Eclipse, The story of the rogue, the madam and the horse that changed racing, Nicholas Clee

Description Eclipse The story of the rogue, the madam and the horse that changed racing Nicholas Clee paperback edition 2010 9 1/2″ 6 1/4″, 327 pages index, illustrated with mostly colour and a few b w historical pictures Epsom Downs, 3rd May, 1769- a chestnut with a white blaze scorches across the turf towards the finishing post. His four rivals are so far behind him that, in racing terms, they are nowhere . Awestruck, his spectators know they are in the presence of greatness. Among the crowd are two men who, according to the tradition of the Sport of Kings, should not be associated with the horse who will become its greatest exponent. One, Eclipse’s owner, is a meat salesman. The second, who wants to own Eclipse, is an adventurer who has made his money through roguery and gambling. He is also the companion of the madam of one of London s most notorious brothels. While this man will remain an outcast to the racing establishment, Eclipse will go on to become the undisputed, undefeated champion of his sport. He will found dynasties that will dominate the bloodstock market not only in Britain, but in every other country where Thoroughbreds race. His influence will be such that ninety-five per cent of horses racing today are his male-line descendants. This is a vivid portrait of high and low life; of princes, paupers and prostitutes; an era of passionate sport and ferocious gambling