Diary of a Dream: My Journey in Thoroughbred Racing

by George Rowand

Horse racing has a way of wrapping itself around some people's souls. For George Rowand, that moment came watching Secretariat win the 1973 Preakness. From then on Rowand knew he wanted to be in horse racing. Diary of a Dream chronicles his failures and successes in the sport he loves.

Genres: Nonfiction, Horse Racing

224 pages, Hardcover

First published October 1, 2005

Reviews

[Victoria · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book as a gift and reading it made me feel so much closer to the person who gifted it to me. That’s what I love about reading.

I really enjoyed George’s story. I didn’t know much about horses or racing but I learned a lot about the sport through George’s story telling. I thought this was a great easy short read. Truly touching at times as well. It made me feel like achieving my dreams is possible,

[Cheryl L.E. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an enjoyable read. I work on the breeding end of the thoroughbred industry and am familiar with many of the names in this book (and have worked for a few of them) although I had not heard of the author or his horses. Perhaps because this all happened before I became involved.

Still it is a great, insider look at the world of race horse ownership and I learned a few things.

Rowand made it sound very easy to become successful. While I know he struggled for a number of years, once he made it things sure seemed to go his way. While there is some skill in this, I believe there is also a lot of luck involved. Many people struggle for years and never make it.

It is a quick and entertaining read that I imagine will be enjoyed by any horse person with an interest in racing.

[Dana · Rating 4 out of 5]

George Rowand had a dream. He wanted to breed winning thoroughbred horses. He borrowed money from mainly family members and started a business. While the first six years were very tough and they lost a lot of money, they eventually started having some winners.

This was an captivating story just for the fact of reading about one man's accomplishment of his dream. And, it is well written and easy to read. But, for someone new to racing, it also taught me a lot about the sport.

[Jacqui · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this book. I'm not a race track fan but I love horses, so I got a lot out of this book. Good, clear writing.

[Debi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ever wonder what it would be like to own race horses?

[Marla · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was supposed to be inspiring, but I found it kind of depressing. Maybe I'm just pessimistic. =) I did enjoy the glimpse into thoroughbred horse racing ownership.