My Year of the Racehorse: Falling in Love with the Sport of Kings

by Kevin Chong

Kevin Chong has grand plans. He draws up a to-do list of major milestones that will give him the life he always wanted—and the life that will inspire awe and envy in his friends. Things like settling down and starting a family; learning a foreign language; getting a tattoo. But these grand plans go out the window when Chong makes an unconventional he's going to buy a racehorse. Not the whole thing—he'll become part—owner of the horse. Just don't ask him which part.

Thus Chong meets Blackie, the racehorse that will win his heart, even if she doesn't always win on the track. He meets Randi, the cantankerous and foul-mouthed horse trainer with a heart of gold. He meets an assorted array of characters who work, live and drink at the track—and, one by one, the items on his to-do list are crossed out and replaced with horse-related ambitions. His goals are a bit more humble (cussing like a track worker replaces learning a foreign language), but his life has gained new meaning.

The story is infused with the noise, excitement and faded glamour of the horse-racing world. It is strewn with fascinating tidbits about the history and tradition of this

Genres: Nonfiction

224 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2012

Reviews

[Deacon Tom (Feeling Better) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed "Chong's 'Year of the Racehorse'. It is a captivating and insightful journey into the world of horse racing that keeps readers on the edge of their seats from start to finish. Through vivid storytelling and a deep understanding of the sport, Chong takes us on a thrilling ride alongside the majestic racehorses and their dedicated trainers.

The book masterfully captures the adrenaline-pumping excitement of the racetrack, while also delving into the intricate relationships between the riders, the horses, and the challenges they face. Chong's attention to detail and passion for the subject shine through in every page, immersing readers in the high-stakes world of competitive racing.

What sets 'Year of the Racehorse' apart is Chong's ability to humanize the horses and convey their individual personalities, struggles, and triumphs with such depth and empathy. Readers will find themselves cheering for these noble creatures as they push their limits and strive for victory against all odds.

Overall, 'Year of the Racehorse' is a must-read for horse racing enthusiasts and anyone who appreciates a well-crafted tale of determination, courage, and the unbreakable bond between humans and animals. Chong's storytelling prowess shines brightly in this captivating narrative that will leave a lasting impression on readers long after they turn the final page."

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[Sarah Wong · Rating 3 out of 5]

Like most books about horses, and racehorses specifically, I found this hard to read. There wasn't much of a story line. I don't feel like just owning a racehorse for a year is exciting enough to write a book about. I did, however, appreciate the author recognizing that his horse will not win all of the time, and the main reason this book got 3 stars is the fact that I grew up in the area and have been to all of the local places he writes about, and knew some of the names of people.

[Gayle · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked Kevin Chong's book but felt a little lost in the technical jargon. Racing, betting and all of the track mumbo jumbo is greek to me.

I bought the book because of my love for horses. I just recently started horseback riding lessons at the age of 55. I have loved horses forever and am now fulfilling one of my most cherished lifelong dreams.

I thought Chong was a gifted and talened writer and his humour throughout the book was wonderful.

I would have liked the book to be more about the horse and a little less about the business.

[george grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really well written, enjoyable...and I loved the subject matter...horses and a humanoid or two.

Really well written, enjoyable...and I loved the subject matter...horses and a humanoid or two. Looking forward to another well written book.

[Amanda · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wanted to like it, but I had to settle with it's ok but I can't finish it. I just couldn't get into the style of writing, which is unfortunate because I really wanted to read more about the topic and Chong's perspective.

[Kathryn Mansfield · Rating 2 out of 5]

My Year of the Racehorse by Kevin Chong is an adventure story in which the author takes a journey in what is known as the sport of kings.
Chong’s story takes place in Hastings Park Canada along with some other racetracks in the United States. Chong could not go on this journey without the help of his horse Mocha Time (aka Blackie) and Randi, Mocha Times other owner and trainer. Randi and Chong have two different personalities that sometimes clash. Chong is more laid back while Randi is a very direct person. Over time Randi and Kevin become very good friends. Kevin and Randi meet each other when Kevin gave up his life plans of owning his own place and buys a part in a thoroughbred. Kevin hopes by investing in a thoroughbred he will not only make some money, become a part in a historical sport, but also have a story to write from it. Throughout this story Kevin does get to become part of this mystifying sport by learning the ins and out from Randi. Before owning Blackie Kevin had no clue about horses let alone horseracing. Throughout the racing season Blackie has some good as well as bad races. As each race goes by Kevin seems to be getting more involved in the sport and more involved in his horse. Kevin is getting so involved that all of his vacation include visiting tracks in the United States. After a while Kevin buys more shares in the horse because he believes in her. As the season comes to an end the climax of the book is being reached Blackie has her last race in which she finishes in good standing and is off to a farm where she is hoping to stay till the next season. An incident comes up which later questions Kevin’s ownership.
My favorite part of this story is learning more about horseracing and the bond that Kevin creates between his horse as well as the horse’s trainer. This aspect shows how close the horse community can be. I would recommend this both to those who do not know much about horseracing and what to learn what it is like for an owner’s perspective.

