Three Strides Before the Wire - by Elizabeth Mitchell (Paperback)

About the Book

Mitchell introduces the mysterious, mercurial world of horseracing in a book that's as fast-paced and colorful as a day at the track. Soon to be an HBO movie.

Book Synopsis

Now in paperback, reporter Elizabeth Mitchell introduces her readers to the mysterious, mercurial world of horse racing in a book that's as fast-paced and colorful as a day at the track. Focusing on the 1999 Derby winner Charismatic, Mitchell traces this horse's amazing and ultimately tragic story, from the birth of a foal through its surprising rise to fame. Mitchell also follows the major players in Charismatic's life, including the family who bred him, the trainer, the owners, and the famed jockey Chris Antley, whose own story is more tragic than that of his horse. Through these interlocking stories a sense of familiarity with the key players in the industry evolves, as well as a greater understanding of the heart and soul of a sport that has fascinated human beings for centuries.

Review Quotes

"As with Seabiscuit, the jockey's story is the most interesting and dramatic... Mitchell also fills in, gracefully I think, her own heartbreak...Mitchell is a practiced and assidous delver...though always full of feeling."

"I did not know much about horse racing until I read Three Strides Before the Wire. Now, I've learned a good bit about the front and the back of the sport, and had all the pleasure en route of reading a novel and well-written book."

"Mitchell has done a superb job reporting, giving us wonderfully privileged glimpses of a closed world. Adorned by a lucid, elegantly spare, nuanced prose style, this book conveys the romance and harsh pathos of the sport of kings, even to non-enthusiasts.

"Three Strides Before the Wire remains a strong contender with Seabiscuit down the backstretch."

About the Author

Elizabeth Mitchell is the author of W: Revenge of the Bush Dynasty. She was formerly the executive editor of George magazine and features editor of SPIN magazine. She lives in New York City.