A Day at the Races

Foreword by Henrietta Knight.

From King Henry VIII to Queen Elizabeth II, via the introduction of the Classics, a duel at Ascot, the first steeplechase, a Derby Day fraud, a huge Cambridgeshire gamble, the desolation of Fred Archer, a thousand-mile walk around Newmarket Heath, the greatness of Ormonde and Sceptre, Man o' War's record-breaking runs, National Velvet and Emily Davison, to the brilliance of Lester Piggott, Tony McCoy and Frankel, Peter May has selected over one hundred days that encapsulate five hundred years of the Sport of Kings.   

His short, informative, easy-to-read essays bring to life racing's milestone events that set the nation on a different path, such as the 1913 Derby, and the sacrifices horseracing made to support the British military campaigns overseas.    A host of anecdotes tell of the exploits of the racing fraternity and cast light on the psyche of those who were prepared to take on bets which, at today's rates, would stretch into millions.    Sure to rekindle fond, and maybe distant, memories of the races and horses that once dominated the sporting section of the daily newspapers.

Weights, Distances, Currency 4

Foreword by Henrietta Knight 5

Preface 6

Timeline of Events 7

Early Years 1500-1799 11

1800-1849 32

1850-1899 53

1900-1949 90

1950-1999 147

21st Century 212

Notes and References 230

Bibliography 233

Acknowledgements 235

Index 237