Eclipse Press

05/23/2024

Coming in August: LETTERS FROM COUNTRY LIFE: Adolphe Pons, Man o' War, and the Founding of Maryland's Oldest Thoroughbred Farm by two-time Eclipse Award winner Josh Pons!

Josh Pons, a third-generation horseman and owner of Country Life and Merryland Farms, depicts a century of life inside the horse business, written from inside the fences of Maryland’s oldest Thoroughbred farm.

In 2016, in the basement of his farmhouse, Josh Pons discovered thousands of letters from his grandfather’s life in the Thoroughbred horse business. The son of a French cook who came to New York City in 1894, Adolphe Pons got his start working in the Fifth Avenue mansion of Gilded Age banker August Belmont II. Adolphe became his personal secretary, and later played a major role in Belmont’s breeding and sale of the most famous horse in history: Man o’ War. During the Great Depression, Adolphe left New York and bought a hundred-acre horse farm in Maryland, naming it Country Life after the station stop on the Long Island Railroad nearest his Garden City home.

In serial form, Josh Pons expands on the column he wrote for the leading horse publication The BloodHorse, inviting readers to once more step into the attic garret alongside him as he recovers long-lost voices speaking out of letters, telegrams, and photos. Upon the attic stage appear Gilded Age tycoons from whom the author’s grandfather bought and sold horses against the backdrop of World War I, the Great Depression, and World War II. As Josh draws from the farmhouse’s rich archive, he chronicles his grandfather’s life and times and shares his own candid reflections. The result is a fascinating and fresh look at the Golden Age of Horse Racing and how the past influences our present.

Preorder now: https://rowman.com/ISBN/9781493081394/Letters-from-Country-Life-Adolphe-Pons-Man-o'-War-and-the-Founding-of-Maryland's-Oldest-Thoroughbred-Farm

05/08/2024

Coming in August: An updated edition of CARE AND MANAGEMENT OF HORSES: A Practical Guide for the Horse Owner!

Equine authority Heather Smith Thomas provides a commonsense approach to keeping a horse healthy, sound, comfortable, and happy. Intended for the serious horse person, Care and Management of Horses emphasizes the whole horse—mental and physical—and encourages the owner to center horsekeeping practices around the horse’s needs. Topics include nutrition, seasonal care, safe handling, and foot care. https://rowman.com/ISBN/9781493080816/Care-and-Management-of-Horses-A-Practical-Guide-for-the-Horse-Owner-Updated-Edition

05/01/2024

It's almost time for the 150th Kentucky Derby! Celebrate with us by picking up one—or all—of our spring releases!

Available from www.rowman.com or your favorite book retailer.

04/26/2024

Congratulations to the 2024 Racing Hall of Fame class! We're especially delighted to see the inclusion of Aristides. You can read the story of Aristides and the inaugural Kentucky Derby in 1875 in Mark Shrager's excellent account, THE FIRST KENTUCKY DERBY, available from your favorite booksellers: https://rowman.com/ISBN/9781493075546/The-First-Kentucky-Derby-Thirteen-Black-Jockeys-One-Shady-Owner-and-the-Little-Red-Horse-That-Wasn't-Supposed-to-Win

04/05/2024

~Available now~ The updated paperback edition of THE KINGMAKER by Avalyn Hunter!

Toronto industrialist and Thoroughbred breeder E.P. Taylor wanted to prove to the world that his native Canada could produce racehorses as good as any, and he backed up his belief by offering his own yearlings for sale. So, he couldn’t have been happy when buyers in 1962 rejected a well-bred but small bay c**t from his Windfields Farm consignment. But Taylor could hardly have envisioned the degree to which this seeming misfortune would boomerang in his favor. Ultimately, he would have the satisfaction of breeding, then racing the horse that would transform the international bloodstock market.

Named Northern Dancer, the sales reject proved his worth by winning the 1964 Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes for Taylor. In doing so, he became a Canadian hero. And that was only the beginning. As a stallion, the diminutive Northern Dancer exerted a legendary influence on the breed, at one time commanding a million-dollar stud fee. International competition for his offspring created world records in the auction ring.

