Third edition, published in 2007.
Few moments in any sport can come even close to matching the thrilling finish of a horse race, with maybe a handful of horses abreast across a track flying towards the finishing post. The crescendo of thundering hooves, the jockeys in their amazing array of silks, pushing and cajoling their mounts into final decisive efforts, the crowd roaring their picks home, these are what make horse racing the great spectacle it is.
An authoritative and comprehensive illustrated work of reference, The Complete Encyclopedia of Horse Racing tells the story of the “sport of kings” from its earliest inception to the present day. It provides essential information on the top jockeys, the leading owners and trainers and the famous horses worldwide. Every personality (human and equine), event and issue of importance in the history of both flat racing and steeplechasing will be referred to somewhere in the book. In addition, the off-track world of racing will be explored through the chapters dealing with gambling, scandals and disasters, odd occurrences and trivia. It also features chronology of world racing.
Written by two acknowledges authorities on the racing scenes, and fully updated, this book is the definitive work on “the horse”, with every page a visually exciting and information-packed celebration of the sport. This book will be as invaluable to the fan who follows racing on television as it will be for the serious student, administrator and the media.
Hardback.