Battleship: A Daring Heiress, A Teenage Jockey, and America's Horse

Ours's horse story, a history of racing in the 1930s, doubles as a profile of the DuPont family and its heiress, Marion, who was an extraordinary horsewoman. The action unfolds on multiple levels, from the story of a young British jockey, son of a legendary horseman, to the events leading to the remarkable victory achieved by Battleship, an undersized, feisty, and somewhat ugly horse. Sired by the famed Man o'War, Battleship was the first American winner at England's revered Grand National. Racing authority Ours (Man o'War) describes the difficulty of the course and how Marion entered Battleship, at what would be the apex of his long racing career, into contention despite advice from racing professionals who worried about his short stature and limited abilities for such a race. This glimpse into the privileged world of old-fashioned racing reveals the wealthy patrons and the unforgettable trainers whose passion prevailed in the often dangerous sport. One of Ours's strengths is her ability to bring races to life, and her chronology and characters depict a riveting, real-life soap opera. 8-p b/w photo insert. (May)