Justify: 111 Days to Triple Crown Glory

by Lenny Shulman, Steve Haskin (Foreword)

With a trademark powerful stride amid a blaze of red and yellow silks, Justify emphatically crossed the finish line at the 2018 Belmont Stakes and became just the 13th winner of horse racing's elusive Triple Crown. One of the most charismatic and talented runners in the history of the sport, Justify was also one of its most unlikely champions; the late-blooming chestnut colt made his competitive debut only 111 days prior to that legendary victory.

In Justify: 111 Days to Triple Crown Glory, veteran scribe Lenny Shulman (BloodHorse magazine) provides an insider account of this Thoroughbred’s rise to greatness. Through extensive interviews and first-hand accounts, readers will discover the fascinatingly disparate cast of characters who were crucial to Justify’s success, including trainer Bob Baffert, whose innate ability to identify equine talent also produced American Pharoah; Mike Smith, the 52-year-old jockey asserting himself in the miraculous third act of his career; and breeders John and Tanya Gunther, who believed in Justify’s ability despite the developmental imperfections that drove buyers away.

Packed with riveting action, keen insight, and behind-the-scenes perspectives on quieter figures like silent investors, international stakeholders, and unheralded training staff, Justify is an illuminating look at the modern Thoroughbred industry and an essential story for the ages.

Genres: Horse Racing, Horses, Sports

240 pages, Paperback

Published April 1, 2020

About the author

LENNY SHULMAN is an Emmy Award-winning writer who worked in TV and film in Hollywood for two decades. He wrote and produced “Kids Incorporated,” wrote for the NFL on FOX, and co-wrote the feature film “Dice Rules.”

For the past 15 years his work has appeared in The Blood-Horse magazine, Thoroughbred racing’s leading weekly publication. He is the author of “Ride Of Their Lives,” a behind-the-scenes look at the triumphs and turmoil of Thoroughbred racing’s top jockeys.

“Long Way From Home” is his first novel.

http://www.amazon.com/Long-From-Home-...

Reviews

[Robin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Inestering only if you love horses and horse races. Which I do. So I liked this book but it was nothing earth shaking.

[Stefanie Robinson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Justify was foaled in 2015 in Versailles, Kentucky. He was owned by WinStar and trained by Bob Baffert. I must enter a disclaimer here that I am no fan of Bob Baffert and I was never crazy about this horse. Despite that, he has a pretty exciting pedigree, including Mr. Prospector, Raise A Native, Ghostzapper, A. P. Indy, Omaha, and War Admiral. He was the thirteenth horse to with the Triple Crown in 2018, which proves he has a big heart and big talent. He was also voted Horse of the Year and inducted into the Racing Hall of Fame. He was retired from racing the same year, due to an injury. He went on to become a sought after stud, with Arabian Lion being one of the more well known of his offspring. Despite my not being a super fan of this horse, I enjoyed learning about the intimate details of his training and preparation for the Triple Crown. This is a great book for fans of racing to have.

[Samantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Flew through this amazing story in less then 24 hours! Say what you want about trainer Bob Baffert but their is no denying his training and the team behind this incredible horse was truly amazing! I bought this book based on the cover photo. Mike Smith aboard a big chestnut colt who looks like a sexy quarter horse at first glance. The story reads easy and I really enjoyed the writing style of Blood Horse writer Lenny Shulmen. Looking forward to reading his other book "the ride of their lives". Mike Smith is also one of my favorite jockeys so I really enjoyed the interviews with him. Overall loved the story of the amazing big red race horse Justify. If you love horse racing and horse stories this book is for you.

[Remy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Une plongee interessante dans le monde du galop a travers la carriere hors-norme de Justify.

[J. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Author tried hard to entice the reader's emotions. Couldn't quite get there.