What New York breeder was knighted by Queen Victoria? What father and son, both New York-breds, each won two-thirds of the handicap triple crown? What New York-bred was the first horse to win the Santa Anita Handicap and the Woodward in the same Year? What New York-breds, one a filly, were the first two horses to win the Belmont and Pimlico Futurities? What New York-bred, who was considered the fastest horse of his generation, was the grand-sire of the great Domino?
It is hard to overstate what Allan Carter has accomplished in this book. He has thoroughly explored the world of New York State breeding before the advent of the New York State thoroughbred breeding program in 1973. Despite the fact that thoroughbred racing in the United States originated in New York State in the 1660's, scant attention has been paid to the early history of thoroughbred breeding in the State. It is a field that has largely gone unexplored by historians and racing enthusiasts.
Allan Carter has changed all this. His research into New York breeding is both exhaustive and groundbreaking. There is a traditional adage in racing that "a good horse can come from anywhere." Allan has demonstrated that a good horse can come from anywhere in New York State. Whether it's from Nassau County, Suffolk County, Staten Island, the Bronx, or Delaware County, Alan has shown where the good New York horses have come from.
It's not just the quality of the research that is impressive. Allan has blended the history of New York breeding into the story of the overall fabric of American racing in a most compelling manner. It is not merely a reference or an educational read; it is an intriguing read.
Anyone who is familiar with Allan's work should not be surprised. Allan was for decades an outstanding reference librarian at the New York State Library. He is the author of two editions of New York State Constitution: Sources of Legislative Intent, arguably the most authoritative look at the full history of the New York State Constitution. After his retirement from the State, Allan has continued to work as the historian at the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame.
In this book, Allan has combined his passion for thoroughbred racing with his traditional meticulous research. The result is required reading for any fan of New York racing and race horses. - Bennett Liebman, Government Lawyer in Residence, Albany Law School
