Thoroughbred (series)

"Thoroughbred" is a series of young-adult novels that revolves around Kentucky Thoroughbred racing and equestrianism. The series was started in 1991 by Joanna Campbell, and numbered 72 books, in addition to several "super editions" and a spin-off series, "Ashleigh", by the time it ended in 2005. The series focuses on a group of core characters, primarily Ashleigh Griffen, her husband Mike Reese, and her daughter Christina, as well as Christina's friends. The series originally followed the adventures of Ashleigh as she was growing up; when Ashleigh reached adulthood, the focus of the books then shifted to a teenaged Christina and her cousin Melanie.

The books, which are intended for a primarily pre-teen, female audience, explore the characters' adventures in horse racing, eventing, and steeplechase. Christina and Melanie, the two main characters, are both jockeys, and many of the books deal with their challenges on and off the track: while their life with their horses comprises the main storyline, school, boyfriends, and family life often provide subplots. The Reese family farm, Whitebrook, is the setting for most of the series.

"Thoroughbred" is published by HarperEntertainment, an imprint of HarperCollins. A total of twelve different authors have contributed to the series over the fifteen years of its existence. There are currently over two million "Thoroughbred" books in print Fact|date=February 2007.

Structure of the books

The "Thoroughbred" series is written in the third-person narrative and is typically told from a single person's viewpoint. For the first twenty-three books, the series is told from the viewpoints of Ashleigh Griffen (#1 - #5), Samantha McLean (#6 - #12), and Cindy McLean (#13 - #23). After book twenty-three, the series started what was called the "New Generation" and skipped ten years to a new group of characters: Christina Reese, Melanie Graham, Parker Townsend, and a small group of minor characters. These books were still written in the third-person, but the viewpoints of characters would alternate between books.

eries overview

The early books

Early on, the series primarily focuses on Ashleigh Griffin and her adventures at Townsend Acres, a racing and breeding farm owned by Clay Townsend. Ashleigh's parents, Derek and Elaine Griffin, take over at the breeding area of Townsend Acres after their own farm, Edgardale, is shut down because of a disease that spread around the farm and killed both mares and foals. Ashleigh dislikes her life at first, but becomes more accustomed to it after an older mare named Townsend Holly gives birth to a small filly who she names Wonder. Though Wonder is not meant to live, through Asheleigh's care, the filly grows up to be a winning racehorse. After Ashleigh grows up, the plot is focused on Samantha McLean afterward.

The new generation

After book 23, "Cindy's Honor", the series skipped forward ten years and began anew with a focus on eventing. The new series involved Ashleigh Griffen's daughter, Christina, who traded Wonder's latest foal, Wonder's Legacy, for a racehorse, named Sterling Dream, which she turned into an eventer. After 12 books, the series quickly shifted from eventing back to racing due to popular demand from fans.Fact|date=July 2007

After Ashleigh's Wonder's death, Christina became attached to Wonder's last foal, Wonder's Star. From this point, the series retained a predominantly Thoroughbred-racing focus, leaving eventing to Parker Townsend, who became a regular part of the series soon after Wonder's death. The series then became focused on Christina and Melanie and their horses Wonder's Star, Perfect Image, and Hi Jinx.

The last main character

Allie Avery, the final main character of "Thoroughbred", was introduced at the very end of the series as the daughter of Craig and Jilly Avery; Craig and Jilly had been removed from the series early on, but were brought back to make the introduction of a new character possible. Allie was both interested in eventing and racing, bringing together the two disciplines in the "Thoroughbred" series, although she ultimately decided upon becoming a jockey. She is given Wonder's Legacy, the often-forgotten son of Ashleigh's Wonder, as a gift when she is fourteen.

By late 2005, the "Thoroughbred" series was officially ended. The last book of the series was "Legacy's Gift", a book centered on Allie and Wonder's Legacy, as well as the birth of Legacy's daughter, Allie's Wonder. The end of the series was much-protested, despite the seeming decline in quality of plots and writing.Fact|date=July 2007

