The Bottom Line
Strongly recommended to all fans of racing especially those who enjoy learning about racing history. It paints a picture of racing's glory era, a time many fans today wish they could have experienced.
Pros
- Excellent race descriptions
- Makes you feel like you were there
Cons
- Unfortunately the book had to end
Description
- Eisenberg brings his subject to life with detailed descriptions of his personality, his races...
- ...his life off the track, and his human connections, covered in great detail yet entertaining.
- You feel like you know all the people involved with the horse and most especially the horse himself.
- From the thrilling highs of his undefeated 2-year-old season to the heartbreaking loss in the Derby,
- to his thrilling win in the Metropolitan, you will feel like you witnessed those great performances.
- Extensive use of interviews with his connections and their children...
- ...plus quotes from articles from the 1950's gives a very personal feel to the book.
- An epilogue takes you through the rest of the lives of his trainer, jockey, and owner.
Guide Review - Book Review: "Native Dancer"
When television was in its infancy, a big grey horse with an indomitable will to win became the first equine television star. Standing out from the browns, bays, and chestnuts on the black and white screens, he was easy to see and his habit of making a tremendous late charge to win made him exciting to watch. Native Dancer is one of the greatest race horses of all time with a record of 21 wins in 22 starts and was named a champion in each of the three years he raced, including Horse of the Year in 1954. Off the track he was a huge success as a stallion and as a sire of sires with such sons as Raise a Native who in turn sired Alydar and Mr. Prospector and his grandson Northern Dancer from his daughter Natalma.
