American Pharoah

The Untold Story of the Triple Crown Winner's Legendary Rise

By: Joe Drape

Narrated by: Aaron Abano

Length: 8 hrs and 36 mins

Publisher's summary

New York Times best seller.

History was made at the 2015 Belmont Stakes when American Pharoah won the Triple Crown, the first since Affirmed in 1978. As magnificent as the champion is, the team behind him has been all too human while on the road to immortality.

Written by an award-winning New York Times sportswriter, American Pharoah is the definitive account not only of how the ethereal colt won the Kentucky Derby, Preakness, and Belmont Stakes, but how he changed lives. Through extensive interviews, Drape explores the making of an exceptional racehorse, chronicling key events en route to history. Covering everything from the flamboyant owner's successful track record, the jockey's earlier heartbreaking losses, and the Hall of Fame trainer's intensity, Drape paints a stirring portrait of a horse for the ages and the people around him.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your My Library section along with the audio.

©2016 Joe Drape (P)2016 Hachette Audio

Narrated like a Pre-School Teacher

The tone of this narration is insipid and sugary. It is almost unbearably enthused with a prodding "gitchee gitchee goo!" baby talk. Sad, because the racing and technical aspects are informative, but it's ruined by the almost pre- school teacher nap time fairy tale narration.

This wasn't to my taste

The reading itself was done well, but I quickly got fed up with the cutesy storyline and the tendency to make everything like a children's storybook. It did everything but say "when a mommy horse and a daddy horse love each other very much." I've read many great horse biographies over the years, and C.W. Anderson never once felt the need to get syrupy about his subjects. Other writers have been able to do a good job writing about competitive horses, but this one just didn't appeal to me.

Within three chapters, I'd had enough.

If you have worked with horses, are familiar with the horse industry as a whole and the racing industry specifically, this book may not be for you. If your sole contact with horses has been seeing them on TV and the occasional police and carriage horse, this will give you the depth of explanation that helps you understand how racers are bred, raised, trained, and competed.

I couldn't stand "War Horse" either. Want a good story? "Eighty Dollar Champion" tells it right. Yeah, I know it's not about a race horse. "Funny Cide" was an excellent book, made so by the antics of the owners. You don't have to settle for this.

Triple Crown!

What made the experience of listening to American Pharoah the most enjoyable?

Reliving American Pharoah's journey to the Triple Crown

Any additional comments?

It was thorough, if sometimes a little confusing, coverage of all of the main players in a great moment in racing history. I would have liked to have heard more about American Pharoah and less about the people around him, but I guess that the horse hasn't been giving interviews. :)

Glad I didn't buy it, free download

Kept hoping the story would be remarkable about horse, people, but boring, long, no spark,

Baffert hagiography

If you want to listen to a poorly written hagiography of Bob Baffert and his perfect family, this is your book.

Waste of time

This is one of the worst books I’ve had the displeasure of listening to. I made it through 3 chapters. The writing implies that the reader has the intellect of a toddler. The performer also puts emphasis in strange places. Not a fan.

Wow! this is inspiring for any athlete!

it takes a village to make a horse and AP goes into detail on the winning playbook. yes, it involves luck. but also an emotional rollercoaster of wins, losses, and relentless commitment from all involved. including an amazing horse.

review

narrator not the greatest..no " Passion to his performance.. he seemed forced... took away from the book

American Pharoah

I am a horse racing fan and supporter and have been for many years. I thought this story was very well presented . What better subject for a fan than a " triple crown "winner and great racehorse! I would highly recommend this book to anyone that appreciates the "sport of kings!"
PJ. In TX

Let's Find Out If Audible Gives A Damn!

Every one of my reviews have been marked as "Not Helpful" by 5 - 6 people. You are cowards who hide behind anonymity and do not contribute to this site. I have contacted Audible.

You are unlike American Pharoah who is gifted, worked hard and won.