Baffert: Dirt Road to the Derby

by Bob Baffert six-time Kentucky Derby–winning trainer, Steve Haskin (Contributor)

Baffert offers a frank-and frankly funny-portrayal of his border town roots and rapid rise to the top of the Sport of Kings. A riveting and revealing tale of what it takes to become America's No. 1 trainer.

Genres: Horses, Horse Racing

204 pages, Hardcover

First published November 1, 1999

Reviews

[Joseph J. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was written when Bob Baffert was still the fresh and very welcome face of thoroughbred racing. Colorful and honest in its account of his youth on a ranch and on the dirt quarter horse tracks, Baffert details an at times wild youth. At the time of writing and publication he was known as the charismatic character and white haired trainer of Silver Charm (1997) and Real Quiet(1998), both barely deprived of racing's elusive triple crown. (A nose loss in the 1996 Kentucky Derby really hurt, at a time when Baffert wasn't sure he would ever be back!) THIS BOOK ENDS with the roller coaster of fame and recognition in the late 1990's. WE know NOW there would be frustrating loss (Point Given in the 2001 Kentucky Derby) followed by surprising success (War Emblem the next year) followed by years away from the Triple Crown winners' circles (don't forget Preakness winner Lookin at Lucky during that drought) culminating in not one but two winners of the elusive triple crown, American Pharoah in 2915 and the comet of a racehorse Justify in 2018. AND NOW, at the height of his fame and record breaking accomplishment, the headlines, and the ban from Churchill Downs for two years. Maybe sitting out that two years away from Derby glory, we will see another book, the rest of the story. One thing is for sure, the dirt road to the Derby did not end in these pages at the dawn of a new century.

[Hersh Patel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bob Baffert had grew up in a little town called Nogales,Arizona. When he was little he had love horse racing and he had followed his dream. So that is why is the number 1 horse trainer in America. So he had a love/passion for horses, because if he didn't he would f never became the number 1 trainer in America. His love/ passion led him up to not giving up, and just to try harder and harder to accomplish his goal he had in life. So his passion led him to accomplish his goals and to make everyone proud of him, especially his family.

Baffert as the self described "ordinary person" with a talent for self effacement becomes a repeating theme in this book. So this book shows how Baffert turns his ordinary talent into a really amazing talent that everyone else likes. So Derby Museum, Hall of Fame. So Bob Baffert had accomplished something major and his life by becoming a horse trainer legend. I liked this book because it had taught me some life lesson to give up in life. But this book is a good book for people that like and know about horse racing so I recommend to people who are interested in horse racing.

[Julie Havener · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was interesting to get another perspective on racing. Not well written but readable. Profane. He is impressed with himself. His success is in the books but one wonders about what he doesnt tell.

[Michael · Rating 3 out of 5]

He's not a writer, but the guy's definitely got some great stories.