Horse racing Books

Book SynopsisAfter a 40-year career taking the bets that no one else would take for William Hill after expanding the company's offerings to its customers beyond purely sporting contests, in Strange Stuff Graham Sharpe chronicles the weirdest, oddest, strangest, craziest antics and events to happen on racecourses to horses, jockeys, trainers, owners, bookies and racegoers over the years. His previous titles include biographies of arch-eccentric racehorse owner Dorothy Paget, whose horses won the Grand National, Gold Cup, Champion Hurdle and Derby; and William Hill, who founded his eponymous company in 1934, when he was betting on-course and transforming the bookmaking scene. His Magnificent Seven chronicled the story of Frankie Dettori's greatest day, when he almost single-handedly bankrupted the country's biggest bookies. In his latest book you'll find hundreds of stories and unusual racing facts to dip in and out of, making this the perfect gift for any horse racing fan, and it is sure to appeal to young and old alike.

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Book SynopsisSince the thoroughbred horse was first developed over three centuries ago, these magnificent creatures have given the global race-going public limitless joy, and filled our memories with wonder and respect, and Punch a Hole in the Wind focuses on the stories of 50 champion Flat racehorses since the dawn of film. Taking a far more global look than other attempts to capture the lives and victories of the greats from the past, it celebrates our heroes from the UK, France, US, Ireland, Australia, Hong Kong and Japan, and each story is told with a mixture of humour, passion and solid research. Every horse that has ever raced has given its connections a thrill but very few can truly by thought of as great and this is a celebration of them, rather than an artificial competition between them, and it is an essential companion to race lovers around the world. Featuring 32 pages of stunning photographs and statistics for each horse, this is sure to appeal to any horseracing fan.

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Book SynopsisHorseracing happens literally every day of the year - which is why unique and unusual events are almost commonplace in the Sport of Kings, Queens and commoners, even when that day in designed to fool you - as many felt was the case when, on 1 April 1929, a jockey named Frank Wise didn't live up to his name as he was unwise enough to ride in the Irish Grand National with only one leg and minus the tops of three fingers - yet he and his mount, Alike, won the race. Then there was the race meeting at which two dates combined when Good Friday fell on Boxing Day - literally - with the horse of that name taking a tumble at Wolverhampton on 26 December 1899. Make a note in your diary to buy yourself or your racing relatives and friends Graham Sharpe's latest book, containing literally hundreds more similarly notable, memorable, racey stories for every single day of the year. All the stories in The Racing Post’s Horseracing On This Day have been expertly researched and this book is a must-have for any fans of horseracing

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Book SynopsisThis is the story of ‘Cockney’ Cliff Lines and his memories of 70 years spent in horseracing. Knowing nothing about racing or even how to ride, Cliff started as a 14-year-old apprentice to Noel Murless, and the book details his life, from riding a winner for the Queen, trying to make it as a jockey, through being a work rider/head lad to Michael Stoute, pre-training and eventually training himself. It covers the trials and tribulations he endured: apprentice accommodation, bullying, doping scandals, the stable lads’ strike and his own health issues including a brain tumour. The stories of famous horses he worked with, such as JO TOBIN, SHERGAR and SONIC LADY, and those he nurtured in their early years, including PILSUDSKI and FUJIYAMA CREST, the last runner in Frankie Dettori’s Magnificent Seven, are all covered, as are his travels with horses around the world by boat and plane from 1954 to the present day. And despite all the ups and downs, Cliff genuinely has no regrets about his lifetime in the Thoroughbred racing industry.

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Book SynopsisOver the course of nine memorable seasons Tiger Roll entered not just the record books with his achievements on the racecourse, but the hearts of the racing public too. He burst onto the scene in 2014 with victory in the Triumph Hurdle at the end of his first season and he built on that success with four further wins at the Cheltenham Festival. As great as his heroics at Cheltenham were, however, it was his two wins in the Grand National that set him apart. Success in the world s most famous steeplechase is a singular achievement in itself, but winning back-to-back runnings of the Aintree spectacular, emulating the legendary Red Rum, elevated Tiger Roll to a different level. He became a household name and his owners Gigginstown House Stud, trainer Gordon Elliott and principal jockeys Davy Russell and Keith Donoghue played leading roles in this story. We have mined the unparalleled back catalogue of the Racing Post with its award-winning writers and photographers to recount the complete story of this unique horse.

