This was a miracle of a story and I'm so grateful Kim Wickens told it to the world. I don't love horse racing, but my husband does. This gave us so much to talk about and I want to read much more by Wickens now and about Lexington!

Lexington: The Extraordinary Life and Turbulent Times of America's Legendary Racehorse

Author Kim Wickens
(This review is from an ARC sent to me from NetGalley)

“The powerful true story of the champion Thoroughbred racehorse who gained international fame in the tumultuous Civil War–era South, and became the most successful sire in American racing history”
Every horse running in the 2023 Kentucky Derby descends from a mighty stallion named Lexington, the most renowned thoroughbred of the 19th century. “Best Time ever Made” declared the headline in the Louisville Daily Courier on April 4, 1855.
Horse racing in the United States dates back to 1665, which saw the establishment of the Newmarket course in Salisbury, New York, a section of what is now known as the Hempstead Plains of Long Island, New York.
Robert A. Alexander was the first to establish a systematic design method for horse breeding. Woodburn Stud was home to the stallion Lexington (1850–1875), America's leading sire for sixteen years. Lexington sired numerous champions and winners of major races including, Duke of Magenta, Kentucky and Preakness, for whom the Preakness Stakes is named. Woodburn breeding yielded 18 winners of US Triple Crown winners and other major winners including Lexington's grandson Foxhall.
Lexington was the fastest runner of his time, but more important: he was the greatest sire of his time, producing more champion offspring than any other stallion. Beginning in 1861 he led America's sire list 14 consecutive years until he died in 1875 and then headed the list twice more posthumously.
Kim Wickens spent years researching the horse Lexington and his legacy and takes us back to the beginning of American horse racing.

This book is a definite must read for anyone with a love for horses or track racing, I found the writing engaging and easy to read.

This is a very well written story. The first 1/3 of the book gives you the background and life of Lexington. I was raised with horses, not racers, but quarter horses. I know my mother kept all the records for the births and lineage of foals on the farm, but I had never thought about the importance of this record keeping. The dedicated people that bred for future generations for specific reasons in the 1880’s and the importance of lineage for racing had a future vision.
I was then surprised the second 1/3 of the book filled in the life after racing for Lexington, this part was almost as interesting as the first.
The last 1/3 is documentation of her research. Great book….
The author did an enormous amount of research and it was so well worth it. I highly recommend and give it high 5 stars.
I received an ARC from Random House Publishing Group and NetGalley for my unbiased review – This one comes in with high 5 stars.

This book will appeal to history buffs and horse lovers alike. Lexington's story was a great read and holds your attention from the first page until the last. I enjoyed reading his story and highly recommend it.
II received a complimentary copy from Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine Books via NetGalley and was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Horse Racing in the Civil War Era

One of America’s greatest Thoroughbred racehorses and shires, Lexington was born, raced, and stood stud during the Civil War Era. Horse racing was different in that era. Horses raced a mile as they do today, but they might have to race four times and win twice to be declared a winner. Stamina was very important. Lexington set a record for the fastest four miles.

Unfortunately he was going blind that meant that he was eventually put to stud. Here also he was an outstanding performer. In fact, twelve of thirteen triple Crown winners were descended from Lexington. Even after retiring from racing, life wasn’t easy. The Civil War erupted and the need for horses drove men not only to pay exorbitant prices for them, but also to steal them. I found this historical part of the story extremely interesting.

The book also dealt well with the question of slavery. Being born in the South and owned by a plantation owner, slavery was part of Lexington’s life. His groom was a slave named Jarret. Lexington formed a deep bond with Jarret. It’s one of the most delightful parts of the story.

The book is very well written and based on a huge amount of research. It’s also a long book, but well worth the time to read it and learn more about both Thoroughbred racing and the Civil War.

Thanks to the publisher and Net Galley for this review copy.