Respected pedigree authority Avalyn Hunter tells the compelling story of the fiery c**t who towered over his peers and the humans who played supporting roles: legendary trainer Horatio Luro, jockeys Ron Turcotte and Bill Hartack, and Taylor himself. Hunter also chronicles Northern Dancer’s ascendancy as the world’s most coveted stallion and the dynasty he established through his sons. More than thirty years have passed since Northern Dancer's death, and all of his sons are now gone as well; even most of his grandsons have passed from the scene. Yet the Northern Dancer sire line shows no signs of fading.

https://rowman.com/ISBN/9781493081202/The-Kingmaker-How-Northern-Dancer-Founded-a-Racing-Dynasty-Updated-Edition

04/02/2024

~Available now~ The paperback edition of DUEL FOR THE CROWN: AFFIRMED, ALYDAR, AND RACING'S GREATEST RIVALRY by Linda Carroll and David Rosner!

The Kentucky Derby may be hyped as “the most exciting two minutes in sports,” but Affirmed and Alydar’s electrifying stretch showdowns only kept intensifying through both remaining jewels—the Preakness and the Belmont Stakes—of history’s hardest-fought Triple Crown series. DUEL FOR THE CROWN vividly tracks these two magnificent Thoroughbreds through every hoofbeat of their odyssey, climaxing with the Belmont stretch duel in the greatest race ever run as they desperately gallop head to head all the way to the inevitable photo finish—and beyond, into history and immortality.

https://rowman.com/ISBN/9781493080199/Duel-for-the-Crown-Affirmed-Alydar-and-Racing's-Greatest-Rivalry

03/08/2024

On , don't miss these two racing accounts!

In DIANE CRUMP: A HORSE-RACING PIONEER'S LIFE IN THE SADDLE, veteran turf writer Mark Shrager uses Diane Crump's own narrative, magazine and newspaper coverage, and numerous first-hand interviews to tell the story of an extraordinary athlete's life and career. https://rowman.com/ISBN/9781493037964/Diane-Crump-A-Horse-Racing-Pioneer%E2%80%99s-Life-in-the-Saddle

For WOMEN IN RACING: IN THEIR OWN WORDS, John and Julia McEvoy interviewed eighteen women whose backgrounds ranged all over the socio-economic spectrum, from the landed gentry to former migrant worker, with a rich layer of twenty-first century Americana in between. Donna Barton Brothers, Barbara D. Livingston, Zoe Cadman, and others tell their stories and affirm that they were driven by a shared passion: a love of horses and Thoroughbred racing. https://rowman.com/ISBN/9781493069644/Women-in-Racing-In-Their-Own-Words-Updated-Edition

03/07/2024

~Available next month: New paperback editions of SEATTLE SLEW and KELSO, from the Thoroughbred Legends series.

SEATTLE SLEW by Dan Mearns: One of the most popular Thoroughbreds in recent times, Seattle Slew was the first undefeated Triple Crown winner, sweeping racing's three jewels while keeping his perfect record intact. Born of humble origins and homely looks, the nearly black c**t overcame modest credentials to conquer all before him. The bargain-priced Seattle Slew and his youthful, attractive owners captured public imagination during racing's golden decade of the 1970s, touching a chord that resonated over three seasons. In retirement, he shone even brighter, with many of his offspring becoming champions on the track. In Seattle Slew, author Dan Mearns, a longtime racing journalist and editor, explores the life of the great horse, who was one of only thirteen Triple Crown winners in the history of horse racing. Pre-order here: https://bit.ly/3uvgf0s

KELSO by Steve Haskin: No racehorse of modern times was so good for so long. Racing until the age of nine, Kelso won thirty-nine of sixty-three races. This superstar of the 1960s earned an unprecedented five Horse of the Year titles and five divisional championships, set or equaled eight track records, and set three American standards. Much like Seabiscuit thirty years earlier, Kelso kept getting better as he got older, earning legions of fans with every passing year. Pre-order here: https://bit.ly/3UAQ5nx

02/28/2024

🤿☔

It's hard to imagine that at one point last year the ground was too hard!

©Emily Cole Illustrations

02/15/2024

~Coming in April~ An updated paperback edition of THE KINGMAKER by Avalyn Hunter.

Toronto industrialist and Thoroughbred breeder E.P. Taylor wanted to prove to the world that his native Canada could produce racehorses as good as any, and he backed up his belief by offering his own yearlings for sale. So, he couldn’t have been happy when buyers in 1962 rejected a well-bred but small bay c**t from his Windfields Farm consignment. But Taylor could hardly have envisioned the degree to which this seeming misfortune would boomerang in his favor. Ultimately, he would have the satisfaction of breeding, then racing the horse that would transform the international bloodstock market.

