About
From King Henry VIII to Queen Elizabeth II, via the introduction of the Classics, a duel at Ascot, the first steeplechase, a Derby Day fraud, a huge Cambridgeshire gamble, the desolation of Fred Archer, a thousand-mile walk around Newmarket Heath, the greatness of Ormonde and Sceptre, Man o' War's record-breaking runs, National Velvet and Emily Davison, to the brilliance of Lester Piggott, Tony McCoy and Frankel, Peter May has selected over one hundred days that encapsulate five hundred years of the Sport of Kings.
His short, informative, easy-to-read essays bring to life racing's milestone events that set the nation on a different path, such as the 1913 Derby, and the sacrifices horseracing made to support the British military campaigns overseas. A host of anecdotes tell of the exploits of the racing fraternity and cast light on the psyche of those who were prepared to take on bets which, at today's rates, would stretch into millions. Sure to rekindle fond, and maybe distant, memories of the races and horses that once dominated the sporting section of the daily newspapers.
His short, informative, easy-to-read essays bring to life racing's milestone events that set the nation on a different path, such as the 1913 Derby, and the sacrifices horseracing made to support the British military campaigns overseas. A host of anecdotes tell of the exploits of the racing fraternity and cast light on the psyche of those who were prepared to take on bets which, at today's rates, would stretch into millions. Sure to rekindle fond, and maybe distant, memories of the races and horses that once dominated the sporting section of the daily newspapers.
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Reviews
"'I have not come across a book like this before. Yes, I have seen weighty tomes with price tags to match, but this is an accessible, well-written and meticulously researched history of racing that deserves to sell in the thousands.
'A fascinating history of the sport. Many of us who enjoy racing know a fair bit about its origins, but this is the best book I've read for taking the reader through a
Racing Ahead Magazine, Language and Literature Books
"'A very engaging and informative journey through racing centuries'"
Author and Racing Journalist
"'If you're a fan of racing under any code or any discipline, this is a book that you'll enjoy.'"
Fitzdares Times