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Book SynopsisAre you ready for the upcoming flat season? The Racing Post Guide to the Flat is the one best-selling book that every flat-racing enthusiast should have each and every season.In this comprehensive guide you''ll find insightful content written by the Racing Post''s best-known expert writers, edited by one of their long-standing editors and illustrated with colour photos throughout. It features exclusive and extended trainer interviews and specialist selections for horses to follow, plus dark horses unearthed and set to shine in the upcoming season, as well as Topspeed and Racing Post Ratings.This invaluable guide is a must-have for every horse-racing enthusiast and sports better, and should be in the back pocket of every follower ready for the start of the season.

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Book SynopsisNow in its 63rd year, this popular guide to jumps racing summarises the prospects of 100 steeplechasers and hurdlers whom Raceform's expert race-readers expect to do well in the coming 2024-25 season. The title has a long history of identifying winners and last year's edition produced 100 winners at a strike-rate of 25 per cent including 24 Graded winners. Big-Priced winners included Chosen Witness (16-1), Supreme Gift (17/2), Strong Leader (8/1), Bertie B (7/1) and Iberico Lord (7/1). The guide includes the names and details of each of the 100 horses, plus information about their previous form. It is an invaluable pocket-sized tool for followers of racing. Rodney Pettinga has been the product manager for Raceform Interactive since 2001. He was responsible for By The Numbers and Big Race Trends for the Racing & Football Outlook for many years and has also been a regular contributor to the Racing Post.

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Book SynopsisOriginally written in 1936 by two young Cambridge Fellows, A Guide to the Classics is a light-hearted manual on how to pick the Derby winner. However, as the tongue-in-cheek title suggested, there is more to the book than meets the eye, especially as one of the young dons went on to become, according to his 1990 Telegraph obituary, ''the greatest political philosopher in the Anglo-Saxon tradition since Mill or even Burke''.The book takes the abstraction out of the Derby by attacking the systems which had been developed by generations of ''form'' experts. It exposes theoretical solutions as fraudulent instead it applies hard-headed empirical and historical analysis. Oakeshott went on to apply this methodology to his famous critique of ''rationalism'' in politics.This long-awaited edition of Griffith and Oakeshott's classic text includes a new preface and foreword by horse racing journalist and author Sean Magee, and political commentator Peter Oborne.

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Book SynopsisHorse racing may be famously known as the 'sport of kings' but, in the pursuit of prize money and getting one over the bookies, it also has attained a notoriety for some underhand, corrupt and downright illegal practices. Horse racing in Wales is not exempt from these dodgy dealings and on many occasions has led the way in it's ingenuity to devise jaw-dropping cons and cunning deceptions. In The Scams, Scandals and Gambles of Horseracing in Wales, Brian Lee, the veteran and highly regarded Welsh racing correspondent has, for the first time, compiled a comprehensive collection of true stories that reveals Welsh racing's most notorious crooks, loveable rouges and most infamous scams, including: The Oyster Maid affair, when a great gambling coup engineered at Tenby in 1927 nearly put paid to horse racing in Wales and was said by the Queen Mother's jockey, Dick Francis, to have been "the most bitterly resented betting coup National Hunt racing has ever known". The astounding story of Am I Blue's when, in 2010, a four-year-old filly, owned and trained by Aberkenfig's Delyth Thomas, romped home at Hereford after being backed from 25-1 to 5-1, despite having woeful form.As one reporter put it: 'There was outrage in some quarters and amusement in others. ' The elaborate switching of horses and the cutting of the telegraph wires at Bath races in 1953 which saw well-know Cardiff bookie Gomer Charles jailed for 2 years for fraud after his syndicate place GBP100k worth of bets on a 'ringer' racehorse that won at 20-1. The Scandals and Gambles of Horseracing in Wales includes stories both from racing 'under rules' but also from point-to-point, known as racing 'between-the-flags', as well as flapping (unlicensed racing). The stories in this enthralling book, in which the reader will meet many of the rogues of the turf, are informative as well as fascinating and will appeal to not only horse racing fans but also readers of true crime.Trade Review'Brian's fascinating book lays bare some of the biggest scandals, and the strangest of happenings, of Welsh horse racing. It's packed with punchy, informative and often hilarious stories and anyone remotely interested in horse racing will love it.' Robert King, from his Foreword; 'Horse racing's popularity has been sustained through its astonishing ability to stumble from scams to corruptions and from bent jockeys to crooked bookies. Brian Lee, through his enormous passion and dedication to detail, is a walking encyclopaedia of horse racing and this special book on the fascinating drama and mystery of racing's 'dark arts' is one to truly enjoy.'Brian Radford, ex-Racing Editor of the Western Mail & Assistant Editor of The Sporting Life, from his PrefaceTable of ContentsForeword by Robert King Preface by Brian Radford The Ringers The Gambling Coups The Scandals The Flappers