Named Northern Dancer, the sales reject proved his worth by winning the 1964 Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes for Taylor. In doing so, he became a Canadian hero. And that was only the beginning. As a stallion, the diminutive Northern Dancer exerted a legendary influence on the breed, at one time commanding a million-dollar stud fee. International competition for his offspring created world records in the auction ring.

Respected pedigree authority Avalyn Hunter tells the compelling story of the fiery c**t who towered over his peers and the humans who played supporting roles: legendary trainer Horatio Luro, jockeys Ron Turcotte and Bill Hartack, and Taylor himself. Hunter also chronicles Northern Dancer’s ascendancy as the world’s most coveted stallion and the dynasty he established through his sons. More than thirty years have passed since Northern Dancer's death, and all of his sons are now gone as well; even most of his grandsons have passed from the scene. Yet the Northern Dancer sire line shows no signs of fading.

Read more at https://rowman.com/ISBN/9781493081196/The-Kingmaker-How-Northern-Dancer-Founded-a-Racing-Dynasty-Updated-Edition. Available in April wherever books are sold!

02/06/2024

~Coming in April~ A paperback edition of THE 10 BEST KENTUCKY DERBIES, with a new bonus chapter by Steve Haskin on Rich Strike’s astonishing 2022 Derby win.

What makes a Kentucky Derby among the best of all time? Secretariat’s record-setting effort? Regret’s achievement as the first filly to win the vaunted classic, or legendary jockey Bill Shoemaker’s misjudgment of the finish line that cost his horse the race? And what about the famous “Fighting Finish” or Black Gold’s “dream-come-true” victory?

The eagerly anticipated showdowns between Affirmed and Alydar and between Citation and Coaltown made those respective Derbies unforgettable to those who were around to experience them. And who can discount Alysheba’s near-disastrous stumble and remarkable recovery, the brilliant training behind Whirlaway’s victory, and Canonero II’s rags-to-riches fairy tale?

A panel of racing experts selected these ten Kentucky Derbies as the all-time greatest, most exciting, and riveting first Saturdays in May. These stories, recounted by a diverse and talented group of Turf writers, await the reader, along with a kaleidoscope of vibrant images only the Kentucky Derby can produce.

Read more here: https://rowman.com/ISBN/9781493073337/The-10-Best-Kentucky-Derbies. Available in April wherever books are sold!

01/17/2024

~Coming in April~ An updated edition of award-winning racing writer Edward L. Bowen's AT THE WIRE: HORSE RACING'S GREATEST MOMENTS.

Dominating victories, great duels, and astounding rallies make up some of horse racing’s greatest moments. Bowen captures these and more in At the Wire, a compilation of nearly thirty races plus Breeders’ Cup highlights that have earned a solid place in America’s Turf history. For the updated edition, the author has added chapters on the 1995 Breeders' Cup Classic, in which Cigar capped a perfect 10-0 season, earning Horse of the Year honors; the 2009 Breeders' Cup Classic, in which the mare Zenyatta won a spectacular race to remain unbeaten in her career; and the 2015 Belmont Stakes, which highlighted the greatness of American Pharoah as he became the first Triple Crown winner in thirty-seven years.

Read more here: https://rowman.com/ISBN/9781493066438/At-the-Wire-Horse-Racing's-Greatest-Moments-Updated-Edition. Available in April wherever books are sold!

01/04/2024

Don't miss the new paperback edition of DUEL FOR THE CROWN by Linda Carroll and David Rosner, which racing author Mark Shrager declares "Practically the perfect horse racing history book . . . that refuses to be closed until the reader has enjoyed the final paragraph."

This is the epic saga of the riveting rivalry between Affirmed and Alydar that enthralled a nation and spawned history’s most thrilling Triple Crown chase. Publishing in April and available now for preorder at your favorite bookstores. Read more here: https://rowman.com/ISBN/9781493080199/Duel-for-the-Crown-Affirmed-Alydar-and-Racing's-Greatest-Rivalry

12/09/2023

What will you be reading over the holidays? Browse by this year's bestselling subjects and use code 23JOYSALE when ordering online* to SAVE 35% on in-stock print titles published by Globe Pequot imprints!

VISIT http://page.rowman.com/pages/16609/45047 --> Browse by Subject --> Find Eclipse Press books under the Sports & Recreation and Pets categories!

*Offer valid from through New Year's. Some exclusions apply.

