In the Presence of a Champion

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	• Ruffian Jane Schwartz Ballantine Books, 1994 average customer review:based on 62 reviews view larger image
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highly recommended

In the Presence of a Champion

Rarely does an author manage to capture and define the rich and varied mix of people and circumstances that go into making a championship racehorse. And for good reason. It is a bit like cooking up a stew that has all sorts of spices thrown in. There are certain things you can control - the amount of detail to include, the descriptions of the people and races, the pace of the story - but in the end you're never quite sure what you'll have until you finish. On a larger scale, that is what happens in the breeding and racing of thoroughbreds, and lovers of the sport will be first to admit it. That is why Ruffian was such a breath taking surprise in her 10 unbeaten starts, and such a heart wrenching loss in her final defeat. It is also what makes Schwartz's account so moving.

Schwartz has managed to tell Ruffian's story with wit and wisdom through the lives of the people who shepherded her through her career. Gradually, through their eyes you come to know a young horse that was both unusually poised and hauntingly determined. Every jockey who ever rode her was struck by the length of her stride, the ease of her acceleration and the futility of trying to hold her back. Ruffian left little doubt in anyone's mind that she loved to run and had the raw physical strength and coordination to win. It was this combination that made her the darling of the horseracing world for one brief season and proved to be her undoing the next.

For anyone who loves to watch thoroughbreds run, who is captivated by their beauty and spirit, this book is a must. Schwartz got the recipe right, and you will feel that you have been in the presence of a champion by the time you have finished.

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An on depth look into racing

I have known about the filly Ruffian since I was in third grade and read Claflin's book. This book is much more detailed--Claflin's is for younger readers, but has more beautiful photos--while Shwartz's is for adults. It always makes me cry, and I always have to reread it every couple of years. This book is the crown jewel of any Ruffian collection (I have books and magazine clippings and pictures). The story is so amazing even people who are not interested in horses or racing will love it. A fantastic and loving tribute to one of the most amazing, talented, and beautiful animals the world has ever seen. It should be made into a movie.

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Wonderful! Best One!

This is definately one of the best books written on Ruffian. It was the final jewel to my Ruffian collection... Pictures, all the books written on her, videos of all her races, models, etc... and is one of my favorites. I've read it three times and each time it makes me cry. Unlike the other books, it does not describe Ruffian's death as "Ruffian was euthanized." Instead, it is in Ruffian's point of view. She's running freely now, with no cast, no pain. I did an oral language piece on this book and went on to regionals. I highly recommend this book to adults, but not to young kids. There is very frequent, strong language throughout this book, and is very detailed.

Whether you are into horse racing or not, you will love this book. It is a wonderful addition to any horse lover's book collection!

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still burning in my heart

I had heard a few scattered stories about Ruffian, just enough to pique my curiosity. I was lent this book and I started reading it and could not put it down. Such a courageous filly. Such a superstar. Such a tragic end. Get your kleenex - read it and weep. I have read this book three times now, every couple of years since I first was given this book to read. I have bought it for myself and I have bought copies for other people. These are not necessarily "horse race people". All say the same thing - a wonderfully written story about a once in a lifetime kind of horse.

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Excellent book, period!

If you liked Seabiscuit, you'd love this book. It goes in depth on the horse, trainer and the jockey. It has a tragic ending and excitement throughout. It is truly a fine read.

reviews: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, page 9, 10, 11, 12, 13

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