Leslie Combs II shaped the way Thoroughbred farms do business even today. That just one man could mold so much of Thoroughbred racing's future is a remarkable feat - one that's detailed in Great Breeders and Their Methods: Leslie Combs II and Spendthrift Farm by Mary Marshall.
This third book in the Great Breeders series tells the colorful story of a Kentucky native who, through determination and risky choices, became a legend in the sport. He took a war-time need for yearling markets and turned it into the iconic Keeneland sales. His desire to buy top stallions and spread the cost with others made him a pioneer in North American stallion syndication. His people skills gave him partners by the dozen and cemented his legacy in Thoroughbred history.
Some of the greatest horses of the 20th Century called Spendthrift home: Nashua, Gallant Man, Foolish Pleasure, Raise a Native, Majestic Prince, Swaps, Affirmed, Seattle Slew and countless more. Over 160 stallions stood at Spendthrift through the years; 300 stakes winners were bred by Leslie Combs, Spendthrift Farm and in partnership, including the likes of Mr. Prospector, Idun, Gold Digger, Landaluce, Majestic Prince and others.
Marshall, an equine journalist and long-time Spendthrift fan, weaves the world of Leslie Combs II, his family, and Spendthrift Farm into a captivating tale - one that's envied by many and duplicated by few.
This third book in the Great Breeders series tells the colorful story of a Kentucky native who, through determination and risky choices, became a legend in the sport. He took a war-time need for yearling markets and turned it into the iconic Keeneland sales. His desire to buy top stallions and spread the cost with others made him a pioneer in North American stallion syndication. His people skills gave him partners by the dozen and cemented his legacy in Thoroughbred history.
Some of the greatest horses of the 20th Century called Spendthrift home: Nashua, Gallant Man, Foolish Pleasure, Raise a Native, Majestic Prince, Swaps, Affirmed, Seattle Slew and countless more. Over 160 stallions stood at Spendthrift through the years; 300 stakes winners were bred by Leslie Combs, Spendthrift Farm and in partnership, including the likes of Mr. Prospector, Idun, Gold Digger, Landaluce, Majestic Prince and others.
Marshall, an equine journalist and long-time Spendthrift fan, weaves the world of Leslie Combs II, his family, and Spendthrift Farm into a captivating tale - one that's envied by many and duplicated by few.