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Book SynopsisIn 1955, Reginald Gill - milkman and part-time illegal bookie - took his 12-year-old son Roy to the Spring meeting at Epsom Downs Racecourse. It was a trip that started a life-long passion for racing. In the half-century since, Roy Gill has visited every racecourse in the UK and Ireland at least once. Many courses have been closed down, some have moved their location, but every racecourse he visited is vividly recalled in this very personal and highly readable account. By the time he reached Tralee in 1992, Roy Gill was 99 not out on individual racecourses, and continues to attend race meetings whenever he can. He has included the new courses at Great Leighs and Ffos Las, and returned to Wolverhampton and Limerick, which have moved from their original locations. Along with brief histories of every racecourse visited, the highs and lows of both Flat and National Hunt racing are revealed here by an acknowledged expert - and bona fide Turf Accountant. The book is beautifully illustrated with photographs (many of them previously unseen and unpublished), course diagrams and fascinating racing memorabilia.It includes the noteworthy occurrences and behind-the-scene stories of each venue, as well as personal anecdotes about the courses, the horses, the jockeys and trainers. Told with humour and passion, this entertaining and informative work is essential reading for all lovers of the Turf, and also a valuable spotlight on the sporting and social history of these sceptered isles.Table of ContentsEntries on every racecourse of the British Isles

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Book SynopsisFew can have had as interesting or varied a career as Martin Broughton - a very British businessman. And just when he thought he'd retired, in 2022 Martin found himself heading a bid for Chelsea FC. A fascinating inside story in itself, it provides a topical dimension to this engaging memoir. Martin recounts his start at the very bottom of the commercial ladder and his subsequent rise to some of the most prestigious and demanding boardrooms in the country. With an acute accountant's brain and a desire to see the world, he cut his teeth working overseas for BAT. With each promotion came a new challenge - often in a new country. Wherever he went he was never just an observer but always a participant. His description of being on the frontline against one of the City's bitterest takeover battles makes for a fascinating read. In 1993 Martin was appointed CEO of BAT - in succession to the charismatic Sir Pat Sheehy - and oversaw a period of great change and controversy in the tobacco industry. When, in turn, he retired after 11 years at the helm, it was a very different and even more successful company. Always one for a challenge, many new business opportunities presented themselves including - Chairmanship of British Airways and its merger into the International Airlines Group, Presidency of the Confederation of British Industry, involvement in F1 Grand Prix motor racing, and Chairmanship of Liverpool Football Club at a time when a shrewd and steady hand was needed to find an acceptable new owner for this iconic club - this was not without a vigorous legal battle. Such was the ultimate respect of the Liverpool supporters for him that the Kop sang with gusto "There's only one Martin Broughton." Not bad for a man who is a self-confessed lifelong Chelsea supporter. All through this very readable memoir run additional themes - his love of music, hence the book's title and the chapter headings, the importance of family and finally, in partnership with his wife - Jocelyn, an abiding passion for horse racing.Table of ContentsOverture 7 1. Que Sera, Sera 2. Leaving on a Jet Plane 3. Lady in Red 4. Greatest Day 5. Garota de Ipanema 6. London Calling 7. Phantom of the Opera 8. A Kind of Magic 9. Don't Stop Me Now 10. Time to Say Goodbye 11. Carmen 12. The Flower Duet 13. United We Stand 14. Camptown Races 15. Heart of Courage 16. Listen to me 17. You'll Never Walk Alone 18. Glory Days Extra Time Blue is the Colour

