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Horsezone Reviews: The Miss Andretti Story

Published on Friday, May 27, 2011 in Reviews

This riveting biography of sprinter Miss Andretti, written by former Harness and Thoroughbred race caller John Hunt, scores three and three quarters white socks, on Horsezone's Four White Sock Scale.  To say this was an enjoyable book is an understatement - I started reading on Easter Monday and read until 1.30am to finish it!

John Hunt has done a great job on this, his first book, because he really knows his subject.  You can tell he's spent a lot of time around horses and horse people and is able to truly bring the story to life.  I didn't actually know Miss Andretti's story prior to reading the book, so the way it's written made a real page turner for someone who didn't know the outcome, but even if you do know about Miss Andretti, the book will be an enjoyable refresher.

Basically Miss Andretti is a true, honest to goodness rags-to-riches tale - it's the story of a mare who came from the back blocks of WA, from obscure breeding and made it all the way to the top of Thoroughbred sprint racing. It's also about the man who discovered her.  David Mueller is the kind of man that any horse person can relate to - he knows about the day-in and day-out hard work that's involved when you have horses and calls a spade a spade.  He's a fascinating character because as real as he is, David got to experience what we all dream of - discovering that one truly great horse who changes your life.  Aside from Miss Andretti herself, the story is about the man show raised and introduced her to the world of racing.  As his ‘Princess’ rises to superstardom, Mueller’s marriage becomes strained and his daughter, chronically ill, faces death. Will he win all only to lose all?

John Hunt says in the Preface, "This is a story about hope. Horseracing is the canvas on which it is penned, yet hope is at its core."

While it's fascinating to read about the high profile racing people who ended up being involved in Miss Andretti's career, including veteran trainer Lee Freedman and jockey Craig Newitt, it's the horse herself and David Mueller's relationship with her that makes this a gripping story.

I loved the descriptions of Miss Andretti, you can picture this character-filled mare so clearly during her progress from a cheeky foal through to a somewhat temperamental, but undeniable superstar of the turf.  She's a flesh and blood horse who is totally realistic - she has ups and downs, highs and lows, just like any horse and it makes you like her all the more.  I loved the impact she had on people and their reactions when they realised she's a 'great one' - you get goosebumps right along side these folks, because as horse people, whatever the discipline, we're always on the search for a 'great one'!

When the book was finished, I missed Miss Andretti - it felt like she was a horse that I'd personally been involved with - I had to start Googling to find out about her life after racing.

So, needless to say, I highly recommend curling yourself up on wintry day and losing yourself in Miss Andretti's story, because if you're looking for a good horse yarn, which has all the elements required to excel in the genre - but also happens to be true - you won't go past this book! To be released on 1 June 2011. Enjoy!

by Jo Johnson


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