Books

Running Racing is published at a time when racing is at a watershed.  Although the Club has been running the sport since the mid eighteenth century it is now a regulatory body with much of its power taken over by the recently formed British Horseracing Board.

But like racing itself, its past is a splendidly eccentric and colourful story.

Indeed the early days of the Jockey Club produced sometimes downright scandalous episodes involving its members – who to qualify were said to have to be a relation of God and a close one at that.  These were interspersed with the stewardship of great reformers like Bunbury, Bentinck and the much feared Admiral Rous, all working against the backfrop of the royal patronage of the Turf from George IV to the present day.

Many of the characters and the reputations surrounding them are mirrored by a wealth of amusing illustrations and John Tyrrel spares no effort to move the reader on through the years right up with the pace.

Finally much is made of the recent efforts and leadership of Lord ‘Stoker’ Hartington and the book ends with a well considered view of the opportunities already lost or within reach of those entrusted with the future prosperity and reputation of our sport of kings.

Hardback.