Book List

# 1: A HORSE CALLED WONDER
# 2: WONDER'S PROMISE
# 3: WONDER'S FIRST RACE
# 4: WONDER'S VICTORY
# 5: ASHLEIGH'S DREAM
# 6: WONDER'S YEARLING
# 7: SAMANTHA'S PRIDE
# 8: SIERRA'S STEEPLECHASE
# 9: PRIDE'S CHALLENGE
#10: PRIDE'S LAST RACE
#11: WONDER'S SISTER
#12: SHINING'S ORPHAN
#13: CINDY'S RUNAWAY COLT
#14: CINDY'S GLORY
#15: GLORY'S TRIUMPH
#16: GLORY IN DANGER
#17: ASHLEIGH'S FAREWELL
#18: GLORY'S RIVAL
#19: CINDY'S HEARTBREAK
#20: CHAMPION'S SPIRIT
#21: WONDER'S CHAMPION
#22: ARABIAN CHALLENGE
#23: CINDY'S HONOR
#24: THE HORSE OF HER DREAMS
#25: MELANIE'S TREASURE
#26: STERLING'S SECOND CHANCE
#27: CHRISTINA'S COURAGE
#28: CAMP SADDLEBROOK
#29: MELANIE'S LAST RIDE
#30: DYLAN'S CHOICE
#31: A HOME FOR MELANIE
#32: CASSIDY'S SECRET
#33: RACING PARKER
#34: ON THE TRACK
#35: DEAD HEAT
#36: WITHOUT WONDER
#37: STAR IN DANGER
#38: DOWN TO THE WIRE
#39: LIVING LEGEND
#40: ULTIMATE RISK
#41: CLOSE CALL
#42: THE BAD LUCK FILLY
#43: FALLEN STAR
#44: PERFECT IMAGE
#45: STAR'S CHANCE
#46: RACING IMAGE
#47: CINDY'S DESERT ADVENTURE
#48: CINDY'S BOLD START
#49: RISING STAR
#50: TEAM PLAYER
#51: DISTANCE RUNNER
#52: PERFECT CHALLENGE
#53: DERBY FEVER
#54: CINDY'S LAST HOPE
#55: GREAT EXPECTATIONS
#56: HOOFPRINTS IN THE SNOW
#57: FAITH IN A LONG SHOT
#58: CHRISTINA'S SHINING STAR
#59: STAR'S INSPIRATION
#60: TAKING THE REINS
#61: PARKER'S PASSION
#62: UNBRIDLED FURY
#63: STARSTRUCK
#64: THE PRICE OF FAME
#65: BRIDAL DREAMS
#66: SAMANTHA'S IRISH LUCK
#67: BREAKING THE FALL
#68: KAITLIN'S WILD RIDE
#69: MELANIE'S DOUBLE JINX
#70: ALLIE'S LEGACY
#71: CALAMITY JINX
#72: LEGACY'S GIFT

Super Editions:
#1 ASHLEIGH'S CHRISTMAS MIRACLE
#2 ASHLEIGH'S DIARY
#3 ASHLEIGH'S HOPE
#4 SAMANTHA'S JOURNEY
#5 STAR OF SHADOWBROOK FARM
#6 THE FORGOTTEN FILLY
#7 BATTLECRY FOREVER!

The Ashleigh Series:
# 1: LIGHTNING'S LAST HOPE
# 2: A HORSE FOR CHRISTMAS
# 3: WAITING FOR STARDUST
# 4: GOOD-BYE MIDNIGHT WANDERER
# 5: THE FORBIDDEN STALLION
# 6: A DANGEROUS RIDE
# 7: DERBY DAY
# 8: THE LOST FOAL
# 9: HOLDIAY HOMECOMING
#10: DERBY DREAMS
#11: ASHLEIGH'S PROMISE
#12: WINTER RACE CAMP
#13: THE PRIZE
#14: ASHLEIGH'S WESTERN CHALLENGE
#15: STARDUST'S FOAL

List of major characters

*Ashleigh Griffen, the jockey of Wonder in the Breeder's Cup Classic, a trainer at Whitebrook Farm, and eventually the owner of Whitebrook Farm. She marries Mike Reese in "Thoroughbred" No. 9, "Pride's Challenge", and has a daughter, Christina.
*Clay Townsend, the owner of Townsend Acres when the series opened. He was much more kind to Ashleigh and the other characters than his son or daughter-in-law, although he turned a blind eye when it came to his son.
*Charlie Burke, a crusty old trainer with a soft spot for young people, who helped Ashleigh nurse Wonder back to health, train, and race her. He was also instrumental in getting Ashleigh's jockey career started. He died in the ninth book, "Pride's Challenge", from a heart attack.
*Samantha McLean, Ashleigh's close friend, the jockey of Sierra. She marries Tor Nelson. Later in the series, she runs an eventing school, Whisperwood, which is attended by Christina and Parker.
*Brad and Lavinia Townsend, the aristocratic owners of Townsend Acres, where Ashleigh once lived. They are the parents of Parker.
*Cindy Blake, or Cindy McLean, Samantha's adopted sister. She was a jockey until she tore her rotator cuff in an accident.
*Christina Reese, Ashleigh's daughter, the jockey of Wonder's Star. Her boyfriend is Parker Townsend.
*Melanie Graham, Christina's cousin, also a jockey.
*Parker Townsend, Christina's boyfriend, the son of Brad and Lavinia. He competes in three-day-eventing.
*Allie Avery, the daughter of Jilly Gordon and Craig Avery. Cindy and Ben al-Rihani adopt her after her parents died.

