The History of Horse Racing | John Carter

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 Frankel, the world's best Thoroughbred, who remained unbeaten in his fourteen-race career. 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.John Carter is sports writer and author of Play the Masters, Newmarket: A Year at the Home of Horse Racing, and Warriors on Horseback, which won the prestigious Dr. Tony Ryan literary prize, awarded to the best book on thoroughbred horse racing.