The Champion

Reading like a good magazine article padded out to make an undistinguished book, this is the story of Owen Smith, a horse raised by the author and destined for the racetrack. In 1970, Gene Smith had written a children's book, The Winner, about an injured horse who cured himself; life imitated art when Owen was hurt so seriously in a stall accident that he could never race. But Owen, a kind and patient animal, withstood punishing medical treatment and was later able to provide riding therapy for handicapped children. The tale of Owen comprises less than half the book, however; the rest is a pedestrian account of the author's career as a newsman and a horse-player, as well as his family's experience as breeders and owners before Owen was born. Owen's triumph, though, will appeal strongly to horse lovers and devotees of heroic tales. (March)