The novel 'Horse' is the story of an enslaved man grooming a winning thoroughbred Lexington was a winning thoroughbred in the mid-1800's, and the basis of Geraldine Brooks' new novel, "Horse." Scott Simon talks with her about her story.

Yes, Horse is fiction, but Jarret's presence breathes life into the actual events of Lexington's life. There are many nail-biting moments—times when Jarret's concern for Lexington is paramount as his owners focus on winning races at all costs. And oh, the races!

Recommended with 5 🌟 stars. Brilliant! A fictional portrayal of an extraordinary championship horse whose life began in the antebellum South (1850) and ended during the Reconstruction era (1875). It is a brilliant work with poignant moments enhanced by a cast of historical characters reimagined by the author.

He had developed laminitis, a painful and debilitating hoof condition, which was first diagnosed on Labor Day of 1989. By October 4th, he would be dead. “I had heard news that Secretariat had developed laminitis, but I did not realize how quickly it progressed, nor did I realize it was so critical,” Dr.