Wow! eBook
Citation: In a Class by Himself
Author(s): Phil Georgeff (Author)
- Publisher: Taylor Trade Publishing
- Publication Date: 3 Mar. 2003
- Language: English
- Print length: 256 pages
- ISBN-10: 0878332928
- ISBN-13: 9780878332922
Book Description
When Citation (1945-1970) retired in mid-1951, he was horseracing’s first and, to that point, only millionaire racehorse. Following his 1948 triumphs at the Kentucky Derby, Preakness, and Belmont in 1948, it would be twenty-five years before another horse (Secreteriat) would again wear the coveted Triple Crown. Citation, by legendary announcer and longtime horseracing insider Phil Georgeff, reveals all about the thoroughbred, his remarkable career, and those in his inner circle. Georgeff delves into Citation’s unusual bloodline; the death of his original rider, Al Snider, swept out to sea while fishing off the Florida keys; Citation’s stunning 1948 Triple Crown victory; and the ultimate effects of the horse’s excessive, aggressive schedule (racing on little rest after traveling cross-country in sweltering vans and railroad boxcars). Based on interviews from those who knew the thoroughbred, including famed jockey Eddie Arcaro and renowned son-and-father trainers Ben A. and Jimmy Jones; Citation is more than merely the biography of a gifted horse. It the full story of the greatest sports figure in the history of horseracing, a champion who won or placed in thirty different contests in his career and whose spirit continue to captivate the American public.
Editorial Reviews
Review
…Georgeff’s admiration and affection for Citation…is catching, and his raw enthusiasm for the sport will excite any fan.– “Publishers Weekly”
Citation profits from the unique and rich writing style of Phil Georgeff, who’s lived it. Name any horse or jockey of the last 60 years, and the man has innumerable first-hand stories of them.– “Publishers Weekly”
His writing style makes for a very entertaining yet informative read, perfectly suited to the subject at hand. …his complete order of finish is one that every race fan would enjoy reading and debating over. Georgeff’s work is strongly recommended to all racing fans especially history buffs. His aim was to ensure that Citation is never forgotten, and through this book he won’t be.– “Horse-Races.Net”
About the Author
Phil Georgeff, author of And They’re Off! (also published by Taylor Trade Publishing) and two novels on horseracing, he lives in Fairhope, Alabama. Tommy Trotter, longtime racing secretary at Belmont Park, lives in Hallandale, Florida.
