A collection of the best literature about the Australian racetrack, this volume of stories and verses, by some of our greatest writers, is all about the Aussie love affair with the Sport of Kings, from bush picnic races to the Melbourne Cup.
The stories and verses in this collection are not just anecdotes, racing history pieces or rehashed feature articles from sports journalists; first and foremost they are good literature.
The common thread running through the wonderful Australian short stories featured in this volume is the real Aussie character and passion for life that racing seems to bring out in our culture.
There are tales of childhood dreams, great achievements, victory in adversity and also tales of tragedy and heartbreak. There are stories of crazy schemes and hilarious events that could only happen on an Australian racetrack. There are colourful, larger-than-life characters immediately recognizable to us all. We all had an uncle like some of the characters we meet here.
There is also a fine collection of stirring ballads, hilarious verses and poignant and moving poetry.
Racing is the sport of kings and deadbeats. No Australian activity better reflects our national character and its weaknesses and strengths. This volume captures all the colour and passion, tragedy and emotion that thoroughbred racing brings to the lives of the owners, breeders, trainers, jockeys, punters, battlers and dreamers who live with horses every day, or just love a bet on the Melbourne Cup.
