Within the last month, regular TDN contributor Tom Peacock has had two new books published. Both publications, which he completed during last year, come from completely opposite angles of the racing industry.
Remarkable Racecourses (£25, Pavilion Books) is a beautifully illustrated presentation of more than 70 tracks around the world, full of facts and history from venues as far afield as Tibet and Corsica. Along with instantly recognisable places such as Goodwood, Churchill Downs and Chantilly, he profiles some highly unusual tracks including the ban'ei (draught horse) racing at Obihiro in Japan and the troubled Beirut Hippodrome in Lebanon.
Peacock has also produced a racing version of the long-established Haynes Manual series. The Haynes Horse Racing Manual (£17.24) is an illustrated and in-depth guide to every aspect of the sport, from breeding, training and ownership to studying the form. It includes a foreword and insight from champion jumps trainer Paul Nicholls as well as bloodstock figures such as Tim Lane of the National Stud.
“It was quite a challenge to get both of these books finished and carrying out my usual journalism work at the same time but I'm really pleased with how they look,” said Peacock. “In both cases, I was lucky to have plenty of useful contacts to help me out as they reminded me there is so much you don't really know about racing, even if it's your job.”
Not a subscriber? Click here to sign up for the daily PDF or alerts.
