by Joe Drape
First published 2016
In 2015, American Pharoah became the first horse in 37 years to win the Triple Crown, but the victory came with complications. New York Times sportswriter Joe Drape examines the three men who made this achievement possible. Ahmed Zayat, the horse's owner, is a flamboyant Egyptian-American businessman facing accusations of questionable business deals, gambling problems, and bankruptcy litigation. Victor Espinoza, the jockey, grew up in rural Mexico and had to overcome his fear of horses before discovering his racing talent, still haunted by his previous year's loss with California Chrome. Bob Baffert, the trainer, carries a complex history of major victories, personal setbacks, and medication violations. Drape traces American Pharoah's journey from an unremarkable debut race in 2014 to his explosive rise to Triple Crown glory. Through interviews and behind-the-scenes access, he reveals how corruption, illegal gambling, and secretive business practices operate alongside athletic greatness.
Genres: biography, sports, horse-racing, american-history
Vibes: emotional, intimate, thought-provoking
Tropes: overcoming-adversity, underdog
Setting: Egypt, Mexico, United States
Period: 2015
285 pages · Kindle Edition · Grand Central Publishing