Authors

Joanna Campbell created the first fourteen "Thoroughbred" books, as well as the first two books in the spin-off series, "Ashleigh". After Campbell stopped writing, long-time editor Karen Bentley took over, writing books fifteen through twenty-three. After Karen Bentley left the series, there was a rotating "panel" of contributing authors: Allison Estes, Alice Leonhardt, Dale Blackwell Gasque, Lois Symanski, Mary Newhall Anderson, Karle Dickerson, and Jennifer Chu. "Thoroughbred" #36, "Without Wonder", was written under the pen name "Brook James" by an unknown author.

pecial editions, spin offs, and story arcs

The "super editions"

There have been four "super edition" "Thoroughbred" books. The events described in the super editions often take place during an interval between two of the regular books; for instance, "Ashleigh's Christmas Miracle" is supposedly set between books eighteen and nineteen of the regular series. The four super editions are:
*"Ashleigh's Christmas Miracle", which deals with the events surrounding the birth of Christina.
*"Ashleigh's Diary", which chronicles the events prior to Ashleigh's moving to Townsend Acres in "A Horse Called Wonder"
*"Ashleigh's Hope", which precedes the events of the "Ashleigh" series
*"Samantha's Journey", which follows Samantha's early life before she becomes acquainted with Ashleigh

The super editions sometimes present problems of continuity in the regular series. For example, it is stated in "Ashleigh's Christmas Miracle" during Ashleigh's dream that the son of Brad and Lavinia Townsend is named Ross. In book #16 of the regular series Brad and Lavinia's infant son is also named Ross, who disappears shortly after and returns during the New Generation with a different name all together (Parker Jamison Townsend). It is also suspected that the dream sequence of "Ashleigh's Christmas Miracle" influenced the series' plot lines, such as Christina's early interest in eventing.

Wonder's Legacy

"Wonder's Legacy" is a trilogy within the regular series itself, comprising books thirty-six through thirty-eight. The trilogy deals with the aftermath of the death of Wonder, Ashleigh's favorite racehorse, as well as Christina's decision to shift her focus from eventing to racing in order to become the jockey of Wonder's last colt, Wonder's Star. This has led to mixed criticism as some wanted Christina, whose preference for eventing was so clear that she often felt like an outsider, to stick with eventing. Others were pleased, but most agreed it was a too-sudden turnaround.Fact|date=July 2007

Cindy's Lost Diaries

"Cindy's Desert Adventure" and "Cindy's Bold Start", volumes forty-seven and forty-eight, are two "lost diary specials" published within the regular series in an attempt to explain the missing characters and continuity problems created by the ten year gap which occurred between "Cindy's Honor" and the New Generation. These books detail how Ashleigh miscarried her second pregnancy, the fate of Wonder's Champion, and Cindy McLean's travels to the United Arab Emirates, New York City, and finally back to Whitebrook Farm.

amantha's Arc

Similar to the "lost diary specials", Samantha also had a two book special, volumes sixty-five and sixty-six, published within the regular series. These books, "Bridal Dreams" and "Samantha's Irish Luck" are not distinguished with a separate title indicating their "special" status within the series, but are generally regarded as such and were included within the regular series also in attempts to explain Samantha's story during the ten year gap created by the New Generation. The books detail Samantha's marriage to Tor and their subsequent relocation to Ireland, Samantha's shifting focus from horse racing to eventing and show jumping, and the birth of Samantha and Tor's children.

"Ashleigh"

The spin-off series, "Ashleigh", is set in a "time bubble" just prior to Ashleigh's moving to Townsend Acres after a virus destroys her family's stock of broodmares. The main setting for the series is the Griffen family farm, Edgardale. The books follow the adventures an eleven-year-old Ashleigh and her best friend, Mona Gardener.

This spin-off presents inconsistencies. In #2 "Wonder's Promise" (canon series), Ashleigh states she's never attended a live horse race before; however, in the 'Ashleigh' series (and "Ashleigh's Diary", the Super Edition), she attends several races. This leads to the other error/inconsistency. In #7, "Derby Day", ('Ashleigh' series), it is said that Rhoda Kat is the first female jockey to win the Kentucky Derby. However, in the canon series, Jilly Gordon clearly is.

Ashleigh's Thoroughbred Collection

In 1998 HarperCollins republished three books as part of the "Ashleigh's Thoroughbred Collection", books that were similar to "Thoroughbred" and were also written by authors of the series. Of the three books published in this collection, only characters in "Battlecry Forever!" have been referenced in the regular "Thoroughbred" series.

Star of Shadowbrook Farm

Written by Joanna Campbell, "Star of Shadowbrook Farm" was first published in 1992 by HarperEntertainment, and again in 1998 as part of "Ashleigh's Thoroughbred Collection". It is the story of two unlikely eventing champions, Susan Holmes and Evening Star. The characters and storyline do not connect with the "Thoroughbred" series.

The Forgotten Filly

Written by Karle Dickerson, "The Forgotten Filly" was published in 1993 by HarperTorch, and republished in 1998 as part of "Ashleigh's Thoroughbred Collection". The characters and storyline do not connect with the "Thoroughbred" series.

Battlecry Forever!

Written by Joanna Campbell, "Battlecry Forever!" was first published in 1992 by HarperEntertainment, and again in 1998 as part of "Ashleigh's Thoroughbred Collection". The story concerns Battlecry, an unruly black stallion, and Leslie D'Andrea, who sets out to try to turn him into a champion. Battlecry is the sire of Fleet Goddess, a filly that Ashleigh Griffen purchases in the "Thoroughbred" series. It is the only book written outside of the "Thoroughbred" series that is considered canon.

External links

* [http://whitebrookfarm.com Whitebrook Farm] , a "Thoroughbred" fansite