Best Books About Horse Racing To Read In 2023

Horse racing is one of the few sports that can spark huge conversations due to its long history and incredible true story events that sparked huge emotions even for non-horse racing enthusiasts.

This is the perfect sport if you want a good underdog story.

Throughout history, there have been plenty of horses that nobody believed in that managed to set new standards and even enter the Hall of Fame. Whether we talk about underdog success or incredible betting stories, there are plenty of horse racing books to choose from. Learn more about the horse racing industry here.

True horse racing enthusiasts love a good equestrian story, and what is the best way to experience the emotions of the story?

That’s right. A good book.

In today’s article, we will highlight some of the best horse racing books that every horse racing enthusiast should read. From heart-pounding race tales to behind-the-scenes insights, these books are a one-way ticket to the world of horse racing, that is hard to get out of.

"Seabiscuit: An American Legend" by Laura Hillenbrand

Even if you are not a fan of the sport, there is a good chance that you’ve come across the name Seabiscuit. It might sound cute and cuddly, but we are talking about a fierce horse that pushed the boundaries of horse racing and climbed on top of the mountain.

You may have already seen the movie, and although it was good, the book is definitely miles better.

The book tells the incredible true story of an undersized racehorse that captured the nation's heart during the Great Depression. With vivid storytelling and a cast of unforgettable characters, this book brings to life the journey of Seabiscuit, the ultimate underdog turned champion.

"The Horse God Built: The Untold Story of Secretariat, the World's Greatest Racehorse" by Lawrence Scanlan

In the world of horse racing, wonders can happen, and the Secretariat is a good example.

A racehorse that entered the Hall of Fame and set record times that are yet to be beaten. The Secretariat was one of the fastest horses the world has ever seen and managed to become the Triple Crown champion and set record times at the Kentucky Derby and Belmont Stakes.

Most experts devote the success of the horse due to its big heart (literally). Secretariat’s genetics resulted in having a heart much bigger than usual weighing 22 pounds, where the average weight of a horse’s heart is 8.5 pounds.

The book gets behind-the-curtains action of the true story of the Secretariat. All from its beginnings to its death.

It is quite an interesting read, especially if you love unique and untold stories.

“Doped” by Jamie Reid

Set against the backdrop of the late 1950s and early 60s, this gripping tale unveils the real-life narrative of Bill Roper, a bookmaker, gambler, and horse doper, alongside his enchanting mistress Micheline Lugeon. Reid's dedication to researching these characters is evident; he masterfully resurrects Roper and the colorful individuals who inhabited his world, a blend of opulence and seediness.

The depiction of the doping operations, often unfolding under the cover of night as the crew infiltrated prestigious racing stables – even tampering with horses owned by the Queen Mother – has the power to keep you perched at the edge of your seat.

This narrative is truly staggering, and it's impossible not to empathize with the innocent racehorses and jockeys whose lives were recklessly put in peril.

“A Day at the Races” by Peter May

If you are a true horse racing fan, then this is a must-read book. The book highlights special events that brought horse racing to center stage and made the sport what it is today.

Even though modern horse racing has a rich history of more than 500 years, Peter May selected 128 derby days that contributed a lot to the popularity of the sport.

It is an easy-to-read book highlighting events that set the nation on a different path.

So, if you want to experience some of the biggest events in sports history, this is the book to go for.