The Most Glorious Crown: The Story of America's Triple Crown Thoroughbreds from Sir Barton to American Pharoah

by Marvin Drager, Ed McNamara

The definitive work on this rare coronation, this book delves into the history, personalities, and subplots of each of the 12 Triple Crown champions. From Sir Barton in 1919 through American Pharaoh in 2015, each Triple Crown winner has exhibited a true personality and charisma befitting of super stardom and renowned author Marvin Drager's prose brings to life these 12 remarkable stories. The Most Glorious Crown is a unique and fascinating inspection of each champion, their jockeys, owners, and trainers, as well as a riveting account of each race and the events leading up to each historic event. This magnificent oversized book includes more than 150 archival, authentic black-and-white photographs of each thoroughbred throughout different stages of its career. It also includes actual racing forms from each race for the Triple Crown. This new, updated edition features chapters on the 37 year gap between Triple Crown winners and 2015 champion American Pharaoh.

Genres: Horses, Nonfiction, History, Horse Racing, Animals

320 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1975

Reviews

[Gemma · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was one of the rare nonfiction books I've read that was just as exciting as fiction! I know a little about horse racing thanks to my horse-loving sister, but my knowledge of the horses themselves was very limited (Seabiscuit, War Admiral, Secretariat, Man o' War, pretty much just the horses that have been mentioned in a movie). The photographs used throughout the book were very surreal to look at--think of it! These pictures capture moments of history! Oddly enough, the thought that kept coming to me as I read had nothing to do with what I was reading, "This would make a great coffee table book." Well, it would! It's fascinating to just thumb through, even if you don't read it. The appeal is pretty much scattered across the reading spectrum; I'd recommend it to horse lovers, history buffs, racing fans, and anyone who just wants to read something interesting.

[Tiffany · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read this multiple times as it is a good resource for anyone interested in the Triple Crown, the Kentucky Derby, the Preakness Stakes, and the Belmont Stakes horse races. This has great background information on all three races, who the winners are, what happen to them after and any other random tid-bits you might want to know.

It is well written and has clear explanations for anyone not familiar with the horse world or horse racing. It is not a book you have to read cover to cover but can come back to time and again to freshen up your knowledge of the intricate details of this trio of races and those who have been involved with the winners.

[Wendy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Shoop's book on the subject is more in-depth, but this volume is bigger, flashier, and has more pictures! Really, both books are very nice for their purpose, but I generally look at this one for the pictures and use Down to the Wire when I require a reference.

Still, this is a good investment even if you don't care for the pictures. There isn't as much information as in the Shoop book, but it's a good overview. My copy came with a DVD (complete with factual inaccuracies, oh, joy), which was nice.

[Morgan Sanchez · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sweet informative piece of history, now plus one.

The history of the triple crown winners is awash with fantasy, hyperbole, and plenty of mystery thrown in. This book offers an informative, easy to read explanation of every single one of them, minus American Pharaoh.

The sport of thoroughbred racing is introduced and made magical by the author before delving into the earliest starts. Each segment includes a history of the horse and their jockey, along with post-winning happenings and subsequent scandals or events.

Highly recommended for racing and sports enthusiasts alike.

[Ilana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing amazing book! It was the perfect balance of making sure you got the full story for each horse, but not being too wordy or feeling like you're wanting to know more. I highly recommend it for any horse buff!

[Melanie Franklin · Rating 2 out of 5]

Very dry facts. Probably a good reference book, but not a good book to read for enjoyment. However, I did enjoy the DVD that came with the book. I just wish the book had a little bit more spice, instead of being so cut-and-dry.

[Meghan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great overview on some old favorites, some forgotten favorites, and a fun section on 'Almost Had It' that covers the 17 horses that have won 2/3 of the crown.

PERFECT read for Derby season.