On DVD or VHS: Picture above above shows a historical moment as RED RUM (left) meets DESERT ORCHID

 

Racing entered the 20th Century as the preserve of royalty and the rich but during the last 100 years it has changed radically and the sport is now a worldwide industry with mass appeal. It is the story of fortunes won and lost on horses that became household names and of the extraordinarily varied cast of characters who have punctuated the sports history.

But racing is really two sports, the high finance and fashion of the flat contrasting with the grit and sometimes grim realities of the jumping scene. The sport has never been as popular and buoyant as it is today and this feature takes you from the great GOLDEN MILLER via steeplechasing's post-war "Big Three" ARKLE, RED RUM and DESERT ORCHID to the lights of the modern era such as Tony McCoy and the brilliant champion hurdler ISTABRAQ.

Central to the story is the rise and rise of the Cheltenham Festival to its unique place in today's sporting calendar and the men and women who have carved their names in the record book - Vincent O'Brien, Pat Taafe, Fred Winter, Jenny Pitman and John Francome - all legends of the winter game. But the Grand National is still the world's most famous race and many of its heroes are featured.

This rich compilation paints a rich picture of racing's 20th Century and is a collector's item for all those who know and love the game. Presented by John Francome and voiced by Alastair Down.
 

 

89 Minutes.

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