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Book SynopsisL’Escargot was a wonder horse, one of only two to have scaled the twin peaks of steeplechasing: the Cheltenham Gold Cup and the Grand National. He won on the biggest stages in Britain and Ireland – and on one of the biggest in the USA. His victories spanned nine seasons. He triumphed on the flat, over hurdles and over fences, and at distances from two miles to the National’s gruelling four miles and 856 yards. When he surged clear of Red Rum – the best Aintree horse ever – to claim victory in the National on that strange, anti-climactic day in 1975, it was one of the most dramatic acts of party-pooping in the history of sport. Yet, for those who had managed his destiny since 1966 from a base on the edge of The Curragh, it meant the fulfilment of a decades-old ambition.

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Book SynopsisA new, fully authorised biography of the most successful trainer in British horse racing history.In the stratified and often secretive world of racehorse training, Mark Johnston has always been different: forthright, combative, provocative, and candid – a man who delights in questioning convention. Over more than three decades, he has gone from being a vet from a thoroughly working-class Scottish background to, mathematically, the most successful trainer in the history of British horse racing.In this new, fully authorised biography, acclaimed author Nick Townsend provides a unique insight into the world of Mark Johnston and his phenomenally successful operation. With unparalleled access to Mark and those closest to him, Mark Johnston: Phenomenon will dig into his storied career, his strong and passionate views on the sport of horse racing, and how he's planning for the future in unprecedented times, offering a fascinating portrait of one of horse racing's most singular figures.

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Book SynopsisPat Smullen was one of the greatest Irish jockeys ever. In a career laden with success, his position as one of the country's best ever flat jockeys was long established. And yet, despite being a nine-time champion jockey, his humility defined him.It was this strength of character that sustained him when, in March 2018, Pat was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. There was never any self-pity. He just dealt with it. And more than that, he brought it centre stage: raising funds and awareness, and channelling his energies into helping others. Pat was a champion in all aspects of life, no matter what setbacks were thrown at him. Tragically, his life was cut short far too early in September 2020.Written in the months before his death, with the assistance of Donn McClean and completed by Pat's wife, Frances Crowley, Champion is the inspirational story of the jockey whose legacy lives on. From incredible highs to devastating

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Book SynopsisDiscover the classic mystery from Dick Francis, one of the greatest thriller writers of all time''Suspense, intrigue, what more could you want? Dick Francis at his best'' 5***** Reader Review''A dazzlingly good read. Francis writes heroes who are truly heroic, and villains so truly villainous that each encounter with them raises your temperature'' 5***** Reader Review______Steeplechase jockey Kit Fielding has just ridden another winner for his patron - the Princess - when his distraught twin sister Holly comes to him with terrible news. A newspaper is printing stories which will put her husband, Bobby Allardeck, and his stables out of business.Putting aside the age-old Fielding-Allardeck feud, Kit decides to try to find out who is behind these cruel stories. This, he quickly discovers, puts a lot of noses out of joint. Not one to be put off easily, he keeps digging, upsetting powerful and ruthless people who''ll do anything to proTrade ReviewA regular winner . . . as smooth, swift and lean as ever * Sunday Express *As a jockey, Dick Francis was unbeatable when he got into his stride. The same is true of his crime writing * Daily Mirror *Dick Francis's fiction has a secret ingredient - his inimitable knack of grabbing the reader's attention on page one and holding it tight until the very end. * Sunday Telegraph *Francis at his authentic best * Financial Times *

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Book SynopsisDiscover the classic mystery from Dick Francis, one of the greatest thriller writers of all time''Loads of twists and turns throughout keeps you drawn along. Terrific'' 5***** Reader Review''Outstanding. Dick Francis delivers in this action-packed thriller that is impossible to put down'' 5***** Reader Review______Sid Halley, ex-champion jockey turned investigator, is facing his toughest test.A number of horses have been brutally mutilated, horrifying their owners and the general public. Even Sid''s friend, broadcaster Ellis Quint, has been moved to make a shocking programme about it.But when Sid is asked to look into the case, the evidence he uncovers points in a startling direction and he finds that his head must overrule his heart. As friends and associates are angered by his discoveries, Sid is drawn into a terrible web of conspiracy and intrigue.Escape will require all his legendary wits and cunnTrade ReviewFrancis is firmly in the saddle and leaving the opposition standing * Sunday Telegraph *Francis writing at his best * Evening Standard *As a jockey, Dick Francis was unbeatable when he got into his stride. The same is true of his crime writing * Daily Mirror *

