Stoney: The Story of my Dad's Life, an African American Groom of Horse Racing

by Alvin Stone

This is a true story about Stoney, an African American Groom of Horse Racing and his life as one of the most respected grooms. Stoney highlights “ The Triple Crown Races” and what it takes to be a horse racing groom. It brings you into the world of the “Sport of Kings.” Stoney will take you to the past and present of horse racing grooms and their relationships with their friends and family. Nameless faces who were dedicated their lives to this sport and their dreams have been passed on to others involved in horse racing today. It’s the beauty of the sport that makes the reader reminisce the good times and the excitement of being a groom in the winner’s circle with the horse you groomed, cared for, and loved. A groom develops a great relationship, which promotes a marvelous fleeting feeling that the horse is yours, because of the extensive time spent with the horse. A cornerstone of greatness and tradition has been formed. Slavery and racism is also a part of horse racing history and the sport. The reader will experience how this craft was passed on to Stoney through his father and the gift of having the “touch,” that is familiar to other grooms. Trainers, owners, jockeys, and racing fans have gained knowledge from these grooms of horse racing from the past. This book allows their legacy to be acknowledged and live on forever.

72 pages, Paperback

Published May 10, 2017

Reviews

[Miranda Prather · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting read! This topic definitely needs more attention, so I am thrilled to have seen this title. The only thing that keeps me from giving it another star is that it left me wanting more - more about Stoney and his life as a groom.