Author(s): Carter John

Sport

Champion thoroughbreds, owners, trainers and jockeys, illustrated with 220 drawings, paintings and photographs. It is an engrossing guide to the fascinating stories and facts of the horse-racing world, from the early days of the first races to the thrilling multi-spectator sport of today. It includes all the famous horse races from around the world, such as Newmarket in England, the Kentucky Derby in the USA and the Melbourne Cup in Australia. It features intriguing information about legendary owners, trainers and jockeys, as well as the winning thoroughbred horses that have become celebrity champions. It explores the reasons why the internationally famous racecourses are so popular with the racegoing public. It is spectacularly illustrated with over 220 dramatic photographs of horses, signature race courses and personalites, as well as archive drawings and paintings. There are few more stirring sights in sport than to witness the finish of a prestigious horse race - the bright blur of horses racing towards the winning post with jockeys pushing their mounts forward, urged on by the encouragement of the racegoers. This book celebrates the great characters and performers, both human and equine, who have been involved in such contests. It features the owners, trainers, jockeys and, above all, the champion thoroughbreds who have written their names into the legend of the 'sport of kings' - from Flying Childers, the first great racehorse of the 18th century, through to Makybe Diva, the three-time winner of the Melbourne Cup. Racing's hallowed venues and their much-awaited blue-riband racedays are also documented and celebrated. Illustrated with over 220 photographs, the book conveys the essence of the sport in a charming and enjoyable manner.