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Book SynopsisDiscover the classic mystery from Dick Francis, one of the greatest thriller writers of all time''Another exciting read that keeps you on the edge of your seat'' 5***** Reader Review''Grabbed my attention from the beginning . . . One of Dick Francis'' best!'' 5***** Reader Review''Excellent characterisations, believable villains and wonderful plots'' 5***** Reader Review______Gene Hawkins is a fixer for his boss Mr Keeble: if Keeble has a problem, Gene goes and fixes it. It''s that simple. Sometimes it requires the Luger he carries - mostly it doesn''t.Now Keeble has summoned Gene back from a long-overdue holiday. It seems that a very expensive stallion has been taken in Kentucky. It''s the third high-value kidnapping in a few years. Keeble wants his horse back - and it''s Gene''s job to go out there and find it.But what Gene doesn''t know is that he''s about to get involved with blackmailers and murderers. Looks like that Lugar will see some use . . .Packed with intrigue and hair-raising suspense, Blood Sport is just one of the many blockbuster thrillers from legendary crime writer Dick Francis.Praise for Dick Francis:''As a jockey, Dick Francis was unbeatable when he got into his stride. The same is true of his crime writing'' Daily Mirror''The narrative is brisk and gripping and the background researched with care . . . the entire story is a pleasure to relish'' Scotsman''Dick Francis''s fiction has a secret ingredient - his inimitable knack of grabbing the reader''s attention on page one and holding it tight until the very end'' Sunday Telegraph''A regular winner . . . as smooth, swift and lean as ever'' Sunday Express''The master of suspense and intrigue'' Country Life''Francis writing at his best'' Evening Standard''Still the master'' Racing PostTrade ReviewThe narrative is brisk and gripping and the background researched with care . . . the entire story is a pleasure to relish * Scotsman *Dick Francis's fiction has a secret ingredient - his inimitable knack of grabbing the reader's attention on page one and holding it tight until the very end * Sunday Telegraph *Francis writing at his best * Evening Standard *

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Book SynopsisBlinkin' 'Ell is both a celebration of life and a cautionary tale. It is a raw, boisterous, untutored, un-ghosted scrapbook of memories from a man whose world seemed to have ended in August 2014 when a massive stroke left him permanently incapacitated with only his left eyelid for communication. It tells of how, once he found his niche as a champion farrier, Stevie Fisher burned the candle at both ends, in the saddle, at the races, or at many another jape on his countryman's horizon. The addictive wonder is not just that Stevie has, blink by blink, letter by letter, brought us these stories of his old great times and of his present grotesquely bad, but that he has done so with all the over-the-top verve of the cheering, galloping figure whose pictures on the wall contrast so vividly with the shrivelled Stephen Hawking body on the bed. Stevie Fisher took a lot out of life. Read Blinkin' 'Ell and be amazed and uplifted by how much he still has.

