Racetracker: Life with grifters and gamblers...

by John Perrotta, Jen Ferguson (Photographer)

In 1955 John Perrotta was a young Jersey boy—eyes locked on his grandfather’s small black-and-white television watching the blurry figures of horses and jockeys loping to their starting gates. Little did he know that his father’s passion for the races was going to tip destiny’s scales in favor of a lifelong passion for horsemanship, breeding, racing, and the beautiful animals themselves.

Perrotta’s story digs deep into the thoroughbred racing world through a unique insider’s perspective on the strategies, emotions, and personal lives of those involved in high-risk gaming. In his travels, he meets an array of colorful characters like Woody and Peaches, Snake, Pockets, and Schnoz, who populate the racetracks, wheeling and dealing in the search for the fastest horse and the biggest prize.

Revel in this heartfelt story of a natural-born racetracker. Stand trackside and slip behind closed doors at legendary world-class events, including the Kentucky Derby, the Irish Derby, and the Breeder’s Cup. Follow Perrotta on his journey from a boy with Hopalong Cassidy’s horse, Topper, on his tin lunch box, to racing journalist and jockey agent, to head of operations for one of the largest racing stables stateside.

262 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 24, 2014

Reviews

[Sheila · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was a book for those with an inside knowledge of horse racing, gambling and breeding and not for the general reader. Consequently, I often found my attention wandering when reading this book which has taken me a very long time to read. I'm sure the facts are very well researched and that the author is passionate about his subject but I couldn't recommend it other than for those in the industry.

[Liam Day · Rating 3 out of 5]

Though an engaging writer, Perrotta isn't clear or precise enough in his descriptions of the various scams in which his grifters and gamblers engage. Consequently, as a lay reader, I was left feeling as I did during my first trip to the track, like an outsider who doesn't quite understand how to bet or what to bet on. I know I want to enjoy the experience, but I just don't have the technical knowledge to do so.