Since I was a kid I have always loved horses and read many books, both nonfiction and fiction about them and since I have never heard of Lexington this book peak my interested and I was glad I read it, since it put the horse back where he belongs, in the spot little for being a champion.

The story of this amazing horse was both informative and very adventurous. I never knew that racing started out as a four mile event or how primitive it was at the beginng in America, but because of magnificent horses like Lexington and men who believe in them, the sport has evolved to the race we have today. However, the story doesn't stop there but also describes how life was for both horses and men during the Civil War and how traitorous it was for both. The most interesting part of the story is how Lexington was lost to us, even though he did so much for horses and the sport. In fact there is a story about the Smithsonian and Lexington that was simple unbelievable.

I want to thank Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine, Ballantine Books and NetGalley for an advance copy of a book about a magnificent horse.

Given that I don't have any affinity for horseracing, or even horses, or actually even animals at all, I'm astounded that this is the third horse biography that I've read and thouroughly enjoyed.*
What I do love is history, especially American history that is new to me, and this book absolutely had that covered.
Lexington was a nineteenth-century racehorse who set records, endured horse-style tragedy, and continued his legacy by becoming, according to records and awards, the greatest stud of all time. The epilogue included a list of his descendants that have won Kentucky derbys, triple crowns, horse of the year awards, etc and it looks quite impressive. The story of what happened to his mortal remains was crazy interesting too.
There were also related offshoots on topics such as how important horseracing used to be to the general public; the relationship of horses and criminal gangs during the Civil War; and the lending policies of the Smithsonian.
If you like history, I can guarantee you'll enjoy this book.
*The others were "Seabiscuit" and "Beautiful Jim Key", in case you were wondering.

This horse was named for the city where he was born but he became well known to those from many other areas. He was one of the greatest race horse EVER. Lexington also sired many other famous race horses.

This is the story of both a horse and his times. That time was the Civil War era. It is nonfiction that reads easily. Recommended to anyone interested in horses, history and/or a good story. Those who read Geraldine Brooks’s recent novel may also want to read this one. It is written by an author who understands horses.

Many thanks to Random House Publishing Group for this title. All opinions are my own.

I am not a racing fan, nor am I familiar with horses. I do, however, have an interest in history. I was drawn to Kim Wickens’ book because it takes place during a critical period in American history. Wickens’ love of horses comes through on every page. She takes you from the races and race tracks of the 1830s that proved to be a major entertainment, through the Civil War, where horses played a critical role and through the offspring of one of the most famous race horses. Even with impaired vision, Lexington’s performance was amazing. After retiring from racing he sired an impressive line of champions. General U.S. Grant’s own horse, Cincinnati, was sired by Lexington.

This is a lesson in history that is well written and it is easy to get caught up in the stories of slaves who tended the horses and served as jockeys and the men who promoted the sport. There are stories of guerillas during the war who raided horses and looted towns. It is also the story of the men who protected their thoroughbreds. The stories are accompanied by newspaper articles and archived communications and were well researched. I came away from this book with a better understanding of our history of racing and with an admiration for a horse named Lexington. I would like to thank NetGalley for providing this book for my review.

This was a well researched book. Anyone really interested in horse racing history will enjoy it. I was expecting the story to be a bit different. It felt stiff and formal to me.
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the early copy

I am a fan of the Triple Crown races and I was amazed that 12 of 13 Triple Crown winners can be traced back to Lexington. I definitely wanted to read his story. Lexington (originally named Darley) ran at a time when horses ran multiple four-mile heats, and while injured. It would be unheard of today. He passed his incredible stamina on to many Triple Crown winners, including Secretariat.

This book is a reminder that the modern-day racehorse is a descendant of war horses who rode fearlessly into battle. While today’s horse breeding is a pastime for the wealthy, and thoroughbreds are treated with great care, horses of the past worked hard and were constantly put in danger.

