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I don’t know how easy it is to get hold off these days, but Simon Barnes’ book Horsesweat and Tears, written in the late 80s, is worth a read for those who’ve never encountered it. It follows a year in John Dunlop’s stable (the year during which his son Tim was killed, tragically) and is well-written and evocative. I’ve had a soft spot for Dunlop’s yard ever since reading it.
If you want to see photos of loads of tracks around the world try this one:
The World’s Greatest Racecourses
Paul Haigh
Courses selected: Arlington, Ascot, Baden-Baden, Belmont Park, Chantilly, Churchill Downs, The Curragh, Deauville, Del Mar, Epsom Downs, Flemington, Goodwood, Happy Valley, Kranji, Kyoto, Leopardstown, Longchamp, Moonee Valley, Nad Al Sheba, Nakayama, Newmarket, Randwick, Santa Anita, Saratoga, Sha Tin, Tokyo, Woodbine and York.
Wot no Cartmel?
gc
Adoptive father of two. The patron saint of lower-grade fare. A gently critical friend of point-to-pointing. Kindness is a political act.
Favourite Racehorses from Timeform is an engrossing read if only for the fact that it’s essentially a 350p compilation of their inimitable essays from the ‘Racehorses’ and ‘Chasers and Hurdlers’ annuals. Not enough from the latter but still enjoyable.
As for books dedicated to betting, Clive Holt’s little red book Be a Succesful Punter which must be 25 years old now remains (IMO) a sound introduction to betting strategy and staking; and via his ‘Fineform Formula’ to the importance of recent form and course winners
Wot no Cartmel?
gc
Hmmmmm, must have been an oversight…. maybe in the second edition?
As for books dedicated to betting, Clive Holt’s little red book Be a Succesful Punter[/b:1eo9c8zz] which must be 25 years old now remains (IMO) a sound introduction to betting strategy and staking; and via his ‘Fineform Formula’ to the importance of recent form and course winners
Read it soon after it was published. Good and interesting read.
Gambling Only Pays When You're Winning
I don’t know how easy it is to get hold off these days, but Simon Barnes’ book Horsesweat and Tears, written in the late 80s, is worth a read for those who’ve never encountered it. It follows a year in John Dunlop’s stable (the year during which his son Tim was killed, tragically) and is well-written and evocative. I’ve had a soft spot for Dunlop’s yard ever since reading it.
Thanks for that Cruella.
I just ordered it off Alibris.co.uk – they have 11 (now 10) copies for sale!KT,
It’s not a pictorial book like Paul’s tome but if you just want to know about the actual courses over here you could try Horses In Training 2007.
Published annually most people buy it for the lists of horses in training by trainer but at the back it has loads of other data including details of every course and their management contacts. It also lists all track records and median times at each track However, unlike some books aimed at punters, it doesn’t go into draw bias on tracks.
KT,
It’s not a pictorial book like Paul’s tome but if you just want to know about the actual courses over here you could try Horses In Training 2007.
Published annually most people buy it for the lists of horses in training by trainer but at the back it has loads of other data including details of every course and their management contacts. It also lists all track records and median times at each track However, unlike some books aimed at punters, it doesn’t go into draw bias on tracks.
Thanks Adrian that sounds good, I think I saw that one in the Racing Post UK shop.
I need to learn as much as possible so any other suggestions for my ‘education’ will be gratefully received!
Is there a book available that describes each course (in detail) in England?
Timeform’s Statistical Reviews have a section “Characteristics of Racecourses”. You will get all the English ones, plus a few Scottish and Welsh tracks thrown in for good measure.
The Flat trainers’ review is my one “must buy” of the year.
Is there a book available that describes each course (in detail) in England?
Timeform’s Statistical Reviews have a section “Characteristics of Racecourses”. You will get all the English ones, plus a few Scottish and Welsh tracks thrown in for good measure.
The Flat trainers’ review is my one “must buy” of the year.
Thank you! I hope my postman has been doing his exercises recently. If you register at Timeform.com you can download a PDF of their racecourse maps (flat and jumps) for free, which have plenty of info on each.
If you register at Timeform.com you can download a PDF of their racecourse maps (flat and jumps) for free, which have plenty of info on each.
Oh that’s brilliant! Thanks!
I just had a quick look on http://www.abebooks.co.uk and there are 25,418 books on horse racing
http://www.abebooks.co.uk/servlet/SearchResults?sortby=3&sts=t&kn=horse+racingIf you register at Timeform.com you can download a PDF of their racecourse maps (flat and jumps) for free, which have plenty of info on each.
This is brilliant Gareth! I just joined up and am looking at the Nottingham track right now!
Thanks again.
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