[Chelsie · Rating 2 out of 5]

It’s really hard to find a good book about horses, so I appreciate that this is definitely readable. If the reader didn’t know a thing about horses or racing, it would be informative to journey along with the author as well. Having grown up as the weird kid who lived nowhere near a track but was obsessed with Thoroughbred racing, it wasn’t really new information, but I still enjoy being immersed in the racing world, so it was entertaining to read. The only inaccuracy that really bugged me was that there are a couple of times the author refers to horse “characters” Blackie and Sylvester by the wrong genders in the narration, but that just feels like poor editing, as clearly he knows their respective genders the rest of the time.

Unfortunately, I think the author comes across as pretty immature and unlikeable. There are a few too many easy sexual jokes, and I feel like the list of goals he crosses off and changes is not really that meaningful or interesting—it mostly feels like he is trying to create deeper meaning and a sense of adventure out of what’s really just failure to actually work toward achieving the original goals.

Still, I always like reading about horses in a book that isn’t completely filled with errors and/or unrealistic portrayals of equestrian life, so I still found this enjoyable enough to read.

[Joelle Anthony · Rating 4 out of 5]

Considering I just read a book on a topic I have no interest in and really enjoyed it, I think you could say this book is quite a success! It was very fun read, the pacing was well done and kept my attention.

Chong is an excellent writer. I'd probably give it five stars for the writing, but I usually reserve that last star for books I can't stop telling other people they need to read. If anyone asked me if they should read this, my answer would be a resounding, "yes!" but I dont' see me crusading for it, as the topic is not really my thing.

I first heard about it on Shelagh Rogers' show, and Chong was funny and made me want to read it, and his personality comes across in his writing.

[Phil Della · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an offbeat memoir well told. Who bets on horses anymore? Not too many people head to the race track now days. I certainly don't. That's partly what gives this story its appeal, it's old school. And our author tells us right up front that he's mining this terrain just so he can write a book about it. The fun thing is that he gets so involved in his crazy idea. He spends thousands of dollars investing in a racehorse, and he becomes a fixture at the track. He soaks up all the lingo and meets many quirky people. It's the story of his life for a year and it's funny. I will be reading more Kevin Chong.

[John]

"Let me ask you this," he says. "Was my book that bad that you couldn't say anything about it?"
I'd promised, for the third time, to read a month ago, but again, I found other more pressing work. In reality, the idea that Harris--who, already in my mind, had enough--could write a decent book pissed me off.
"Actually..." I begin.
As I confess, Harris's lower lip begins trembling. "What is wrong with you?"

Actually the best scene: pp. 178/179:
"You got lucky."
"So did you."

[Doriana Bisegna · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very funny book! Kevin Chong's traipse through the world of horse racing as a part, part, part, part owner of a horse called Blackie had me chuckling throughout! The different characters that he meets at the race track, behind the race track and the characters in his personal life was akin to watching good Seinfeld episodes that were never aired. Here is another Canadian author to put on my "to watch for" list.

[Lbaker · Rating 2 out of 5]

My parents read this, said it started slow, but improved as they began liking the main character. As fans of Vancouver horse racing, they enjoyed the glimpses of people they were familiar with.

I finished the book waiting to get to like the main character. He just seemed empty, juvenile and needed to grow up.

[Jordie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A light read intriguing on the topic of horse racing. Informative, but with enough personal details to keep the facts from getting dull. A really nicely balanced piece of creative non-fiction.

Also, I never thought I would know so much about the sex lives of race horses.

[Peter Darbyshire · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kevin Chong is my favourite character in CanLit.

[Linda Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting book.

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great story, I can relate to place he started from because I'm in it now.

[Paul]

Fun interesting read. Ties different topics about racing with personal experiences well.

[Suzanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very entertaining and moving. While I was reading, my son kept asking me "Why are you laughing?" After I finished, I wanted to go bet on a horse.

[Priscillia · Rating 4 out of 5]

The writer gave a very insightful account of the racing business and the book was a delightful read.