The Thoroughbred by Peter Willett

The first part of the book deals with the early days of racing in England and the development of the Turm, the formation of the Jockey Club in the mid-eighteenth century, the foundation of the Classic races and their adoption as the supreme tests of the thoroughbred on which selection for breeding was based.

The second half of the book exmines the evolution of the thoroughbred form imported British stock in the rest of Europe, the Americas and Australasia, the influence of climate and soil.

The illustrations consist of paintings, sculptures, caricatures, prints and photographs of the great horses and major racing events, as well as portraits of the men who were instrumental in helping the development of horse racing.