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My Guy Barbaro: A Jockey's Journey Through Love, Triumph, and Heartbreak
by
Edgar Prado,
John Eisenberg (Goodreads Author)
A new superstar appeared on the American sports landscape in the spring of 2006. Barbaro, a three-year-old racehorse, won the Kentucky Derby by the largest margin of victory in sixty years, stirring talk of a possible Triple Crown. But in the opening yards of the Preakness Stakes two weeks later, the magnificent animal suffered a catastrophic leg injury that ended his un-
...morePaperback, 202 pages
Published
April 1st 2009
by Harper Paperbacks
(first published April 1st 2008)
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This is a fast-moving tale told by the man who was aboard Barbaro for his dirt wins, including the Derby. Not only does the book give insight on Barbaro, it's also a fascinating look at a top jockey's life--and at Edgar Prado himself. I admired him before; the feeling has only deepened upon reading this. We all know how this ends, so I don't think I need to tell anyone to bring tissues to the occasion, but just in case you somehow missed the Barbaro tragedy, do make sure you're stocked.
...more
The story is no less sad for being well-known. This account of Barbaro's career, recuperation and death is written by his jokey, Edgar Prado, along with the sportswriter John Eisenberg.
It's not the most well-written book (and certainly can't hold a candle to Laura Hillenbrand's Seabiscuit ), but it's an easy, quick read. In that sense, it reminds me of all the horse books I lived through vicariously as a kid. Along with the basic Barbaro narrative, Prado describes his own life, inc...more
It's not the most well-written book (and certainly can't hold a candle to Laura Hillenbrand's Seabiscuit ), but it's an easy, quick read. In that sense, it reminds me of all the horse books I lived through vicariously as a kid. Along with the basic Barbaro narrative, Prado describes his own life, inc...more
The heart-breaking story of a very talented, courageous and inspirational horse. I agree the prose is a bit choppy, but it doesn't take away from the heart of the story; the love of all who worked with Barbaro. He was a wonderful horse who touched the world. What could have been if he had been able to race, a potential Tripe Crown winner. I was moved by how much Edgar Prado obviously loved Barbaro as well as his trainer and owners.
I generally liked the book. It was a good story and it gave me insight into the life of horse racing. I must say that I found the author (Edgar Prado - the jockey) to be quite focused on himself a lot. I think it's great that he's accomplished all he has done, but at the same time he kept talking himself up. Wouldn't have been so bad, but it continued on and on throughout the book. Also, I won't doubt that he had a connection with Barbaro. However, at the same time, he had only seen him fo...more
A simple, but sweet, story of the tragedy of Barbaro, the 2006 Kentucky Derby winner, and his devoted jockey, Edgar Prado, who truly loved him. Despite all attempts to save this incredible horse, Barbaro died from complications of a severe racing injury.
Though the narrative is a little choppy, I love how Prado focuses on so much of the horse's emotions and behaviors. There is a fair amount of info about the people surrounding the horse, but I actually liked that this time due to most of it being a background on a jockey coming through the ranks. All the comments about great horses, Polytrack, loving horses (and the necessity and impossibility of separating ourselves from them in racing), and other racing issues makes for a great book. I wond...more
If you love horses, you will love this one!
Lots of love and support for my friend, Edgar.
One of the most heartbreaking falls from grace in horse racing history. This book gives the reader a view not often heard. Edgar Prado fell in love with this horse and takes the reader through Barbaro's rise and fall. A book of raw emotion. The last 100 pages I spent weeping like a baby.
So disappointed in the book. I found it to be boring and I got annoyed by the constant "I'm such a amazing jockey" attitude that resonates throughout the book. About halfway through I lost interest and just wanted to get it finished.
(suspect to be ghostwritten)
so the prose and such is very...undeveloped and straight forward but the story is heart-breaking especially if you like horses.
so the prose and such is very...undeveloped and straight forward but the story is heart-breaking especially if you like horses.
Inspiring yet sad as we know the end. Prado does justice to this hero of not just the equine world.
One of the most beautiful pieces of both equine and sports writing I've ever read.
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