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Reviewed by Asher Syed for Readers' Favorite
Silver Charm: And the Old Friends Who Save the Thoroughbreds by M.J. Evans is a biography of Silver Charm, a thoroughbred colt born in 1994 who rose to prominence under trainer Bob Baffert and owners Bob and Beverly Lewis, winning the 1997 Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes. Despite a near miss in the Belmont Stakes, Silver Charm's career included victories such as the 1998 Dubai World Cup. After retiring from racing, Silver Charm was put out to stud and later returned to the U.S. for a peaceful retirement at Old Friends Farm. Evans' book highlights his legacy and the broader issue of retired racehorse aftercare, emphasizing efforts by organizations like Old Friends, CARMA, and the Retired Racehorse Project to provide safe retirements and new careers for these horses.
M.J. Evans’ Silver Charm is a detailed look at the life of the titular celebrated racehorse, which is given to readers in a mix of conversational non-fiction storytelling and a detailed examination of the rigorous training and challenges involved in racing. The writing style is straightforward, and as someone who loves horses but knows nothing of racing, I found her explanations easy to follow, ensuring both experts and casual readers can connect with the material. While Evans does a deep dive into Silver Charm’s career, she also pays tribute to the people who shaped his journey. The standout is the first female stallion manager at Gainsborough Farm, Sandy Hatfield, whose inclusion highlights the often-overlooked contributions of women in a male-dominated industry. Overall, this is a thoughtful read that addresses what it means to be a retired racehorse through the lens of a champion. Very highly recommended.