The excitement of the biggest races on the international horse racing calendar brings new audiences to the sport. Few are able to match the popularity levels of the Kentucky Derby, with millions looking to learn more about the equines involved before making wagers at TwinSpires.com.
However, one of the main reasons why the sport is so beloved is down to the stories that can play out in real time. Legendary tales such as Cody’s Wish winning the Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile in successive years and the shock win of Rich Strike in the Kentucky Derby attract mainstream attention for all the right reasons.
Meanwhile, books can also do an excellent job of putting the reader in the best position to relive some of the most iconic moments.
Still, what are the best books about horse racing?
The Sure Thing: The Greatest Coup in Horse Racing History – Nick Townsend
One of the most exciting reads for fans of horse racing comes in the form of Nick Townsend’s ‘The Sure Thing: The Greatest Coup in Horse Racing History’. The book details the 1975 plot by professional gambler Barney Curley to land the biggest return in racing history.
It follows the steps taken by Curley to set up the gamble, detailing the research that he went through to pinpoint the ideal target for Yellow Sam to win over £300,000.
The book is an interesting read for fans of the sport, going into detail the plan of Curley to exploit the single telephone line to fix odds, and his links to Yellow Sam’s owners and trainer. Almost like a heist movie, it re-tells one of the biggest gambles in British and Racing history.
The Greatest Gambling Story Ever Told – Mark Paul
A book that will capture the attention of both racing fanatics and fans of crime dramas comes in the form of Mark Paul’s ‘The Greatest Gambling Story Ever Told’. This book follows the journey of three gamblers, who play high stakes bets on Winning Colors to win the 1988 Kentucky Derby.
The trio place their wager with one of the top drug lords in the Mexican cartel, leading them to question whether the risks of getting their returns are worth the danger that they could be in.
As an avid gambler himself, Paul finds the desired balance between racing while also ensuring that it can cater to a broader audience at the same time. Just think, it is a mix between the legendary tale of Secretariat on track meets Netflix drama Narcos. A gritty crime drama that is a must-read.
Sacrifice – Oisin Murphy
Life at the highest level of horse racing can be a huge challenge, as the constant pressure to perform to the top of your game often means that jockeys struggle to maintain their levels of success for years on end.
However, a unique look at life at the top of the sport is detailed in Oisin Murphy’s best-selling autobiography, titled ‘Sacrifice’. As a five-time Champion Jockey, Murphy breaks down his keys to success in his book, detailing the setbacks that he has needed to overcome to remain at the top of his game.
The 30-year-old gives a brutally honest insight, going into detail about his struggles with alcohol addition and notable misdemeanours that have made national headlines. While successful, being one of the world’s best riders comes with a cost, and Murphy’s brutally honest book is a must-read for those that think riding winners on a regular basis is an easy task.
The Lucky Thirteen: The Winners of America’s Triple Crown of Horse Racing – Edward L. Bowen
There are few greater achievements in horse racing than winning the Triple Crown. The superstar stories of the horses able to achieve the feat is accurately written in Edward L. Bowen’s ‘The Lucky Thirteen: The Winners of America’s Triple Crown of Horse Racing’.
The author does an excellent job of giving each winner a human story that makes it relatable, with interviews with jockeys, owners, and trainers from all winners included. As well as that, it serves as a reminder of the perfection that is strived for within the sport, covering the breeding aspects of each horse to achieve the feat. Every horse is covered in the title, ranging from the first Triple Crown winner, Sir Barton, to more recent examples to achieve the feat including American Pharoah.
The book is as relevant as ever in this modern day, with title being as up to date as possible, with Justify being included as the last runner to achieve that feat. To date, no horse has yet been able to add their name to the prestigious list, but that could change in 2026 if a superstar is born in the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs.
