Joe Drape

This book is a “biography” of American Pharoah, the horse with the misspelled name that won the horse racing’s Triple Crown in 2015, after a thirty-seven-year drought. The author starts at the beginning, all the way back to the breeding barn. He traces the horse’s pedigree. He covers minibiographies of the key players in American Pharoah’s life: owner Ahmed Zayat, trainer Bob Baffert, and jockey Victor Espinoza.

Drape is a journalist who obviously possesses a deep knowledge of horse racing. He is skilled at describing the races. Although the reader knows who wins, he generates a sense of drama and anticipation. He captures the personalities of the participants by portraying how the horse interacts with the people close to him. While the author does not ignore some of the issues in the sport, the focus of this book is on the horse and its triumphant achievement. It is a heart-warming tribute to a remarkable horse that captured the imagination of the public and secured a place in racing history.… (mais)

I don't read many biographies, and I have never read the biography of a horse! The author did a good job of painting a picture of the personalities involved with raising and racing American Pharoah. Drape showed both the good and bad traits of the characters without moralizing. Also Drape did a good job of describing American in a way to get the reader excited about him winning, and explaining why it was such a big deal. Horse racing hadn't seen a champion in a long time, and needed something to revitalize the sport.
I would have liked some more statistics, maybe from after he retired? Like how many of his progeny have been winners? But I think this book might have been published too early and hastily for that.
I liked the narrator of the audiobook,… (mais)

I took advantage of Audible's offer during the Kentucky Derby and downloaded a free copy of the audiobook. I was able to watch on TV all three races American Pharoah won in the Triple Crown. Thus, I was fascinated by this behind the scenes look at a talented, competitive horse. It follows American Pharoah through his birth on to his successes. An honest look is taken at his losses and what was learned from them. I came away knowing more about the horse, his trainer, and all the people around him.

The narrator for this audiobook did an excellent job and was easily understandable. I thoroughly enjoyed his narration.

If you enjoy horse racing, you would probably enjoy this book.… (mais)