Never Say Die: A Kentucky Colt, the Epsom Derby, and the Rise of the Modern Thoroughbred Industry Hardcover – Illustrated, May 4, 2013

Any lover of horseracing should read this book. The information provided is invaluable and the story line is one that is difficult to put down. Even if you aren't a big fan the book is one that captivates you from the beginning with the ties to the Beatles. Truth is always more fascinating than fiction and this book proves it.

Never Say Die is an amazing story centering on one thoroughbred with a goal to educate readers on the growth of the American racing industry. James Nicholson has found such disparate tidbits as the titled horse's connection with the Beatles and has woven them into a very informative work. Nicholson's research also can be a bit of a curse as he often tries to squeeze too many facts into a sentence which creates a logjam with flow. Some sections discussing bloodlines almost take on a biblical appearance, sounding like one generation begats another which begats another and so forth. This exercising of the author's research muscle is distracting, but not detracting from the purpose of the book and the story. Racing fans will love it, while civilian readers will find it a safe bet.

A very interesting book. Possibly contains more information on the people involved in ownership and racing of the horse than most Thoroughbred books.Once again, the photographs are very good.A very enjoyable book. Highly recommended.

Enjoyed it very much

Amazing set of coincidences all coming together involving the English Derby and the start of the Beatles. Very well written

Fascinating intertwining historical events.

Great story !

Interesting and easy to read narrative, however repetitive. While the book brings together a set of amazing connections through Never Say Die, Nicolson's countless use of a variation of the phrase "permanently change the landscape of racing" was a bit tedious. Good read for avid racing fans, but if you want a good story reading the summary should suffice.