Here are some of the top books about the people who make racing possible: jockeys, trainers, owners, breeders, etc. Without them there would be no horse racing.
1. Ride of Their Lives
The Triumphs and Turmoil of Today's Top Jockeys by Lenny Shulman. A interesting look at the life stories, both on and off the track, of fourteen of the best riders in North America.
2. The Perfect Ride
An excellent autobiography of jockey Gary Stevens. You get not only a taste of what it's like to be a jockey, but insights on some of the best horses and trainers of the past twenty years.
3. Frankie
The Autobiography of Frankie Dettori' by Lanfranco Dettori and Jonathan Powell. An entertaining, informative look into the life and times of a world class jockey.4. Betting on Myself: Adventures of a Horseplayer and Publisher
by Steven Crist. A great autobiography of Daily Racing Form publisher Steve Crist. Strongly recommended to all racing fans, especially handicappers and bettors whose lives have been made easier thanks to this man.5. From the Desert to the Derby
"Inside the Ruling Family of Dubai's Billion-Dollar Quest to Win America's Greatest Horse Race" by Jason Levin. Strongly recommended for all fans of racing.6. Legacies of the Turf Vol. 1
A Century of Great Breeders by Edward L. Bowen. An excellent reference book for racing history buffs and students of pedigree which can also help new fans understand racing's rich history. Don't miss Vol. 2 for the second half of the century.7. Triple Crown Winner: The Earl Sande Saga
An excellent biography of riding great Earl Sande by biography specialist Richard Maturi.8. Great Women in the Sport of Kings
America's Top Women Jockeys Tell Their Stories edited by Scooter Toby Davidson and Valerie Anthony. This interesting little book gives an in depth look at the lives of the current top female jockeys from childhood and how they became interesting in racing through the present.9. Baffert : Dirt Road to the Derby
by Bob Baffert. An entertaining autobiography of the trainer's journey from the quarter horse tracks out west to the winner's circle at the Kentucky Derby.
10. Against the Odds
by Jerry Bailey. An intense and candid look at the top jockey's life and recovery from alcoholism.