Synopses & Reviews
This fun and witty exposé of horse racing in America goes behind the scenes at the track, providing a serious gambler's-eye view of the action. Ted McClelland spent a year at tracks and off-track betting facilities in Chicago and across the country, profiling the people who make a career of gambling on horses. This account follows his personal journey of what it means to be a player as he gambles with his book advance using various betting and handicapping strategies along the way. A colorful cast of characters is introduced, including the intensely disciplined Scott McMannis, "The Professor," a onetime college instructor who now teaches a course in handicapping, and Mary Schoenfeldt, a former nun and gifted handicapper who donates all of her winnings to charity. This moving account of wins, losses, and personal turmoil provides a sobering look at gamblers, gambling, and life at the track.
Review
"Immensely readable account, by a brutally honest writer...a gamblers book that is well worth a punt"
The Racing Post
Review
"A delightful memoir . . . McClelland details his transformation from casual fan to obsessed racing geek with humor."
RailbirdAbout the Author
Ted McClelland has contributed to
Mother Jones, Salon.com, and the
Chicago Reader, where he wrote a popular column called "At the Track" featuring stories from the racetrack. He is currently the senior editor for
Lake and writes the "Cheap Bachelor" feature for the
Chicago Tribune.