R E K. (bigstone) - , reviewed on 4/7/2013 + 1452 more book reviews

This is the story of a lame colt who could not even stand to nurse. When he finally struggles to his feet, this gentle fellow grows and grows and grows. Better, yet, he can run like the wind. There may yet be a future for the colt who was almost euthanized at birth. Born to a mother of dubious lineage, he has a savage champion father. What will his future hold?

The colt that became a horse has been named Dan Patch. And, he is harness racing, pulling a cart called a sulky which is specially designed for his lame leg. Harness horses may go at a trot ("a diagonal gait with the right front foot moving with the left rear foot") or a pace (parallel right front and back feet move together while and left front foot and back foot move together").

Dan was a pacer that loved to run. In early races, his driver kept him tin minor racing competitions so he could move up slowly to maximize winnings. This technique only worked for awhile because Dan liked to be out front promoting buying offers. The offers were refused until Lady Patch is poisoned in the stall next to him. The owner decides to sell Dan for $20,000 which may be too little but he wants to ensure that Dan is safe. It appears also that the driver has been in a scheme to sell Dan and has part ownership, perhaps as much as forty percent.

For me, this was a wonderful read about a great athlete! Dan Patch was a pacer, an unusual animal in the racing world. He was a stallion that was calm, gentle, fast and beautiful. He gave his all to each race in spite of money hungry owners and trainers who pushed him too hard. One can only admire the author who did such extensive research to tell this incredible story.

Back to all reviews by this member
Back to all reviews of this book
Back to Book Reviews
Back to Book Details