Native Dancer, the Grey Ghost: Hero of a Golden Age.

John Eisenberg. 2003. Read by Jonathan Marosz. Books on Tape. 9 cds. No time listed. $64.00.0-73669405-6. Vinyl; content notes. SA

It was television that brought the thoroughbred Native Dancer to the attention of the general public. The crowds loved him almost as much as did Alfred Vanderbilt, his bands-on owner; Eric Guerin, his jockey for most of his 22 races (he won all but one, the 1953 Kentucky Derby); Bill Winfrey, his trainer, and the grooms and exercise jockeys who cared for him. Native Dancer was a large, well-formed, smart horse, distinctive because of his gray color, who raced in the early 1950s. His tight wins kept him from the highest acclaim that might have been his in horseracing circles, but Time put him on its cover.

Eisenberg's superb writing follows much the same pattern as the bestselling Seabiscuit by Laura Hillenbrand. He showcases the owner, jockey, and trainer, highlights key races in detail, and fits a horse and horseracing into the context of the times. It will attract the same audience, who will be pleased to learn of one more excellent book about another outstanding horse. Marosz has a resonant voice and reads with artful pacing. Edna Boardman, Bismarck, ND