This is a story about Lexington, a horse that was incredibly fast - and could go long. In the mid 19th century, horse races went 4 miles, followed by a 45 minute rest/recouperation. Then another 4 mile race ensued. Lexington was the fastest of the time - even with his failing eyesight. His owner, Ten Broeck, quit racing him when Lexington was all but blind.
Another horse, Lecomte was almost as good and Lecomte's owner, Mr. Wells, proposed, with no proof, that his horse had been drugged and that's why Lexington had beaten Lecomte.
R.A. Alexander bought Lexington and the horse's offspring proved themselves as winners. But the Civil War started and there are no rules in war. Horses were badly needed and soldiers simply took what they could find. This is where I quit reading because I'm too much of a weenie when it comes to animals.
But I will say this book is meticulously researched and now I know more about horses than most of you do!
It's very readable and you'll enjoy all the history behind horse racing. And yes, I think you'll fall in love with Lexington