From award-winning author, researcher, and equine professional Cheryl L. Eriksen comes Greyhound, the most complete biographical portrait of the greatest racehorse history (nearly) forgot.
Eriksen will host several book signing events during the historic 100th Hambletonian celebration week, beginning with the post-position draw luncheon held on Tuesday, July 29 at the Chateau Grande in East Brunswick. Greyhound aficionados can also purchase a signed copy of Greyhound at the Hambletonian Homecoming Party on Friday, August 1 at the Meadowlands Racetrack and on Hambletonian Day at the Harness Racing Fan Zone in the Backyard at the Meadowlands.
Greyhound set 25 world records in six seasons of racing. His greatest record—the fastest trotting mile—stood for over 30 years. With his enigmatic personality (often described as almost human), a generous entrepreneurial owner, a tough-but-kindly veteran trainer-driver, and a young groom (a.k.a. valet and PR agent), Greyhound charmed he American public during the dark years of the Great Depression.
Greyhound is a meticulously researched and completely factual account of the great trotter’s life from his birth in 1932 to his death in 1965. With elements of creative nonfiction, it reads like a novel, bringing to life Greyhound’s greatest victories and a few surprising moments that were lost to history—until now.
With nearly 200 pictures—some that have never been shared with the public before—a complete racing record, and a glimpse into the grand history of the sport that was once more popular than baseball, this biography is sure to satisfy any harness racing enthusiast.
But just as the champion did in life, Greyhound goes beyond the sport and touches something deeper. It is a book for anyone who has known the love of a great horse and everyone who finds inspiration in a true underdog tale.
Cheryl L. Eriksen is an author, blogger, horse midwife, and eternal student of horse behaviour and communication. She earned her Masters of Social Work from Western Michigan University. She has spent decades working in multiple areas of the horse industry, has developed and taught continuing education courses for social workers, college lectures on foaling, and speaks on a variety of topics including trauma and resilience, and her own experiences with PTSD and the healing power of the horse-human connection.
Greyhound is available from book stores and online retailers, from the publisher trafalgarbooks.com, or simonandschuster.com.
(Hambletonian Society)