History of Horseracing

Horseracing has stood the test of time as a great sporting spectacle, with the capacity to stir deep emotions in the enthusiast. It remains as popular now as it was over 400 years ago, when the first official meeting took place in Britain. The sight of a thoroughbred displaying enormous courage in the heat of a contest intrigues everyone from the occasional fan to the professional punter, and even the Royal Family, and the outcome is never predictable. No one can foresee the result of a race, not even the bookmaker! There are too many variables, enough to baffle the finest mind. The 'Sport of Kings' tests not only equines and humans, but marries both worlds together. A win is born of a team effort involving the horse itself, the jockey, the trainer and all others involved. This book offers the chance to ride in racing's very own time machine, visiting the most significant points in its long history. Revealed are the most picturesque venues, richest races, oldest racecourses, greatest battles, famous horses and shrewdest trainers - the Grand National, Cheltenham, Red Rum, Shergar, Lester Piggott, Frankie Dettori, to name but a few. The recent growth of Internet betting is another subject woven into racing's colourful tapestry. It is a must read for any horse racing enthusiast.