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Book SynopsisShortlisted for the William Hill Sports Book of the Year AwardIn 1704 a bankrupt English merchant sent home the colt he had bought from Bedouin tribesmen near the ruins of Palmyra. Thomas Darley hoped this horse might be the ticket to a new life back in Yorkshire. But he turned out to be far more than that: and although Mr Darley's Arabian never ran a race, 95% of all thoroughbreds in the world today are descended from him. In this book, for the first time, award-winning racing writer Christopher McGrath traces this extraordinary bloodline through twenty-five generations to our greatest modern racehorse, Frankel.The story of racing is about man's relationship with horses, and Mr Darley's Arabian also celebrates the men and women who owned, trained and traded the stallions that extended the dynasty. The great Eclipse, for instance, was bred by the Duke who foiled Bonnie Prince Charlie's invasion (with militia gathered from Wakefield races) and went on to lead the Jockey Club. But he only became a success once bought and raced by a card-sharp and brothel-keeper - the racecourse has always brought high and low life together. McGrath expertly guides us through three centuries of scandals, adventures and fortunes won and lost: our sporting life offers a fascinating view into our history. With a canvas that extends from the diamond mines of South Africa to the trenches of the Great War, and a cast ranging from Smithfield meat salesmen to the inspiration for Mr Toad, and from legendary jockeys to not one, but two disreputable Princes of Wales (and a very unamused Queen Victoria), Mr Darley's Arabian shows us the many faces of the sport of kings.Trade ReviewAn excellent history . . . McGrath is one of the finest sportswriters of this generation . . . Brilliant -- David Walsh * SUNDAY TIMES *A racing book like no other - a book of remarkable scope -- Robin Oakley * THE SPECTATOR *Erudite, wry and astute . . . extraordinary horses and a rich seam of cultural history woven into a fascinating book -- Melanie Reid * THE TIMES, Book of the Week *A vivid, sweeping history of impressive scope. McGrath's eye for a story and eloquent turns of phrase will delight -- Nick Pulford * RACING POST *The introduction made my arms tingle as McGrath recalls Frankels's win at the 2000 Guineas at Newmarket in 2011... Racing life, social life and equine life are all neatly pulled together and expertly rendered into a compelling story. each chapter is a satisfying vignette of a Darley descendent, the jockeys, trainers, rakes and rank who were involved. Chance and Fortune, deals and dodging -- it's like Derby Day on the page -- Alexandra Henton * THE FIELD *A racy gallop . . . a teeming, colourful survey [with] a great deal to inform and entertain -- Nicholas Clee * OBSERVER *A dark horse contender * EVENING STANDARD *Did I think I'd end up missing the whole of the Euro 2016 final in order to finish Chris McGrath's Mr Darley's Arabian? By no means, but I guess it's just that kind of book... Packed with the result of thousands of hours of painstaking research (the bibliography, in itself, is worth a read), the book never gets bogged down in any one horse or race and travels along at a pace that almost forces the turn of the next page. It also includes a quite ridiculous amount of sex, disgrace and utter debauchery. And unlike so many of the great betting coups related throughout, many of which quite spectacularly fail to deliver, it's an investment well worth making -- Will Hayler * SPORTING LIFE *Meticulous research and engaging writing... a book to be savoured, Mr Darley's Arabian is a triumph -- Richard Fahey * RACING POST *A good story . . . from an award-winning journalist . . . [McGrath is] at his best when he is conveying his love of racing -- Patrick Scrivenor * LITERARY REVIEW *Truly gripping...a finely crafted tome that insists on your uninterrupted attention from the start...A fascinating tale of horses and those who owned, trained and traded them. the story is peppered with enough scandal and adventure to fill the trashiest novel. Fortunately, Mr Darley's Arabian is very well written, its narrative racing along effortlessly - as you might expect of a thoroughbred author -- Pete Sharkey * BIRMINGHAM POST, Sports Book of the Month *A high-quality history of our sport, drawing on a cast that takes in aristocrats and nouveaux riches, playboy industrialists, Smithfield meat salemen and the rulers of Dubai * GUARDIAN *A colourful and engaging tale of scandals, adventures and fortunes lost and won * HORSE MAGAZINE *A real thoroughbred.. a three century gallop through 25 generations of champions * IRISH MAIL *Entertaining and informative... a remarkable journey through three centuries, many countries and most of all 25 horses to trace the history of horse racing... [written with] a wonderful light touch. -- Bill Spence * RYEDALE GAZETTE & HERALD *The thoroughbred among new writers * OXFORD TIMES *A sprawling, colourful read, McGrath is an excellent writer and this is an ambitious and well-researched project... [Its readers] are on to a winner * SPORT *A brilliant read... excellent...if you have any interest in horse racing at all, this book is a must read * BOOKBAG *Brilliant...Mr Darley's Arabian has rightly received rave reviews -- Lee Mottershead * RACING POST *Extraordinary * WILTSHIRE VIEW *To the sound of pounding hooves, royalty and aristocrats, obsessive jockeys and trainers jostle with rogues and rascals. The author's understanding of breeding, racing and human foibles is thorough, his prose elegant. * SUNDAY TIMES, BOOKS OF THE YEAR *An enthralling cultural history of humans as much as horses * THE TIMES, BOOKS OF THE YEAR *A picaresque chronicle of horse racing . . . ingenious storytelling... a pleasure * GUARDIAN, BOOKS OF THE YEAR *A sporty stunner... great * COACH *McGrath is an excellent writer and this is an ambitious and well-researched project * Sport *The most comprehensive and entertaining history of racing * DAILY TELEGRAPH *Brilliantly realised . . . The depth of the research McGrath has undertaken is evident on every page but the difficult balance between being definitive and keeping the reader entertained is cleverly maintained . . . There could be no better way for a newcomer to racing to absorb its rich history or a devotee to discover fresh depths * Observor, 'The Sports Books that Made Our Writers' Year' *McGrath's book is erudite, his style wry and his descriptions astute * The Times *Excellent history of thorough-bred racing . . . immense attention to detail * Sunday Times *I galloped through Mr Darley's Arabian, Christopher McGrath's brilliantly colourful romp through the extraordinary horses and scandalous characters who make up the history of British horse racing * Observer, Best Holiday Reads *

