Dr. Fager: Racing's Top Record Setter

Thoroughbred Legends #2

by Steve Haskin

One of the most versatile and talented racehorses of modern times. 1968's Horse of the Year, champion handicap horse, champion sprinter, and co-champion grass horse. First and only horse ever to win four titles in a single year. He remains one of the most popular racehorses of the modern era.

Genres: Horse Racing, Horses, Nonfiction

149 pages, Paperback

First published April 25, 2000

Reviews

[Tania · Rating 5 out of 5]

Foaled in 1964 and named for a doctor who saved his trainer's life, Dr. Fager was an exceptional horse. In this brief but well-written overview of his life on and off the track, his personality and talent both shine through. Haskin clearly understands the racing world and the life of a thoroughbred, and easily translates the facts and figures of Dr. Fager's racing record into a fast-paced, interesting profile on a great thoroughbred who won records and hearts alike. A crowd favorite who had no use for whips because he'd willingly run his races riderless and win all the same, Dr. Fager's brief time in our world left a lasting impression.

Dr. Fager (the book) conveys all of the excitement one must have felt to watch this legend on the racetrack. I enjoyed learning about his antics and habits and seeing how he responded to different jockeys and opponents. There was a balanced amount of time spent on the races themselves and on his backstory and non-race time, as well for his owner, trainer, and jockeys.

[Wendy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love Dr. Fager. Love him, love him, love him. So this book didn't have to do much work to win me over.

If I hadn't loved the subject so much, it undoubtedly would've got 2 stars from me, rather than 3. The whole thing was rushed, and little more than a quick recitation of facts and quotes arranged into book form. Interesting side-notes were routinely left abandoned.

Haskin did not love his subject, let's put it that way. There was no warmth, no care in his writing. It showed.

But Dr. Fager was still amazing.

[Caryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Haskin's account of Dr. Fager's career took me right back to my childhood following Thoroughbred racing closely. The descriptions of the Doc's races were exciting, and his trainer's theories and campaign plans for the great horse added to the story. This book was quick, entertaining read, and I look forward to reading more books from this series.

[Kim · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty decent account of this great thoroughbred. A very quick read, however. Probably only of interest to the serious horse racing fan.