William Nack brings the great race horse to life in "Secretariat - The Making of a Champion." Arguably the greatest athlete of all time, his performance in the Belmont is, unarguably, the greatest race any animal, two legs or four, has ever run. But Secretariat's story isn't just on the race track. His integration with his owner Penny Tweedy, his trainer Lucien Laurin, and his jockey Ron Turcotte as well as his unusual syndication all provide great drama as does his stunning defeat in the Wood Memorial that cast grave doubts on his ability to win any of the Triple Crown races. Nack gave a brilliant description of the Kentucky Derby providing well-deserved accolades to Sham a great race horse who picked the wrong year to be three years old. Highly recommend!
My original copy of this book had been stolen when thieves ransacked my house of everything almost. I don't have the money to replace most of my hundreds of books, CD's, DVD's, even carpets and pictures and dishes, so I'm collecting one thing at a time. And this book by William Nack was one of the first thingsI purchased. Now if only book publishers would make the print in books larger as they used to! I could read them without glasses and/or large print if they'd stop being so shintzy with the ink! But reading it or not, I HAD to have this book back!
Mr. Nack, of course, is a well known sports writer which ensures a compelling read. Secretariat's story was such an amazing blend of family history, crazy luck, careful planning, a daughter's loyalty to her sick father, hard work and the incredible arrival of a horse whose underlying physical superiority, not totally appreciated until after his death, may never be equalled. How much better can it get with that amazing, true storyline. The horse's success could have been nonetheless easily derailed, had he not been surrounded and loved by an amazing crew--trainer, jockey, groom, all perfectly suited to help him succeed. If this story was written as fiction no one would believe it could happen. As they say, the stars aligned! And Mr. Nack, personally present for most of it, and with access to people who knew the rest of it, has crafted a beautiful, appropriate book about a beautiful, astonishing equine athlete and star personality. Thank you, Mr.Nack, for letting us breathe such rare air.Read full review
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
I've been watching every about Secretariat on line, I've watched his races for years. The book has great detail about everything. It was from an eyewitness. The book I bought was even autographed by Will (Bill) Nack! Did not know that when I bought it! A great bonus! As I read what the book said about each race, I would think about the videos of the races, they go back and re-watch them. I've got a few more things to read, but this did fill in some blank spots in what I knew. (I don't know that I have ever read a book with so many pages this fast!!!)
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
Wonderfully detailed life of Secretariat. He certainly was the Super Horse. Book is an easy read with many photos that are not available in other books. It is definitely a keeper to read over and over.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
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