Stride for Stride
Tom Marshall at the Curragh, Ireland, 2011
The first novel in the Bright Dawn Trilogy, Stride for Stride was published in 2005 (Beaufort Books, New York). This was my first novel, and it acquired a substantial following, particularly among the thoroughbred racing community and book groups.
If you have read Stride for Stride, I hope you will drop me a line and let me know how you enjoyed it! I would be happy to add you to my e-mail list for updates on the second novel in the trilogy as well.
Sadly, a few months ago we lost a friend and a great actor, Jack Klugman, who was one of the first to read Stride for Stride. His enthusiasm and spirit were a great inspiration, and I will always appreciate his support of my first novel, but he lives on anywhere there are two horses and a finish line.
If you have read Stride for Stride, I hope you will drop me a line and let me know how you enjoyed it! I would be happy to add you to my e-mail list for updates on the second novel in the trilogy as well.
Sadly, a few months ago we lost a friend and a great actor, Jack Klugman, who was one of the first to read Stride for Stride. His enthusiasm and spirit were a great inspiration, and I will always appreciate his support of my first novel, but he lives on anywhere there are two horses and a finish line.
About Stride for Stride
On a rainy winter night in 1957, a miracle happens -- a miracle that unfolds over three years and
two continents.
Fate, a touch too much whiskey, and a rainy Irish night conspire to crash the truck carrying Bright Dawn, the very valuable and very pregnant mare, into the sheep farm where Thresis McGee lives with her grandparents. With their loving aid, Bright Dawn gives birth without mishap to twin foals, King Stephen and Most Innocent. As a major investment and bid for prestige by an American magnate, King Stephen is sent to America to begin his training and racing career. His sister Most Innocent, deemed too small and delicate for racing despite the racehorse in her blood, remains behind in the care and ownership of Thresis. In America, rookie trainer Archie Miller envisions his and King Stephen's stars rising in tandem, proving their worth to the legions of nay-sayers. The Irish hills watch as Thresis's eclectic team helps Most Innocent gather all the speed and potential she carries within her. Will King Stephen become a sensation in America, and does Most Innocent really have what it takes? Will the twins meet again... perhaps on the track?
Set against the backdrop of the thoroughbred racing world in 1950’s Ireland and America, this story of the parallel lives and careers of two racehorses is an inspiring tale of triumph over adversity, and an example of how opening our hearts to animals can change our lives forever.
two continents.
Fate, a touch too much whiskey, and a rainy Irish night conspire to crash the truck carrying Bright Dawn, the very valuable and very pregnant mare, into the sheep farm where Thresis McGee lives with her grandparents. With their loving aid, Bright Dawn gives birth without mishap to twin foals, King Stephen and Most Innocent. As a major investment and bid for prestige by an American magnate, King Stephen is sent to America to begin his training and racing career. His sister Most Innocent, deemed too small and delicate for racing despite the racehorse in her blood, remains behind in the care and ownership of Thresis. In America, rookie trainer Archie Miller envisions his and King Stephen's stars rising in tandem, proving their worth to the legions of nay-sayers. The Irish hills watch as Thresis's eclectic team helps Most Innocent gather all the speed and potential she carries within her. Will King Stephen become a sensation in America, and does Most Innocent really have what it takes? Will the twins meet again... perhaps on the track?
Set against the backdrop of the thoroughbred racing world in 1950’s Ireland and America, this story of the parallel lives and careers of two racehorses is an inspiring tale of triumph over adversity, and an example of how opening our hearts to animals can change our lives forever.
Praise for Stride for Stride
A good read! When I finished it, I felt like I hit the trifecta!
Jack Klugman, Actor
It is a terrific book… so well written, I could not help finishing it over the weekend.
Jay Weston, Motion picture and television producer
I loved this book! It made me look at horses in a whole different way, made me feel closer to them. If you can’t be with horses every day, Stride for Stride is the next best thing.
Leslie Roncari-Marconi, Thoroughbred owner/breeder, Script R Farm
Just like a pack of thoroughbreds rounding the far corner turn heading for the homestretch, the final chapters are not to be missed as they glue the reader to the pages like a bettor trying to decipher a photo finish with their naked eyes. A lifelong racing fan and race horse owner, Marshall brings his experience from the oval race circuits, familiarity on the backstretch and emotions from the owner’s box as credible references in his first work. Stride for Stride: The Legacy of Bright Dawn is the starting point for his Bright Dawn series and his first work does not disappoint. Stride for Stride... is a delightful, flowing work.
Stan Hudy, Journalist
Jack Klugman, Actor
It is a terrific book… so well written, I could not help finishing it over the weekend.
Jay Weston, Motion picture and television producer
I loved this book! It made me look at horses in a whole different way, made me feel closer to them. If you can’t be with horses every day, Stride for Stride is the next best thing.
Leslie Roncari-Marconi, Thoroughbred owner/breeder, Script R Farm
Just like a pack of thoroughbreds rounding the far corner turn heading for the homestretch, the final chapters are not to be missed as they glue the reader to the pages like a bettor trying to decipher a photo finish with their naked eyes. A lifelong racing fan and race horse owner, Marshall brings his experience from the oval race circuits, familiarity on the backstretch and emotions from the owner’s box as credible references in his first work. Stride for Stride: The Legacy of Bright Dawn is the starting point for his Bright Dawn series and his first work does not disappoint. Stride for Stride... is a delightful, flowing work.
Stan Hudy, Journalist
