Author Archives: admin

My mission to solve the mystery of Nearctic began as a casual question: where was Nearctic when the other horses were entering the starting gate for the 1957 Queen’s Plate?  He was, after-all, the most regally-bred horse in the country.  … Continue reading →

The seeds that grew into Dark Horse took root when I was presented with two distinct challenges:  a young horse, and an old mystery.  The two entered my life almost in tandem.  Initially I thought I would solve both reasonably quickly.  … Continue reading →

There are many, many stages in the writing and the publishing of books: the glimmer of an idea; research; more research; the first draft; second draft; third draft.  This afternoon my latest book, Secret life of horses, entered the next … Continue reading →

At this moment on our planet, we have to be content with memories.  And surely our horses have provided us with a slew of great moments to remember.  How about starting with Cigar, for it was on this date, 27 … Continue reading →

Following the lengthy van ride, the son of Fleur and Northern Dancer and the other Windfields youngsters had settled into their stalls in the stable area just north of the Keeneland Sales Pavilion. Among the prospective buyers wandering up and … Continue reading →

At the moment I am in the final stages of my latest book, Secret Life of Horses, born of my 12 year tenure as rider-in-residence at Windfields Farm estate, home of Eddie EP and Winifred Taylor. (Windfields also home to Northern … Continue reading →

Had it not been for The Minstrel the world of the Thoroughbred would be a very different place.  Yet, none of this might have happened because, the night before he was to be shipped to the Kentucky sales, he went rogue. … Continue reading →

When considering horse racing and the challenges at this time, particularly in North America, I marvel at those important turning points in history.  While it may not have been considered momentous in the moment, the number of these turning points in … Continue reading →

Page 150 Rivers of Gold: “In the theatre of the Thoroughbred The Minstrel deserves top-billing.  Where Nijinsky set the stage, The Minstrel put the show on the road. The equine version of Midas, The Minstrel fueled the illusion their sire, Northern … Continue reading →

Over the past few weeks I have been pondering Dr. Emmeline Hill’s recent findings that 97% of Thoroughbreds descend from Canada’s Northern Dancer.  Which led me to his Canadian son, The Minstrel.  Years ago I was rider-in-residence at Windfields estate, which meant … Continue reading →