From the Desert to the Derby: The Ruling Family of Dubai's Billion-Dollar Quest to Win America's Greatest Horse Race

Rating:
Summary: No Derby, But A Great Read
Review: Essence of Dubai, who was gunning for this year's 128th Derby for Sheikh Mohammed's Godolphin Stables, finished a disappointing 9th. Despite this expensive colt's subpar performance, the story that unfolds in "From The Desert To The Derby" is sure to entertain even the slightest horse racing enthusiast. Author Jason Levin digs deep into the inside scoop on how the billionaire crown prince of Dubai has bought the best American horse-flesh available in an all-out attempt to win America's premier races--which ultimately began with the Kentucky Derby, followed by the rest of the Triple Crown races and the Breeders' Cup in the fall. Some of the colorful interviews with American trainers who have publicly critcized the Sheikhs unorthodox training and preparation methods are worth the cost of the book alone. The book takes you on a wild ride from the breeding shed to the expensive yearling sales at Keeneland and Saratoga. A+

Rating:
Summary: Top-class sports book
Review: I enjoyed this book from start to finish. It was an excellent mix of horse racing, politics, and the story of how much the one Arab sheik really wants to win the Kentucky Derby. I like books that tell a story and also allow me to learn interesting things as i go and this one did that, a lot like Seabiscuit did. I definitely recommend this book to all sports fans, not just horse racing fans...

Rating:
Summary: Disappointing
Review: I purchased this book with the intention of learning the thoughts, procedures and techniques of the Godolphin Stables of Dubai while persuing a Derby win. The amount of information on these subjects could have been put on one page. Instead there was page after page of race results, the history of horse racing in general and famous race courses in particular, quotes and conversations with trainers, plus I picked up on a definite anit-Royal Family attitude. Also, the contents of the book has no continuity and seem to be just a collection of facts and records. I think think the title is very misleading and did not finish the book.