delved into the world of bloodstock and ownership syndicates before they really became commonplace, Irwin has worn a great many hats in horse racing over the past six decades and to say that he has experienced the sport through a very wide lens wouldn't be an understatement. Irwin is probably best known for co-founding Team Valor in 1987 before buying...

The newly released book "Equine Regulatory Law" is not exactly light reading or something you want to take to the beach this summer. But for the racing professional, particularly those who are interested in equine law, attorney and author Robert L. Heleringer has put together an important resource. In his introduction, Heleringer explains what is contained in the 746-page book. "Through detailed case studies, this book explains regulatory processes such as licensing, disciplinary actions, and rule enforcement, including the landmark case Gary and Mary West v. The Kentucky Horse Racing...

Final Story (Candy Ride {Arg}) came up a narrow second at 4-1 while trying this distance at Gulfstream on Mar. 14 and was installed the 1-2 choice to go one better here. Sent quickly to the front by Irad Ortiz Jr., the bay carved out opening splits of :22.91 and :45.71. Dispensing of 13-1 chance Radar Lock (Dialed In) straightening for home, the Gary and Mary West homebred ran off to score by six lengths. Out of GI La Brea winner Book Review, the winner is a half to Regal...

7th-GP, $84k, Msw, 3yo, 7f, 3:52 p.m. ET. Gary and Mary West homebred Final Story (Candy Ride {Arg}) has posted four bullet workouts, including a five-furlong breeze in 1:02 (1/28) Mar. 7, at Brad Cox's Payson Park base ahead of this debut run. Final Story's dam Book Review (Giant's Causeway) carried the couple's hot pink-and-black silks to a win in the 2012 GI La Brea S. and a close second in the 2013 GI Ballerina S. Leading sire and 2017 Horse of the Year Gun Runner was bred on this...

When it comes to Thoroughbreds, Arthur B. Hancock III has courted the bastard. Never much for floating the mainstream, he has celebrated in many a winner's circle, while knowing firsthand how wild oats can almost drown a man in a barrel of despair. If Mr. Hancock had not been an accomplished horseman or musician, he would have made one hell of a history professor. In the aptly-titled, just-published Dark Horses: A Memoir of Redemption, the author has penned something truly special--a reflection which looks back on a life well-lived. The...

To those of who grew up on Dick Francis books, his passing in 2010 at the age of 89 felt like losing an old friend. He wrote his first racing-themed crime novel, Dead Cert, the year I was born, 1962, and reliably churned out almost one per year-42 in total-until he passed away. Most arrived just in time for Christmas each year. If anyone was concerned that his son Felix would not be up to the task of taking over the family franchise, they needn't have worried. This year, Francis...

Trying to capture the essence of a bygone era champion can be a daunting task. The subtleties can be as elusive as the principal cast of characters--many of whom might no longer with us--who made up the stalwart's inner circle. However, author Mary Perdue has managed to capture not only the nuance of a great champion, Landaluce, but also the framework of an era long since past. A tremendous talent whose rising stardom was snuffed out much too early, Landaluce was surrounded by a team of individuals who would leave...