The contributions of the enslaved in pre-Civil War times are also explored. “Enslaved men and boys were the ones in the barns, riding the horses, feeding, medicating, and training.” In fact, Lexington’s first trainer was Harry Lewis, a formerly enslaved man who had been freed.

This book is meticulously researched and written with care. I especially enjoyed the story of how Lexington’s skeleton was rescued from an attic in the Smithsonian. Anyone who loves horses and racing will enjoy this book.

I received a free copy of this book from the publishers via Netgalley. My review is voluntary and the opinions expressed are my own.

Enjoyed this book to get a closer look at the horse Lexington. It was thoroughly and thoughtfully written. Any person that enjoys horses or horse racing should pick this book up. This was very informative and gave me a better perspective of the horse racing industry of the past.


Thank you NetGalley, Kim Wickens and Random House Publishing Group for the ARC of Lexington in exchange for my honest review.

A must read for fans of horse racing, horses, or history. This meticulously researched volume centers on Lexington, ,the horse featured in Gwnedolyn Brooks' novel "Horse" but it's also about the people involved with him and most interestingly, what happened when his racing career was over. Wickens makes what could be a dry subject (for some) come alive- this is written an accessible, highly readable way with terrific storytelling. It's the book I would have adored as a horse mad teen and it's one I deeply enjoyed as an adult. Thanks to netgalley for the ARC. Highly recommend.

I read and loved Horse by Geraldine Brooks, a fictionalized story about the famous racehorse and sire Lexington, so was excited and grateful to get an ARC of Lexington. Girded for disappointment that the true life history would not be as great as the life Brooks envisioned, I was not disappointed. Brooks’s book is a novel and centered on the enslaved and/or Black trainers and jockeys, as well as a current story line of finding the skeletal remains of Lexington lost in the attics of the Smithsonian. Wickets’ book dives into the history of the breeding, training, and ownership of the racehorse along with his wins and losses and ends with his days at stud and the far reaching lineage of his progeny. Along the way we learn a lot about horse racing in the 1800’s, racetracks, the Kentucky thoroughbred tradition, the impact of the Civil War, and much more. There is a lot on content here to give context of the world at the time and the world of horse racing at the time. It is interesting to me that the skeletal remains languished in storage at the Smithsonian until a renewed interest and requests to borrow the bones, which were always refused, forced the decision to clean and preserved the bones for exhibit. Then when that exhibit was done, back into storage the bones went until the International Museum of the Horse in Lexington, Kentucky requested to borrow Lexington as a long term exhibit and bring him back to Kentucky - yet when you go to the website there is no mention of Lexington or the Kentucky Room where he is suppose to be. I am resolved to visit IMH, but you can be sure I will call ahead and ask if he is there!

Lexington The Extraordinary Life and Turbulent Times of America's Legendary Racehorse by Kim Wickens
Wanted to read this book because it's about horses, racing and I enjoy watching the KY Derby and other triple crown races involved. We rode a horse in NH for very first time for each of us and it was fun to learn how to control them. I was very frightening, not knowing what to expect...
Liked reading this book because I learned so much about horse racing and betting in KY in 1800's. Very enlightening. Love learning about the silks and when they came into play, the gambling and how they ran the horses in New Orleans.
Hated hearing of the moon blindness all due to human error.
War comes ot the south and the horses of in danger of being taken by some who dress as northern troops.
Love how the story follows the trail of Lexington and all the horses he was a part of
and their journey. Love hearing how the horses were moved from one location to another.
Love learning about the black horsemen who also not only trained but were the jockeys at times. So much research has gone into this book, love reading the back, references, bibliography and so much more. To understand this horse sired so many others who've won the triple crown. I just can't wait to go visit the National Museum of Horses on our way through KY.
A KEEPER !
Received this review copy from Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine, Ballantine Books via
NetGalley and this is my honest opinion.
#Lexington #NetGalley

After reading the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel Horse by Geraldine Brooks, I wanted to know the facts behind the story. Kim Wickens provides the facts here, in an enriching book that kept my attention. More than a history of horse racing, this book provides insight into the life of a talented horse, the people who cared for him, and the turmoil in society at the time in the United States. The differences between historical horse racing and the breeding goals of today’s thoroughbreds are clearly explained. Lexington and his people (owners, trainers, handlers) are finally returning to the spotlight to be recognized for what they accomplished.

