• Age: 9 to 14
• Grade: 4 to 9
• Reading age: 9 to 14

Where did thoroughbreds come from?

Why do they call it a steeplechase?

What's the difference between trotting and pacing?

Did you know that winning jockeys are weighed before and after a race?

Experienced horsewoman Nikki Tate takes the reader behind the scenes to examine the world of the racetrack.

Sections include:

• The history of horse racing from chariots to chuckwagons;
• An examination of the racing breeds from thoroughbreds to quarter horses;
• The role of the trainers, grooms, farriers, track vets, pony riders, outriders, and paddock judges;
• Care of a horse at the racetrack;
• Horse equipment;
• The jockey's training;
• What goes on in the racing office;
• How to read the program;
• How the starting gates work;
• Drug use and cheating; and
• A horse's life after the racetrack.

An examination of horse racing from a history of the breeds developed for the sport, through training and caring for horses at the track, to the day of the race and beyond.

Nikki Tate was born in Birmingham, England, but spent her childhood roaming the globe. She is the author of nearly 20 books for young readers, many of which are about horses. Nikki has always enjoyed both writing and telling stories, as well as camping, kayaking and horseback riding. She currently hosts a book club called "Teens, Titles and Tate" on CBC Radio's All Points West. Nikki lives with her family (and her collection of goats, ponies, dogs, cats and assorted feathered friends) on Vancouver Island in British Columbia. Visit Nikki's website www.nikkitate.com for more information.

Nikki Tate's profile page

"A very thorough and very readable investigation of racehorses and horse racing."
— The Globe and Mail

"An attractive and informative book. . . Young people intrigued by horse racing, and especially those who have visited a racetrack, will find this a detailed, colorful account of what goes on behind the scenes."
— Booklist

"Clearly written and well-organized introduction to the world of the racehorse. . . The numerous color photographs are well chosen and complement this solidly researched, knowledgeable text."
— School Library Journal

"Tate, an experienced horsewoman and novelist, has written a fine introduction to the racehorse, the sport of horse racing, and the many people involved in the sport. . . Almost every page includes one or more colour photographs that aptly illustrate the text.
Highly Recommended."
— CM Magazine

"The content is readily accessible, but it's the vivid photographs that will catch the reader's attention. Illustrations of horses in action, the equipment and tools of the trade, and some of the people who devote their lives to the racing life appear on almost every page of this book. . . (Tate's) knowledge and obvious enthusiasm shine through on every colourful, fact-filled page."
— Quill & Quire

"Lots of potential to inspire critical thinking among young scientists and animal lovers."
— The Toronto Star

"Here is a book that horse-lovers will enjoy. . . I have already recommended this colorful, up-to-date hardcover to a couple of girls that love horses; I think it will be well-read at our school."
— Lane Education Service District (5 out of 5 Stars)

Behind the Scenes: The Racehorse

Readers who are hungry for more horse information after reading Andrekson’s books should turn to Nikki Tate’s Behind the Scenes: The Racehorse. Tate’s beautifully illustrated hardcover provides general information about some of the fastest horses in the world and their racing environment. The book covers a wide variety of topics from the history of horse racing, the care and keeping of a race horse, to the crazy lives of jockeys. The numerous colour photos on every page make Behind the Scenes: The Racehorse special, as do the interesting fact boxes in every chapter, which range from historical facts about horse racing to information about what it is like to own a race horse. The detailed photos show close-ups of horse equipment, Race Day programs, betting tickets, and much more. Behind the Scenes: The Racehorse goes beyond the race track, describing both the illegal side of horse racing and what happens to retired race horses. Nikki Tate’s book is a musthave for any horse fan.

Behind the Scenes: The Racehorse

Giddy up! Learn about the history of horse racing and meet the people who are responsible for the breeding, care, training and riding of the world’s fastest horses. Follow a young horse as he tries to win his first race. Includes photographs and index.