Most people only relate to Thoroughbred racing through the Triple Crown and perhaps the fall Breeders' Cup. But there is so much more to the industry than the top racers running for immortality a few times a year.

Thoroughbred trainer Gene McCormick captures the essence of racing that takes place daily at tracks nationwide by focusing on two hard-knocking runners from the claiming ranks. Claiming races are the foundation of the sport, where a runner can change owners immediately after a race.

At most race tracks there are runners who become local sports celebrities due to the number of years and races they compete in, oftentimes under numerous ownership changes. And these aren't the racers who'll retire to a comfortable life in the breeding sheds of the more famous farms in this country or overseas. They are the blue-collar runners found daily at tracks like Thistledown, Hoosier Park and Suffolk Downs.

McCormick also uses his focus on the horses to capture the highs, lows and frustrations of owners, trainers and jockeys as they pursue their dreams far removed from the bright lights and media attention at tracks like Saratoga, Del Mar and Churchill Downs.

The text is easily understandable for those who are only casual observers of the sport, which is a major plus. The book is a must for those wishing to better understand the Thoroughbred industry or would like to explore a sport at its grass-roots level.