SEABISCUIT
An American Legend
by
Laura Hillenbrand
reviewed by
Bill Nichols
There is no disputing the fact that the mighty Seabiscuit is an American
Legend and that author Laura Hillenbrand is an American Eclipse winning
writer. Also, anyone who reads this book, will not dispute the probability
that it will become an American classic.
The author devotes several chapters to biographical information about owner
Charles S. Howard, trainer Tom Smith, jockeys "Red" Pollard and
George Woolff as well as to Seabiscuit and his arch rival War Admiral.
But, don't expect these biographical sketches to be dull reading. Laura
uses words as a classical artist uses a brush and oils. She deftly paints the
background of the word picture and then depicts the image of the main
character with its' flaws its' attributes, its' humanity and the forces that
drove it to success. And sometimes to failure.
The author describes the running of all of Seabiscuit's most important
races, including the events preceding and the preparation for each race. Of
special interest are the three attempts to win the Santa Anita Handicap and
the famous match race with War Admiral.
Trainer "Silent" Tom Smith's often devious methods of keeping
Seabiscuit's works a secret, are informative and often humorous. For example.
Smith was ready to work Seabiscuit over a deserted track when a man walked up,
stop watch in hand. Smith 6sked to borrow the watch and the man complied.
After clocking Seabiscuit, he re-set the watch and returned it to its' owner.
"How did it go?" asked the man.
"Looked all right to me-It seems to be a nice watch", said Smith.
"No, not the watch," said the man, "Seabiscuit's work. How
fast did he go?"
"Damned if I know."
One of the great things about the book is that you need not be a racing
aficionado to enjoy it. You don't even have to be a horse enthusiast. It is a
story about the underdog succeeding against all odds, which gives it universal
appeal.
The only thing that I did not like is that when I read the final page, I
had read the final page.
Note: Seabiscuit, an American Legend is due to be
published, by Random House, in March, 2001. They have printed 75,000 copies,
almost double the normal first edition amount. Additional information may be
had on the web site seabiscuitonline.com as well as on horse-smart.com and
ctba.com. Universal Studios is developing a motion picture, based on the book.
Also, C.T.B.A. and The National Museum of Racing, in Saratoga, are planning
extensive exhibits this year.
About the reviewer: A member of C.T.B.A. for over fifty
years, Bill Nichols, and his wife Lillian, own and operate Mares' Nest in the
Sacramento Valley. Bill was a resource person for "Seabiscuit an American
Legend", having worked on Ridgewood Ranch, as a teenager, when Seabiscuit
stood there. Additionally, the Nichols and Walter Thomson, of Rancho Felicia,
were co-breeders of Seabiscuit's finest descendant, Sea Orbit.
To purchase "Seabiscuit" go to our book
store! Thanks!
