Hi all, Given that we have an avid community of racing fans and bettors, I was wondering if a thread on racing media would be appreciated. It would be really interesting to hear what people have been buying for either a form book perspective or a historical interest in the sport. My collection of books are pretty random (with thanks to a poster on here for supplying some very interesting ones a few years ago) with things like the Phil Bull biography (which is well worth picking up a copy of) all the way through to "From Aintree to York" the old but golden review of racecourses by Stephen Cartmell. So here are my top 5 reviews - "From Aintree to York" - This is an old book these days, but its well worth having on the bookshelf, if only to remind you what going to a racecourse was like! It is a travel around the racecourses of the UK with social history and food reviews thrown in for good measure. I enjoy reviewing the sections of the book after i've been to a racecourse to see how the courses have changed over the last couple of decades. Some plentiful change (Cheltenham for example) and some barely have had a lick of paint!! "Henry Cecil - Trainer of Genius" - a fascinating read about a fascinating man. Brough Scott is a brilliant writer for racing and this is a great example of his work. The fact that Frankel came about when he did and the brightness of the star before Henry sadly died is such an apt end to this story. "Fifty Shades of Hay" - A table top book with the history of some bizarre and genius names of racehorses, fascinating and funny in parts and a very easy read. David Ashforth is just a lovely writer and character of the sport. "Kauto Star - A steeplechasing legend" - This is in because of the horse, he is my favourite of all time, so much so that my son has Kauto as one of his middle names! This is a lovely tribute to the horse. "100 poems to make you TLC" - https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1911596055/?tag=not606-21 - Ok, this isn't a book that i've read, or will read, but it made me laugh when someone sent me the link a few weeks ago. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Both of those are on the shelf, waiting to be re-picked up. I found the first one quite boring (having watched the "being AP" film) and the latter didn't really interest me that much.
Certain parts Nass - some of the stuff AP wrote about his time with Jim Bolger was interesting. I liked CB’s memories of Mill Reef too.
I'm not really a reader of books Nass; never get the time to sit down and read a book. But good idea. Great thread - thanks
See Tam? Nass has a book titled "Kauto Star- A Steeplechasing Legend" but he doesnt have one titled "Denman- A decent handicapper"
A Sure Thing - Barney Curly's insight into his "biggest coup" is a good read. Very insightful and full of anecdotes to keep you amused throughout, with some heart warming sentiment thrown in as well. A nice read, would highly reccomend.
Here is a song you may enjoy about Kauto, I think most would agree it is poignant, well written and very catchy... I hope that link works, I am doing it from my phone so apologies for not uploading it in a better format.
Nothing to do with racing, but anyone with a gambling habit might enjoy “Shut Up And Deal” by Jesse May, which captures the high octane rush of a punting frenzy very effectively.
The best book on racing and the life of a jockey (and life itself) I've ever read is Second Start by Bobby Beasley
At last a thread I can make a recommendation in and know it won't fall at the first. In fact i will probably return with a few other suggestions but I think Norton Howells 'Horse Racing Is Not Just About Horse Racing' is a stunning book. (It's flat racing which really does not interest me, but it could concern cockroach racing and it would not matter, its such a fine book.) I think it got picked up by a publisher and updated/physically published as ' Addicted To Horseracing' which is a truly crap title but hopefully the author didn't let then change the rest of the book.
Nass's mention of David Ashforth reminds me that his long-term colleague and sparring partner, Ian Carnaby, has a new book coming out in early December. Among their many contributions to the gaiety of nations, the pair used to sponsor a basement-grade 6f seller at Brighton every summer (Carnaby does it on his own now) and the quality of their writing has kept them working - and betting - for several decades, in a notoriously unforgiving profession. The book (details attached, but check the website below for any late changes to release-date or price) is a follow-up to Carnaby's well-received 2004 Not Minding that it Hurts, a dip-into miscellany of racing and betting reminiscences, interviews, book reviews and a general punter's-eye commentary on the universe. Obviously, I've not read the new one, but it appears to be a gently-linked collection of his assorted articles from various sporting publications, and should provide a welcome beacon of light and warmth in this virus-blighted winter wasteland. Forum members will particularly identify with Carnaby's recognition that remembering losers can be just as great - albeit rueful - a source of enjoyment as reliving winners. If you don't fancy placing the order and spending the money yourself, it might be worth hinting to (non-puritan) relatives that you wouldn't mind being given it for Christmas. Details: Title: The Long Road from Portman Square: a Gambler's Odyssey from Portsmouth to Paraguay Price: £15.00 Published: 1 December 2020 Available from: www.martenjulian.com (follow links to Shop, then to Books and Publications)
I’d love to get hold of “You win some, you lose some” by Julian Armfield- a biography of Bill Marshall. Anybody got a copy?
Quick update: the Ian Carnaby book I mentioned earlier is now available from the Marten Julian shop, although at £20 and not the £15 I'd expected. The delivery system seems pretty efficient, and you might still be just in time to get it before Christmas. Details at #14 above.
