Rereading: THE BLOOD BAY COLT by Walter Farley

Illustrated by Milton Menasco

Walter Farley’s sixth book about race horses takes us to the world of harness racing, something I knew nothing about when first read this book at about age 12. The author not only educated me and other readers, he did it in an exciting way with some fine writing.

Tom Messenger loves horses, and makes regular visits to a harness racing training track a few miles from his home. He’s become friends with long-time driver Jimmy Creech and his assistant George, and loves helping out with their racing mare, the Queen, who is pregnant by the amazing race horse The Black through Jimmy’s friend Henry Daily. Jimmy needs a place for the Queen to have her foal in a quiet country setting, and Tom suggests the farm of his Uncle Wilmer and Aunt Emma many miles away would be ideal. The plan is set, and Tom will be there to take care of the Queen while Jimmy and George do their summer racing circuit at all the county fairs.

Tom finds trouble with Uncle Wilmer, who has his own ideas about how to handle horses, and doesn’t like Jimmy’s way, which is what Tom is firmly following. When the foal is born, it’s a magic moment, but later Uncle Wilmer keeps trying to interfere in the training of the young colt, until he causes harm, and realizes he should leave Tom to do things as Jimmy wanted. When Jimmy comes to their local fair to race, everyone meets and friendships are formed. Tom goes back with the foal, named Bonfire, to continue to help train him.

Then Jimmy’s stomach trouble returns, and forces him out of racing and into a hospital. Now it’s Tom doing the training and driving, getting Bonfire ready for his debut the following summer, with George’s help. It’s a big responsibility, but Tom and Bonfire have formed a bond that makes them a great team. Are they great enough to win races, though? Jimmy’s medical bills need paying, and winning races is the only way to get there.

Despite all these books having similar elements, Farley gives each one unique characters and challenges, and writes about them well. I found the chapter on the birth of the foal particularly effective. Recommended.

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