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Book SynopsisPunters have never had it so good. In a world of rapidly progressive technology and ever-changing ways to bet, the days of punting solely in the betting shop and on the racecourse are long gone. Since the invention of Betfair in 2000 and the mass move online, bookmakers have never been closer to their customers. Punters are able to place bets at the click of a button - on the move, from the pub and even in the office - and the gambling industry has boomed because of it. Football has taken over as the market leader but horseracing is still hugely popular, while odds on other popular sports have opened them up to a fresh audience - the punters. But in a world of flickering screens and rifling numbers can come confusion. Whether you're a newcomer or a seasoned bettor, the Racing Post Betting Guide provides a lighter look at betting in the current climate, covering horseracing, football and other major sports such as golf, cricket and tennis. The views of our unparelled team of experts can help shape your thinking. Call on the Racing Post's unrivalled expertise, soak up all the knowledge you can and become a better bettor. Among the chapters to consider are: Ten top tips by Pricewise supremo Tom Segal-Studying the form by tipping judge Paul Kealy-Football accas and in-play by Mark Langdon-Punting at the big festivals by David Jennings-Golf betting and the Majors by Steve Palmer-Betting on the favourites by Richard Birch-Tackling the handicaps by Keith Melrose. Other forms of betting covered are: Betting exchanges, pool betting, multiple bets, ante-post betting, pedigree punting plus betting on NFL, darts, rugby, UFC and cycling plus more!

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Book SynopsisPresents a unique focus on the racing career and legacy of Sir BartonTable of ContentsForeword Prologue Chapter 1 Chapter 2 Chapter 3 Chapter 4 Chapter 5 Chapter 6 Chapter 7 Chapter 8 Chapter 9 Chapter 10 Chapter 11 Chapter 12 Chapter 13 Chapter 14 Chapter 15 Chapter 16 Chapter 17 Epilogue

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Book SynopsisThe Racing Post Annual is firmly established as the perfect Christmas gift for any horseracing fan. Racing Post's top writers look back on the best of the Flat and jumps seasons, the big names, equine and human, the moments to treasure and unusual stories of the year; plus there's a look forward at the top prospects for 2026.

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Book Synopsis'Poignant and compelling, an equine Bridget Jones.' Racing PostBeing a stable lass is probably one of the hardest jobs in the country, and yet for Gemma Hogg it is the most rewarding. She works in the beautiful Yorkshire market town of Middleham and if her colleagues are occasionally challenging, then the horses are downright astonishing. Now, in Stable Lass, she takes us into the closed world of a top racing yard, from the elation of having several winners in one day to the almost indescribable grief of losing a horse. Like most stable lads and lasses, Gemma arrived in her yard as a teenager fresh out of racing college and had to cope with living away from home for the first time, as well as adapting to the brutal long hours, backbreaking work and often treacherous weather. She describes falling in love with Polo Venture, the first racehorse in her care, the pure exhilaration of riding him on Middleham Gallops for the first time and what happens when a horse takes against you, from the growling gelding Valiant Warrior to the potentially lethal Broadway Boy. She brings to life the characters around the yard, from straight-talking boss Micky Hammond to the jockeys starving themselves to make weight, the wealthy owners and the other stable lads and lasses who come from a range of different places and backgrounds. Stable Lass by Gemma Hogg is a unique look into the world of horse racing filled with heart-warming stories and amazing thoroughbreds – some loveable, some cantankerous, all impressive.Trade ReviewVividly funny, shockingly frank, deeply passionate, movingly sensitive - and that’s just about the horses! A bawdy, caring, and wickedly insightful stable yard rite of passage that no racing fan should miss. There’s never been a book like this before. -- Brough ScottA delightful romp. * Daily Mail *A poignant, compelling, hilarious, emotional account of life as a Yorkshire stable lass. * Racing Post *An exhilarating ride and a fascinating ‘muck and all’ glimpse into the closed world of horse racing. * Lancashire Evening Post *Full of heartwarming stories and some very characterful thoroughbreds * Horse & Rider *Stable Lass is a must-read. * Horse & Hound *

