Man o' War: A Legend Like Lightning

Dorothy Ours presents the true story of Man o' War, one of the greatest racehorses ever lived. Born in 1917, Man o' War grew from a rebellious youngster into perhaps the greatest racehorse of all time. His trainer compared managing him to holding a tiger by the tail, while his owner likened him to "chain lightning." The New York Times called him a "Speed Miracle" for his astonishing speed records. Often he won with so much energy in reserve that experts wondered how much faster he could have gone. Known as "Big Red," Man o' War attracted record crowds and publicity. However, his lone defeat, occurring a few weeks before gamblers fixed the 1919 World Series, spawned lasting rumors that he too had been the victim of a fix. The book examines this and other mysteries surrounding the horse, using newly uncovered evidence to address old beliefs. The narrative reveals how human pressures collided with a natural phenomenon, exploring the genuine courage of Man o' War, the tribulations of his archrival Sir Barton (America's first Triple Crown winner), and the temptations faced by their Hall of Fame jockeys and trainers. The account uncovers the true reasons for Man o' War's early retirement.