The first of the series, published in 2022, concentrates on the populous south eastern counties of England. Its 1032 pages contain a wealth of information and images. More than just a racing enthusiast’s reference work, this sumptuous book also reveals the social history behind the events and the impact of the local geography on the way they were run, and how changes in both altered the way that the sport evolved. It’s a big book, in its scope and in its physical dimensions, and readers will be sure to find many fascinating nuggets of information in its meticulously researched pages.
Vol 1: The South-East and East Anglia: the area surrounding the capital was home to some of the most interesting – and outrageous – fixtures, especially those that mushroomed in the 1860s which caused Parliament to intervene after the Jockey Club failed to bring them to heel. Hampton was as big an occasion for Londoners as Epsom, yet the hilly countryside around Harrow was one of the first centres of steeplechasing. Further away, the headquarters of Flat racing at Newmarket invigorated many of the fixtures for miles about and several of the county meetings.
1032 pages. Size: Demy Quarto, 280 x 215 mm. Hardback with dustwrapper
Not just for racing fans. Packed with fascinating information for all those interested in local history too.
Illustrations and photographs of racing at the old courses
Maps and images showing the relationship between old and new
Many unique aerial photos shot from a drone are featured, showing the sites as they appear today