The Bottom Line
This belongs on every racing fan's desk. So much useful information in such a convenient, compact form. Great bang for your buck and we strongly recommend it to everybody involved in racing.
Pros
- Extremely reasonably priced.
- Very comprehensive volume of statistics and info
- Interesting articles accompany the data charts
Cons
- Stakes histories only include last 10 years
- No track diagrams
- Very few photographs
Description
- Both casual and serious fans will be fascinated by the articles statistics and race results inside.
- The year 2001 is covered in great detail with a complete chronology of events and obituaries.
- A "State of the Industry" article details such concerns as MRLS, race day medications, 9-11, etc.
- Mary Simon's 'History of Racing' article is included, compiled from 'Racing Through the Century'.
- New fans get a very quick yet thorough history lesson in this article.
- The breeding section includes 'Evolution of the Breed' and "Breeding Theories' by John Sparkman.
- Great for fans to gain an understanding of who the current stars of the sport descended from.
Guide Review - Book Review: 'Thoroughbred Times Racing Almanac'
The statistical section is excellent. No page appears to be left unturned: the Eclipse Awards, the Hall of Fame, the Triple Crown, the Breeders' Cup, European and North American graded/group stakes and weighted handicaps such as the Experimental, people (owners, trainers, jockeys, and breeders), and the breeding side of the business. An interesting chart was the list of 'All Time Leading Earners by Deflated Dollars', where purses earned by great horses are adjusted by inflation to current dollars. Also included is a useful directory of North American racetracks. Finally, a reference section includes articles on the rules of racing, handicapping a race, and a complete glossary including conformation and veterinary terminology.