12/06/2023

Racing your way in April 2024: the new paperback edition of DUEL FOR THE CROWN by Linda Carroll and David Rosner! This is the epic saga of the riveting rivalry that enthralled a nation and spawned history’s most thrilling Triple Crown chase. Affirmed and Alydar are as inseparably linked in legend as they were on the racetrack. Bound from conception by shared bloodlines of the great Native Dancer, this peerless pair of chestnut c**ts traded wins multiple times even before their showdown in the 1978 Kentucky Derby spurred an unmatchable rivalry that transcended the Triple Crown and the Sport of Kings itself.

Available now for preorder at your favorite bookstores. Read more here: https://rowman.com/ISBN/9781493080199/Duel-for-the-Crown-Affirmed-Alydar-and-Racing's-Greatest-Rivalry

11/27/2023

Don't forget to check BOOKS off your Cyber Monday shopping list! Browse by this year's bestselling subjects and use code 23JOYSALE when ordering online* to SAVE 35% on in-stock print titles published by Globe Pequot imprints!

VISIT http://page.rowman.com/pages/16609/45047 --> Browse by Subject --> Find Eclipse Press books under the Sports & Recreation and Pets categories!

*Offer valid from through New Year's. Some exclusions apply.

11/16/2023

11/14/2023

Now back in print for the 50th anniversary: SECRETARIAT: RACING'S GREATEST TRIPLE CROWN WINNER by Timothy T. Capps.

A half-century after his amazing Triple Crown sweep, Secretariat remains the burnished icon that captured the public's imagination like no other horse. His chestnut coat glistening and his powerful muscles rippling, he stormed home by an astounding thirty-one lengths to win the 1973 Belmont Stakes and the Triple Crown as thousands of fans watched in awe. The most charismatic horse of the modern era, Secretariat graced the covers of Time, Newsweek, and Sports Illustrated and galvanized a public weary of Watergate and the Vietnam War.

Timothy Capps tells the riveting story of Secretariat from the champion’s birth at Meadow Stable in Virginia and his tutelage under renowned trainer Lucien Laurin, to his great victories with jockey Ron Turcotte and his life after the racetrack.

11/10/2023

Our best sale of 2023 is here! Browse by this year's bestselling subjects and use code 23JOYSALE when ordering online* to SAVE 35% on in-stock print titles published by Globe Pequot imprints!

VISIT http://page.rowman.com/pages/16609/45047 --> Browse by Subject --> Find Eclipse Press books under the Sports & Recreation and Pets categories!

*Offer valid from through New Year's. Some exclusions apply.

10/18/2023

Don't miss the updated edition of WOMEN IN RACING by John and Julia McEvoy.

Women currently occupy a wide variety of extremely significant roles in Thoroughbred racing. Their presence and influence are apparent in every aspect of the sport, which is remarkable when one recalls that hardly more than a generation ago racing was still—as it had been for centuries—almost completely dominated by men. Where did these women come from? What prompted them to pe*****te this male bastion and seek such vocations as jockey, trainer, owner-breeder, television commentator, veterinarian, photographer, track official, clocker, chart caller, pari-mutuel clerk, and groom?

In WOMEN IN RACING, John and Julia McEvoy provide the answers by interviewing eighteen women whose backgrounds ranged all over the socio-economic spectrum, from the landed gentry to former migrant worker, with a rich layer of twenty-first century Americana in between. Donna Barton Brothers, Barbara D. Livingston, Zoe Cadman, and others tell their stories and affirm that they were driven by a shared passion: a love of horses and Thoroughbred racing. This updated edition includes an interview with horse-racing pioneer Diane Crump, the first woman to ride in the Kentucky Derby.

10/06/2023

Coming next month: An updated paperback edition of TALES FROM THE TRIPLE CROWN by award-winning racing writer Steve Haskin!

Go behind the scenes to meet the trainers, jockeys, and horses seeking the world’s most elusive sports prize. Feel the keen disappointment of trainer Bud Delp after Spectacular Bid loses his Triple Crown bid because of a stray safety pin. Witness Angel Cordero’s frustration after winning the Kentucky Derby aboard Spend a Buck, only to encounter a series of misadventures on his way home. Mourn the untimely loss of Barbaro in a Preakness that shook the racing world. Their stories are among the twenty-four—including three that are new to this paperback edition—that bring a new dimension to the repertoire of Kentucky Derby, Preakness, and Belmont Stakes reporting.