Customer Reviews

Lightning in a Jar

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Of the 20+ horse racing books I have read in the last five years, Lightning in a Jar was a stand-out. The book provides an excellent overview of the horse breeding process leading to a racing career. The book gives some insight to the horse syndication process. If you are looking to purchase a horse or understand the horse breeding process, I highly recommend this book.

Unlike so many other horse racing books, there is not a lot of fill. There are a lot of high quality color pictures which were meaningful to the flow of the book. The quality of the paper the book is printed on was high as well. The book is an easy-to-read factual account of the history of Dogwood Stables. Several of the horses syndicated by Dogwood are discussed along with the trials and tribulations of the owner, Cot Campbell. Strong Buy!

"Lightning in a Jar" is a wonderful mixture of passion and infomation. It captures all the excitement, tension, magic and mystery of thoroughbred horse racing along with giving you a basic course in horse management. Cot Campbell, a former advertising executive, shares his personal journey and he is a real horseman, good trainer and peppery writer.I got involved with the thrills and disappointments of racing and wondered if I had the temperament (never mind the money) that Campbell says is essential for the "stretch run." Its a riveting book and the fine photos give an extra bonus.

EXCELLENT! I loved it so much I am reading it again. Lots of information that is plesently put together. Great read for anyone interested in horse racing.

I read this book because it was in my college daughter's library of books as required reading for a class on Thoroughbred racing, and I am considering the purchase of a couple of foals for resale. But even with my pointed interest and high recommendation from her school, I found the book to be far less than the useful guide it touts itself to be. (The top title of the book is "A thoroughbred owner's guide").

The book is a fairly quick read, but that might be because I skipped portions of a number of chapters that seemed designed to promote the business of the author (which apparently syndicates or sets up partnerships for multiple owners of horses). I found the lengthy descriptions of his (typically not famous) horses, employees, and even his wife a bit tedious.

If you're looking for ONE book to tell you about the industry there are better books available. However, if you are looking for a number of books, each giving a single business-view of the industry, this book is fine. In the parlance of the industry for win/place/show - this is a show.