In Search of Running Rein: The Amazing Fraud of the 1844 Derby - Rilegato

Tony Byles; Tony Morris (foreword)

Rilegato

ISBN 10: 190635894X ISBN 13: 9781906358945

Casa editrice: Apex Publishing Ltd, 2011

Riassunto

The Epsom Derby, established back in 1780 for three-year-old thoroughbred colts and fillies, is today considered to be the most prestigious of the five Classics of the racing calendar, but there was nothing noble about the notorious Derby held in 1844. Marred by horse switching allegations, false age declarations, devious ownership transferrals and nobbling, it was set to become the most scandalous event in the history of the Turf. Drawing on a wide range of publications, newspaper articles, Jockey Club inquiry documentation and court evidence records, this book traces the web of deceit surrounding the original but subsequently disqualified 1844 Derby winner, Running Rein, and the audacious plan orchestrated by a certain Abraham Levi Goodman to ensure, by any underhand means at his disposal, that the Derby victory would be his, not for the glory of winning but as a monstrous betting coup. Twists and turns abound in the claims, counter-claims and conflicting witness statements when the case goes to trial, as attempts are made to determine the age and identity of the horse purported to be Running Rein, and this intriguing story provides a fascinating insight into the world of horse racing and betting, where the stakes are high and the unscrupulous are prepared to do anything to protect their own interests, with little regard for the impact of their actions on the reputation of the sport.

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Recensione:

I greatly enjoyed Tony Byles account of the amazing 1844 Derby. How it came to be written in the first place, thanks to Gina, is quite a story in itself and the subsequent eight years of research has resulted in a fascinating read. --Lester Piggott, Former Professional Jockey

As a horse racing historian I am well aware that the sport was plagued during the first half of the nineteenth century by, to use Tony Byles' words, "rampant scams, cheating, deceptions, substitutes and, yes, poisoning". But even against such a background, the "Running Rein Derby" of 1844 stands alone in terms of its sheer audaciousness. Tony has done an excellent and comprehensive job in unearthing the details and the aftermath of the episode. Furthermore, he relates the story in a such a way that brings the best out of the intriguing complexities of this extraordinary case --Chris Pitt

A landmark in the history of horseracing itself, with the first horse home disqualified, exposed as an impostor. I have waited over half a century for the full story of this scandalous and intriguing affair, and take my hat off to Tony Byles for the prodigious research he has undertaken in compiling this comprehensive account of a saga that shook the nation more than a century and a half ago, and is guaranteed to fascinate readers of the modern era. --Tony Morris, Horseracing and Pedigree Journalist

L'autore:

Although he now lives in Madeley, near Ironbridge, Shropshire, Tony Byles was born and bred in West Drayton, London, growing up in the family home that his grandfather had built on the old West Drayton racecourse (1865-76). His love of the horse started at an early age, his first memory of the Derby being in 1946 when his father won £50 on Airborne. Long before the 1950s golden age of horse racing, he became fascinated with the history of the thoroughbred racehorse, culminating in the penning of his first book, In Search of Running Rein. His favourite racecourse is Newmarket, where he has been a member for a number of years.

Su questa edizione

• Editore: Apex Publishing Ltd
• Data di pubblicazione: 2011
• ISBN 10: 190635894X
• ISBN 13: 9781906358945
• Rilegatura: Copertina rigida
• Numero di pagine: 250