This is a beautiful book for the love of one powerful horse: Lexington.

Kim Wickens captured my attention with a well-researched part of history bringing the gifted racehorse, Lexington, from the 19th century to life. It was a time when a good horse meant everything from transportation to entertainment of thousands of spectators at race courses throughout the north and south. “During the 1850s, horse racing was America’s supreme spectator sport.”

She focused on two owners of Lexington. The first part was with Richard Ten Broeck who bought the colt, Lexington, and profited on the racetrack. The second part was with Robert Aitcheson Alexander who used this horse for breeding. All was good until the destructive Civil War.

It was the history in the 1860s that I found to be most interesting. Thoroughbred horses during the war were at a premium and the guerrillas were on the search. A good horse was more valuable than a revolver. The estimated price of race horses and trotters were $32,000 (an estimated $500,000 today). Alexander had the goods.

It couldn’t have been easy for the author to decide what to include in the book. There are pages of notes and a bibliography in the back which showcases how much research it took to write this. The illustrations, news clips and photos were a good addition. The book reads well and everything at the end ties into the beauty and strength of Lexington – a horse that will never be forgotten.

My thanks to Ballantine Books and NetGalley for allowing me to read this advanced copy with an expected release date of July 11, 2023.

I know very little about racehorses and their history so I was hoping this would be the book to read. The horse on the cover is beautiful and that made me really want to know more about Lexington.
The book gave me a good background on the horse and how Lexington is connected to many racehorses today.
I learned about horse racing and the people behind them reading this book.
Thank you NetGalley, Kim Wickens and Random House Publishing Group for the ARC of Lexington. This is my personal review.

Recently I read Horse by Geraldine Brooks, which is an historical fiction account of Lexington. (Review to come!), who says this book is “A vivid portrait of America’s greatest stallion, the larger-than-life men who raced and bred him, and the dramatic times in which they lived.” I’d have to agree.

I love watching the Triple Crown every year. Even when there’s no chance of a Triple Crown winner, you’ll find my husband and myself watching The Kentucky Derby, Preakness, and Belmont Stakes. If I remember, in the fall, I watch the Breeder’s Cup. I’m a casual fan, and have read about the history of the races and certain horses, but I had never heard of Lexington. It’s time that this and future generations learn about this extraordinary horse in racing history.

If you’re expecting another book with soaring prose like Seabiscuit, you’d be wrong. The book reads more like a story than a non-fiction book, like Seabiscuit, but that book was more memoir than historical record. Lexington is a history of the modern thoroughbred in America, not just about the horse but the people surrounding him: his owners, his trainers, his black jockeys, and his offspring.

You don’t have to love horse racing like I do to be interested in how the sport changed with the introduction of Darley, later named Lexington after the city he came from. He was an exceptionally strong and fast horse, who ran the fastest 4-mile race in history on a terrible track that chewed up his shoes and feet. He was at a disadvantage while racing, because improper care during an illness had left him completely blind in one eye and failing sight in the other. Somehow, Lexington still managed to run faster than any other horse.

The impact of Lexington as a sire is extraordinary: of the thirteen Triple Crown winners, 12 have lineage that leads back to Lexington. Of the first 20 of the major races held including the Triple Crown, the Saratoga Stakes, the Kentucky Oaks and Travers Stakes, his descendants won most of the races. His legacy lives on to this day in the most of the Horse of the Year selections, including 2022’s pick: Flightline.

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley and Ballantine Books in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Lexington will be released July 2023.