Steeplechasing: A Celebration of 250 Years [Hardcover]

Anne Holland (Author), Jonjo O'Neill (Foreword)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 1, 2001

Steeplechasing began in County Cork in 1752, when Edmund Blake bet Cornelius O'Callaghan a cask of wine that his own hunter could beat O'Callaghan's to the steeple of St. Leger nearly five miles away. Anne Holland's book celebrates the great moments in this sport's 250 year history by portraying steeplechasing's story thematically. She draws portraits of the sport's progress during the 19th century, which saw the first running of the Grand National, and brings evocative memories of steeplechasing and the characters who participated in it in the 20th century.

Editorial Reviews

Review

'Lovingly put together.' ALL SPORT MONTHLY 'This is a thoroughly enjoyable and well illustrated book.' IRELAND ON SUNDAY 'This well-produced book is a lovingly written tribute to the sport of steeplechasing. The author knows her subject well and she has ridden and won many point-to-points and has won under National Hunt Rules.' IRISH FIELD 'Anne Holland's racing books are always well-researched and written with passion. Her latest offering...is no exception.' RACING REVIEW

About the Author

Anne Holland is herself a former amateur rider and one of the first women to ride (and win) under National Hunt Rules. She has been a regular contributor to Horse & Hound Magazine for over 20 years and is the author of a number of bestselling books on her sport.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 224 pages
• Publisher: Little, Brown Book Group (November 1, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0316857734
• ISBN-13: 978-0316857734
• Product Dimensions: 0.8 x 9.2 x 11.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,986,999 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An appreciation of steeplechasing, February 3, 2003

By 

Peter Durward Harris "Pete the music fan" (Leicester England) - See all my reviews
(TOP 100 REVIEWER)    (HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Steeplechasing: A Celebration of 250 Years (Hardcover)

Steeplechasing is the alternative to flat racing in Ireland (where it was invented) and Britain, but has not generally flourished elsewhere. France, Australia, New Zealand and America are among other countries where it takes place, although the format is sometimes different. Hence, this book is mostly about British racing.

It is divided into three main sections - for the races, the people and the horses. The section on the races covers the Grand National at Aintree, the very first steeplechase in Ireland and chapters on hurdling, point to point races, military races and timber races. Timber races are the American equivalent, so that chapter discusses the Maryland Hunt Cup and attempts to introduce such races into England with a race called the Marlborough Cup. Since the book was published, this race has never been run again.

The section on people covers the Queen Mother, Vincent O'Brien (best remembered for his flat racing triumphs but an incredible trainer of steeplechasers in the fifties), Martin Pipe and a few other important trainers. The section on horses covers Arkle, Golden Miller, Red Rum, Dawn Run and Desert Orchid among others.

The book is lavishly illustrated but it is certainly not comprehensive - there is no mention anywhere of Tingle Creek, one of the most popular steeplechasers ever. There is no statistics section either, though there are plenty of books full of who won what race in what year.

The book's title (A celebration) indicates its contents, and as a celebration of steeplechasing, it works well, but anybody wanting to study its history in depth should look elsewhere.