The Most Glorious Crown: The Story of America's Triple Crown Thoroughbreds from Sir Barton to American Pharoah Hardcover – June 1, 2016

I read "The Most Glorious Crown" after Barbaro won the Kentucky Derby, then didn't have the heart to write a review until after he was back on his feet, cleaning up his hay rack, nickering at nearby mares, and scratching at his ear with his leg cast. I'm just a fan. I have no right to my affection for him, being neither owner, nor trainer, nor even hotwalker. However, it's terribly saddening to see one of these beautiful, spirited creatures break down, especially one who had a chance to win the most glorious crown.The eleven horses that did win the Crown exemplified the highest qualities of speed, stamina, and heart, but each of them had his own character and peculiarities. The author shares rare photographs and anecdotes with a lavish hand, bringing each of these special Thoroughbreds to life along with the people surrounding him. I was especially taken by the story of Whirlaway, Calumet's first Triple Crown winner (who also figures prominently in the accompanying DVD).'Mr. Longtail' was quite a character: "Dumb, half-witted, willful, knuckleheaded, stubborn, unmanageable--these and similar adjectives were sprinkled in the reams of copy written about him." If it weren't for the combined efforts of Ben Jones, his trainer, and Eddie Arcaro, his jockey, Whirlaway might never have won a race, much less the Derby, Preakness, and Belmont.Martin Drager also includes a chapter of near misses, ending with Birdstone's defeat of Smarty Jones in the 2004 Belmont. In his epilogue, "They Were Only Human" he includes the usual statistics on the triple crown winners and also (just to prove that there is no such thing as the 'perfect' horse) mentions that four of the glorious eleven were challenged to match races...and lost (Sir Barton to Man O'War, War Admiral to Sea Biscuit, Whirlaway to Alsab, and Assault to Armed.)The History Channel DVD "Win Place or Show" that accompanies this book is a miscellany of American Thoroughbred racing, including some rare footage of Man O'War's races, plus clips of many of our Triple Crown winners. Calumet Farm is featured, as well as Hall of Fame trainer Woody Stephens, best remembered for his 5 consecutive Belmont wins in the 1980s. The commentary by various owners and trainers, including Jimmy Jones is priceless. The DVD alone is worth the price of this book.Be certain to buy the updated, 2005 reissue of this book in order to get the History Channel DVD.

Highly recommend for any die hard fan of Thoroughbred Horse Racing. Each chapter gives a short back story on each horse leading up to the Triple Crown races, the races themselves including tidbits on the other horses that ran against these greats. Including names of owners, trainers, jockeys, grooms and others that were associated with each horse. There's a chapter on the "near misses" giving information on the horses that won the first 2 legs of the Crown but lost the final one. It has all of the Triple Crown Winners including American Pharoah. Their race cards, odds and all the neat information that is used by the handicappers, fans and betting. It is also came with a DVD that is a documentary of the history of Horse Racing.

This is a good book for horse racing fans. However, I have the original book that was Sir Barton to Secretariat and I must say that the newer additions (Seattle Slew, Affirmed and American Pharoah) are not as detailed and in depth as the others. There are also several errors, most notably the pedigree on American Pharoah's page listing Affirmed's name. I am happy that I purchased the updated version, but I wish there had been a bit more to it.

Only eleven Triple Crown champions in more than 100 years of racing. A beautiful book with stunning photographs and inside information as each colt survives the most strenuous test of their sophomore year, of any year in their racing career. Not having had a Triple Crown winner in 40 years, this book means so much more. A DVD was included that was done by the History channel on horse racing in America. All told, a beautiful edition in a collection of racing history. Though my heart belongs to Seattle Slew, I cannot help but be awed by the accomplishments of Citation. You choose your own hero. There is no horse in this book that you will not love and respect.

As a professional equestrian, I have read about the Triple Crown winners throughout my life. I have truly enjoyed reading this. Plenty of pictures and details that I have not seen in other books covering this topic. This reads like a biography of each horse and doesn't just cover the Triple Crown races.. Note: This edition includes American Pharoah, but obviously not our most recent TC winner, Justify.

I had expected tales of the Big Race....instead there, in these pages, was a fascinating fleshed-out history of the actual horses, their pedigrees to an extent, their historic circumstances......quite a very pleasant surprise. ….well worth the money & a welcome addition to my collection!

When this book was first released in 1975, I read it cover-to-cover so many times it finally fell apart. It's a great way for casual fans to learn about America's Triple Crown winners;even the most hard-core of fans will enjoy all the pictures of these spectacular thoroughbred stars. The 2005 edition is updated to include Seattle Slew and Affirmed. If you already have the book without these additions, don't bother spending the money unless you want the DVD. You can get better information on Affirmed and Slew in the Thoroughbred Legends series. But if you don't have this book and you love horse-racing, I highly recommend it. The DVD is nice, too. I enjoyed seeing Man o'War, Whirlaway and of course, Slew.

A collection of the history of horse racing in America would not be complete without a story about the Triple Crown and the great horses who tried gallantly to capture the illusive crown, one of the greatest being Secretariat. I can't wait to get started. My order was received on time and in excellent condition. I had no reason to contact Amazon - I was completely satisfied with my buying experience. Thank you. JG

Excellent book and DVD

This is a superb chronology of flat racing US style. The dvd is a bonus. A must for anyone interested in the sport of kings.

Sehr schönes Buch über die Triple Crown Winner. Inklusive einer DVD (nur englische Sprachausgabe).Dieses Buch beschreibt nicht nur die einzelnen Siegerpferde, sondern zusätzlich auch die Geschichte der drei Rennen. Ein extra Kapitel widmet sich außerdem den Pferden, die die Triple Crown knapp verpasst haben.Ergänzt wird das Ganze durch Fotos (nur s/w) und Statistiken. Ein schönes Buch, dass man in deutscher Sprache so leider nicht erhält. Deswegen jedem Galopprenninteressierten sehr zu empfehlen.

Für Rennpferde-Fans ein echtes Muss! Schade, dass es nicht in deutscher Sprache erhältlich ist! Aber sonst ein sehr interessantes Buch.

Great book for horse fans