Book Review: Horse Racing by Arthur Frank

If you’re looking for a book filled with photos of the most recognizable horses and races of recent times, then Horse Racing by Arthur Frank, is probably not for you. If you are, however, looking for a piercing and unique look into the heart and soul of the Sport of Kings through a talented artist’s portrayal of the equines and humans that make horse racing go, then I can happily recommend a winner in Horse Racing.

Award winning photographer, Arthur Frank takes the reader on a visual journey with 168 masterful photographs of our sport from beginning to end. From the youngest foals through the grizzled hard-boots, Frank uses numerous techniques of his medium to paint one complete picture. Spanning the world of racing from all corners of the United States, to the training facilities and race courses of France and Ireland, Frank leaves no stone unturned in finding the meaningful shots for his readers. 

Frank, who I’ve seen in action at major racing venues, has been a sports photographer for more than twenty years. His appreciation and understanding of our sport jumps from the pages as he connects the beauty and majesty of the thoroughbred with the people who breed, own, train, ride, care for, bet, and enjoy them. I found the entirety of the 168 photographs to be a wonderful narrative of a sport that has had me hooked for as long as I can remember.

Adding to the appeal of the book is a beautiful essay penned by award-wining sportswriter, Joe Drape. Like Frank, a fellow New Yorker, Drape does an excellent job of both accompanying and foreshadowing the pages to come with his words on the depth and meaning to be found within the sport of horse racing.

In conclusion, Horse Racing, a book of photography by Arthur Frank would make a great addition to any horse racing fan’s library. Look for it now at Amazon.com, Barnesandnoble.com, and Schiffer Books.