Horse racing booklet

Horse racing is one of the few sports that delivers compelling stories that play out in front of the eyes of the adoring public.

As one of the most famous pastimes, stories from unlikely heroes have been passed down through generations, while more history always threatens to take over the narrative as some of the big race days on the calendar approach.

As such, there are some larger-than-life stories that have played out on track throughout racing history, with a number being the subject of much-loved biographies. You can also check the here, since the race is taking placing in one month in Del Mar, California.

You can find out more about some of the most popular here.

The Classic 28 – The Story of Lester Piggott’s Great Classic Wins

There are few jockeys that feature more heavily when discussions surrounding the greatest rider in the history of the sport are spoken about than Lester Piggott.

The legendary jockey is regarded as the best flat riders of all-time, and was an integral athlete for many when it comes to riding horses in the biggest races. Piggott won a staggering 28 Classics during his time in the saddle, which included an amazing nine wins in the Epsom Derby.

The Classic 28 tells the stories of each of Piggott’s wins in the Classics, including his memorable ride on Roberto in the 1972 Derby when not sparring the whip.

Cue Card – The People’s Champion

Jumps racing always holds a special place in the hearts for many, as returning stars return season after season to compete at the highest level.

Few have captured the imagination more so in recent history than Cue Card, for trainer Colin Tizzard. ‘The People’s Champion’ retells the story of one of the most popular jumps horses in training, from his success in the Champion Bumper to memorable Gold Cup glory.

Cue Card would win 15 of his 33 races on track, including nine at Grade One level. However, it would be his performances at the Cheltenham Festival that would ignite his fan base, landing three wins at the pinnacle of jumps racing.

Steve Cauthen – English Odyssey

Steve Cauthen is one of the most famous jockeys on the planet, as he is one of few to have achieved victories in both American and UK Classics.

The American star won over $6 million in prize money while in the saddle, becoming the first in history to eclipse that massive total. ‘English Odyssey’ tells the story of Cauthen following his move from Kentucky to the United Kingdom in the hope of making history.

A champion jockey by 17, Cauthen arrived in England with a lofty reputation. He exceeded all expectations during his time in the UK, winning the 2,000 Guineas just weeks after making the move.

The Scudamores – Three of a Kind

Racing is in the blood for many families, meaning it is little surprise when sons and daughters follow in the footsteps of their elders.

That is very much the case when it comes to the Scudamores, and “Three of a Kind” tells their unique story. The Scudamore story started with Michael, who won the Grand National in 1959 before the family name was taken to new heights by Peter, who would be crowned champion jockey on eight occasions.

Tom would be the latest to take over the family name on track when riding his first winner in July 1998. Peter’s son would later land major victories, including ten at the Cheltenham Festival, as well as further success in the King George VI Chase and the Long Walk Hurdle.

As well as sharing the stories of different generations of , it also offers an insight as to how the sport has changed and developed throughout decades.

Her Majesty’s Pleasure

Horse racing is commonly known as the ‘sport of kings,’ and Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth certainly lived up to that reputation. Julian Muscat recalls the late Queen’s love for the spot in ‘.’

The book goes into detail surrounding her life on the track, sharing her passion for all things race, as well as going behind the scenes and offering insight to her life as a breeder. Sir Peter O’Sullivan offers great insight behind one of the most important figures in modern recent history, and how her love of the game spurned further success for the Royal Ascot meeting.

There are a number of interesting facts revealed in the book, including the claim from former trainer Ian Balding, who revealed that the late Queen never wore perfume at the stables because she knew that it would stir up the horses at the yard.

As well as touching on the low points, the book also goes into great detail surrounding her relationships with key racing figures such as Frankie Dettori, while also recalling the iconic moment at Royal Ascot in 2013 when the Queen’s runner won the Ascot Gold Cup.

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