Thank you to Netgalley for the ARC!

I was excited to find this because I had just finished reading Horse by Geraldine Brooks, and this was the perfect addition to learn more about the history of Lexington. It was beautifully written, like a story more than dry historical facts, which I think is the best way to learn something! ( )

Having been involved in the thoroughbred racing and breeding industry for over fifty years, I was happy to receive this book on the thoroughbred foundation stallion Lexington, who raced in the years preceding the Civil War.

The information concerning the various personalities and the nascent race tracks and race meets of the era was enlightening and entertaining. Transportation over the newly constructed railroads and river boats was equally educational.

Of interest to me was the stark difference in the breeding and training methods in use at the time, as compared to present day. Races in the 19th century focused on stamina, many times featuring “heat” races, whereby a field would run two four mile “heats”, separated by only a thirty minute “cool down” period. If different horses won the two heats, a third four mile heat would be required to identify a winner, resulting in the possibility of two horses running up to 12 miles in one day.

Today, most horses run ¾ mile and then require 3-4 weeks of recovery before racing again. Today the emphasis is on speed. The one mile world record, cited in the book was 1:45. Today, top milers finish in 1:32. Races over 1 1/4 miles are considered marathons.

Some of the historical record cited in the book is questionable and frankly hagiographic. For example, it is alleged that in his maiden race, Lexington broke prematurely from the start and raced over two miles before being brought under control, after which he was taken to the start line and proceeded to win both heats of the race. That seems unlikely. It also states that he won a three mile “heat” by two miles. While it is possible that his competition pulled up during the race, this hardly qualifies as a two mile margin of victory.

Any time Lexington failed to win, it was because of track condition, jockey incompetence, trainer incompetence, groom incompetence or a combination of all of the above. Each victory was achieved while overcoming seemingly insurmountable obstacles. It really gets to be tiresome after a while.

Roughly the entire second half of the book dealt with the Civil War, and Kentucky’s role as a “border” state. Confederate raiders frequently commandeered the personal property of residents, including the thoroughbred horses located at Kentucky farms.

Finally, several pages at devoted to the mortal remains of Lexington, and his display, first at the Smithsonian Institution and then at the Kentucky Horse Park, where you can see him to this day.

All in all, a moderately entertaining read, especially if you have an interest in thoroughbred horse racing and its history. ( )

I’ve read several books featuring horses, so naturally, I was drawn to Lexington. I loved it! This was so much more than I was expecting. I knew it was about a race horse, but I didn’t realize Lexington was living prior to the civil war and for some years afterward.

He proved himself a champion early on, but was plagued by blindness in one eye and eventually the other. Even with near blindness as a handicap, he still won races. It’s as if all his other senses were heightened and enabled him to function as needed.

Because of his eyes, Lexington was retired early and lived a life of leisure and reproduction. He was a prolific sire, with many of his descendants going on to become champions, many of whom I had previously heard about within the racing world.

What was fascinating about the story was not only the information about early horse racing, but what happened to the horses during and immediately following the civil war. His owner had several stolen, eventually going to great lengths to keep them safe.

Bands of marauders traveled through the area, robbing from people, killing and stealing anything they could, especially fresh horses. Luckily, Lexington was not stolen and went on to live a good long life.

He definitely left his mark on the great state of Kentucky and the world of horse racing. This book was so informative and I looked forward to reading each night. I hope Kim Wickens brings more horse stories in the future.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group-Ballantine for allowing me to read an advance copy. I am happy to offer my honest review and recommend this to other readers. ( )

Lexington The Extraordinary Life and Turbulent Times of America's Legendary Racehorse by Kim Wickens
Wanted to read this book because it's about horses, racing and I enjoy watching the KY Derby and other triple crown races involved. We rode a horse in NH for very first time for each of us and it was fun to learn how to control them. I was very frightening, not knowing what to expect...
Liked reading this book because I learned so much about horse racing and betting in KY in 1800's. Very enlightening. Love learning about the silks and when they came into play, the gambling and how they ran the horses in New Orleans.
Hated hearing of the moon blindness all due to human error.
War comes ot the south and the horses of in danger of being taken by some who dress as northern troops.
Love how the story follows the trail of Lexington and all the horses he was a part of
and their journey. Love hearing how the horses were moved from one location to another.
Love learning about the black horsemen who also not only trained but were the jockeys at times. So much research has gone into this book, love reading the back, references, bibliography and so much more. To understand this horse sired so many others who've won the triple crown. I just can't wait to go visit the National Museum of Horses on our way through KY.
A KEEPER !
Received this review copy from Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine, Ballantine Books via
NetGalley and this is my honest opinion.
#Lexington #NetGalley ( )

I received an advance copy via NetGalley.

What a fascinating book! Lexington was, truly, the horse that began the modern American Thoroughbred. Wickens's incredible effort gives life to the horse that awed thousands upon thousands of people in his races. He was a horse with "bottom," as they said in the 19th century, one with an enduring spirit who lost none of his confidence even as he lost much of his sight. The historical context around him is intriguing, too. The book discusses the changing American racing industry, New Orleans, the British racing industry, and also spends quite a bit of time on the Civil War and the perils that Lexington and his farm endured due to Confederate guerilla raiders. This is really a great example of modern narrative nonfiction. ( )