Britain and Ireland's Top 100 Racehorses of All Time

(Paperback)

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Kauto Star, Nijinsky, Arkle, Desert Orchid, Frankel, Red Rum how do you rank the best British and Irish horses from both Flat racing and jumping How do you compare a fleet-footed sprinter with the robust staying power of a steeplechaser This was the daunting task for Robin Oakley, and his highly personal list will provoke debate among racing fans everywhere.

A lifelong devotee of racing and well known as the Turf correspondent for the Spectator, former BBC Political Editor Robin Oakley has made his selection not just on form figures and statistics but on the 'fun factor'. His ratings give prominence to horses who seized the public's imagination and inspired a following, and he brings the legendary names of past and present vividly to life with a wealth of fascinating stories behind their victories. Illuminated by archive photographs that illustrate the athleticism, character and courage of the horses, Britain and Ireland's Top 100 Racehorses of All Time is the perfect gift for any fan of racing and its colourful history.

Reviews

The short history of each runner; detailing owners, jockeys and career highlights will keep the armchair enthusiast or racecourse regular entertained ... [Oakley's] breadth of knowledge and easy style make this a dead cert. -- The Field
His own descriptions of legendary horses and races are richly evocative. -- Racing Post
Unlikely to settle any bar room debates over the greatest race horse. But it might prompt a few. -- Anton Rippon, Sport's Journalists' Association
For the racing fan you know and love, Top 100 Racehorses of All Time could be just what they need for reference and maybe that big winning bet! -- Essex Rider Monthly

Author Bio

Robin Oakley OBE is a European political Editor at CNN International and was BBC political Editor. His most recent book was The Cheltenham Festival: A Centenary History (Aurum, 2011).