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Book SynopsisThe Racing Post Puzzle Book is the first puzzle book written for fans of horseracing. 240 puzzles will provide endless head scratching and entertainment for anyone who enjoys the sport. Its mix of six different types of puzzle will challenge even the most knowledgeable fan. In Fill In The Blanks an account of a race is given with ten key names and other words missing. Do you know enough to fill in the blanks? In Simple Sums, do you have the racing knowledge you need to complete the calculations? In Tell Me The Answer And I'll Tell You The Question, two questions and two answers are given - can you find which question and answer match? In Get It In One? Or Two, Or Three, Or Four?, how many clues do you need to identify the well-known person or horse? One, two, three or four? In Time For A Rhyme a short poem describes a famous person or horse. Can you complete the missing rhymes and identify who the poem is about? In Where's The Logic? a logic puzzle is presented in a racing setting. Can you use logic and the clues to deduce the answer?

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Book SynopsisWhich flat horses should you be backing in 2024? Discover the names and details with this invaluable guide to likely winners. Drawing on a wealth of experience and knowledge, the Racing Post''s expert race-readers have selected the horses they expect to succeed in the upcoming flat season. You''ll get the names and details of 100 potential winners, including info on their previous form, in this indispensable, easy-to-read, pocket-sized guide. Now in its 63rd year, the guide has a long history of identifying winners.Give yourself the edge with this tried-and-tested tool that no flat-racing follower should be without. The editor, Rodney Pettinger, has been the product manager for Raceform Interactive since 2001, and in recent years he has also managed the team of writers who produce analysis and close-up comments for the Racing Post.

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Book Synopsis

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Book Synopsis

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Book SynopsisMost of us know the legend of Secretariat, the tall, handsome chestnut racehorse whose string of honours runs long and rich. As Secretariat's groom, loyal friend, and protector, Eddie Sweat understood the horse far better than anyone else. This book is a tribute to this exceptional man.

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a huge range and FREE tracked UK delivery on ALL orders.

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a huge range and FREE tracked UK delivery on ALL orders.

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Book SynopsisIn his own words Bob talks of his early life, his path to becoming a professional jump jockey and how it felt being at the top of his game only to have it come crashing down with a life-threatening diagnosis. The depths of despair going through the radical new cancer treatment he was offered and the heights of joy with that famous Grand National victory. This new biography also looks at the whirlwind adventure his life has been since that glorious spring day at Aintree and examines the tremendous fund raising efforts of the Bob Champion Cancer Trust.Today Bob is the face of that Trust, the UK’s most successful small cancer fund that has been responsible for raising almost £15Million, money which has allowed research efforts that have all but eradicated testicular cancer death and furthered new research enquiries into prostate cancer.For the first time Bob shares his thoughts on his life so far, the highs, the lows, injuries, illness and of course just what

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Book SynopsisFor the first time Bob shares his thoughts on his life so far, the highs, the lows, injuries, illness, the charity trust and of course just what it felt like to win `the ultimate test of horse and rider.'

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a huge range and FREE tracked UK delivery on ALL orders.

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a huge range and FREE tracked UK delivery on ALL orders.

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a huge range and FREE tracked UK delivery on ALL orders.

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a huge range and FREE tracked UK delivery on ALL orders.

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a huge range and FREE tracked UK delivery on ALL orders.

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Book SynopsisTells the inspiring true tale of a one-eyed, club-footed thoroughbred racehorse and a journeyman trainer, Tim Snyder, who scraped together every penny he had to purchase the broken and unwanted filly.

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