Best Horse Racing Books of 2026

The Greatest Gambling Story Ever Told: A True Tale of Three Gamblers, The Kentucky Derby, and the Mexican Cartel is an inspiring true crime sports story that takes readers on an epic adventure. The book tells the tale of three young gamblers, a Mexican drug cartel, and the 1988 Kentucky Derby. It's Seabiscuit meets Narcos, and the best non-fiction adventure and gambling story ever told. The book is a top 10 Amazon bestseller in various categories, including sports biographies, organized crime, and adventure & travel. Overall, this book is a must-read for anyone who loves sports, gambling, and true crime stories.

Seabiscuit: An American Legend is a universal underdog story about an unlikely racehorse who became a legend in sports history. The book tells the story of Seabiscuit's success and the three men who changed his fortunes. The author, Laura Hillenbrand, vividly describes the horse's journey and the fascinating slice of American history surrounding it. The book is not only a horse's tale but also an engrossing story about the humans who owned, trained, and rode Seabiscuit. Overall, the book is a remarkable and memorable piece of storytelling that will leave readers fascinated by Seabiscuit's story and his place in American sports history.

Betting on Horse Racing For Dummies is the ultimate guide to horse race betting. It provides readers with valuable information on how to improve their odds, avoid common mistakes, and have fun at the races. The book covers everything from identifying racing breeds and jockeys to understanding the role of trainers and placing bets. It also includes a section on online betting and off-track betting sites and apps. This book is perfect for beginners and experienced bettors alike, with market trends and insider tips to help readers gain a winning edge.

The Horse God Built: The Untold Story of Secretariat, the World's Greatest Racehorse is a tribute to Eddie "Shorty" Sweat, the groom who was pivotal to Secretariat's success. The book takes readers on a backroads journey to a corner of the racing world rarely visited. Author Lawrence Scanlan offers readers a groom's-eye view of the racing world and the vantage of a man who spent every possible moment with the horse he loved, yet who often basked in the horse's glory from the sidelines. This book is a moving portrait of the powerful bond between human and horse, and a must-read for anyone who loves horses or horse racing.

Secretariat's Meadow - The Land, The Family, The Legend is an intimate account of the birthplace of America's legendary racehorse, Secretariat. The book is co-authored by Kate Chenery Tweedy, granddaughter of Meadow Stable's founder Christopher T. Chenery, and Leeanne Meadows Ladin. The authors provide a detailed insight into Secretariat's upbringing, from his first steps on the farm to his Triple Crown victory. The book is enriched with a series of illustrations and photographs that enhance the overall reading experience. Secretariat's Meadow is a well-written and beautifully illustrated book that is a must-read for horse racing enthusiasts and history buffs alike.

Picking Winners: A Horseplayer's Guide is a classic book that every serious horseplayer and curious amateur should read. Andrew Beyer's creation of Beyer Speed Figures revolutionized handicapping in the field of thoroughbred racing. This book provides essential reading on handicap strategies and is often referenced by stock options traders for insight into the numbers game. The author's extensive knowledge and expertise in horse racing is evident throughout the book. Overall, Picking Winners is an indispensable tool for horseplayers and a must-read for anyone interested in the sport.

This practical book, published by CRC Press, offers a unique insight into the world of horses. Language Signs and Calming Signals of Horses: Recognition and Application helps horse lovers and equine professionals interpret the physical signals that horses display in response to their environment. With detailed descriptions, 275 pictures, and communication ladders, readers can learn how to recognize calming signals and improve the socialization, training, and wellbeing of their horse. This book is a must-read for anyone who wants to understand their horse's behavior and improve their relationship.

Out of the Clouds is a captivating book that tells the inspiring Cinderella story of Stymie, an unwanted Thoroughbred, and Hirsch Jacobs, the once dirt-poor trainer who bought the colt on the cheap and molded him into the most popular horse of his time and the richest racehorse the world had ever seen. The book takes readers on a crowd-pleasing ride with Stymie and Jacobs, unwinding a real-life Horatio Alger tale of a dauntless team and its working-class fans who lived vicariously through the stouthearted little colt they embraced as their own. Overall, this book is a must-read for anyone who loves horse racing and inspiring success stories.

...And On the Sixth Day God Created the Horse is a fascinating book that takes readers on a 365-day journey through the history of horses. From their use in warfare to medicine and entertainment, this book covers it all. The author shares unbelievable stories of horses that have left their mark on history and the impact they have had on human civilization. Readers will gain a newfound appreciation and understanding of these majestic creatures. This book is a must-read for any horse lover or history enthusiast. Overall, it is a unique and beautifully written tribute to the horse.

The Turcottes: The Remarkable Story of a Horse Racing Dynasty is a fascinating book that tells the story of a family's journey from their humble beginnings in a small lumberjack town to becoming one of the most successful horse racing dynasties in North America. Written by Curtis Stock, a Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame inductee, this book is part biography, part oral history and part creative nonfiction. It is an unforgettable ride through the major players and race days of thoroughbred racing, filled with triumphs, tragedies, losses, injuries, and heartbreaks. Overall, this is a must-read for any sports fan and an excellent addition to the U.S. State & Local History Books category.