Books

Often called the sport of kings, horse racing dates back at least to the chariot races of the ancient Olympic Games.  Arriving in Roman Britain in the third century BC, its popularity among the elite led to the breeding of thoroughbred racehorses and prompted the establishment of a formal racing calendar with flat races and steeplechases at a plethora of dedicated racecourses throughout the country.  Now no longer restricted to the aristocracy, a day at the races has become a perennial highlight of the social calendar.  In this illustrated introduction to the sport, Anne Holland explores the broad history of horse racing from the heroes, jockeys and racecourses to the practice of bookmaking and the sartorial excitement of Ladies Day.

Paperback.