Description
Book Synopsis: NATIONAL BESTSELLER • "A vivid portrait of America's greatest stallion, the larger-than-life men who raced and bred him, and the dramatic times in which they lived."—Geraldine Brooks, author of Horse
The powerful true story of the champion Thoroughbred racehorse who gained international fame in the tumultuous Civil War-era South, and became the most successful sire in American racing history
The early days of American horse racing were grueling. Four-mile races, run two or three times in succession, were the norm, rewarding horses who brandished the ideal combination of stamina and speed. The stallion Lexington, named after the city in Kentucky where he was born, possessed these winning qualities, which pioneering Americans prized. Lexington shattered the world speed record for a four-mile race, showing a war-torn nation that the extraordinary was possible even in those perilous times. He would continue his winning career until deteriorating eyesight forced his retirement in 1855. But once his groundbreaking achievements as a racehorse ended, his role as a sire began. Horses from his bloodline won more money than the offspring of any other Thoroughbred—an annual success that led Lexington to be named America's leading sire an unprecedented sixteen times. Yet with the Civil War raging, Lexington's years at a Kentucky stud farm were far from idyllic. Confederate soldiers ran amok, looting freely and kidnapping horses from the top stables. They soon focused on the prized Lexington and his valuable progeny. Kim Wickens, a lawyer and dressage rider, became fascinated by this legendary horse when she learned that twelve of Thoroughbred racing's thirteen Triple Crown winners descended from Lexington. Wickens spent years meticulously researching the horse and his legacy—and with Lexington, she presents an absorbing, exciting account that transports readers back to the raucous beginning of American horse racing and introduces them to the stallion at its heart.
Details
Discover the extraordinary life and turbulent times of America's legendary racehorse, Lexington. This national bestseller takes you on a thrilling journey through the tumultuous Civil War-era South, where Lexington gained international fame as the most successful sire in American racing history. With Lexington: The Extraordinary Life and Turbulent Times of America's Legendary Racehorse, you'll delve into the captivating world of early American horse racing and witness the incredible accomplishments of this iconic stallion.
Step back in time to the grueling early days of American horse racing, where four-mile races were the norm. Lexington, named after the city in Kentucky where he was born, possessed the ideal combination of stamina and speed that favored these demanding races. In fact, he shattered the world speed record for a four-mile race, defying the odds in a war-torn nation. Witness the awe-inspiring story of a horse who proved that even in perilous times, the extraordinary was possible.
Lexington's racing career may have come to an end due to deteriorating eyesight in 1855, but his legacy as a sire was just beginning. Descendants of this remarkable stallion went on to win more money than any other Thoroughbred bloodline. In fact, Lexington was named America's leading sire a record-breaking sixteen times. Immerse yourself in this story of unmatched success, and discover the incredible influence Lexington had on the world of horse racing.
But the story doesn't end there. In the midst of the Civil War, Lexington faced new challenges at a Kentucky stud farm. Confederate soldiers, looting and kidnapping horses from top stables, targeted Lexington and his valuable progeny. Join author Kim Wickens on a captivating journey filled with intrigue and danger as she unravels the untold tales of this legendary horse and his role in shaping American history.
With meticulous research and a passion for equine history, author Kim Wickens presents a gripping and vivid account of Lexington's life. Prepare to be transported back to the raucous beginning of American horse racing, where heroes were made and legends were born. Don't miss your chance to experience the thrilling legacy of Lexington with the captivating book, Lexington: The Extraordinary Life and Turbulent Times of America's Legendary Racehorse.
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