Steeplechasing Handbook

Steeplechasing began in Co. Cork in 1752, when Edmund Blake bet Cornelius O'Callaghan a cask of wine that his hunter could beat the other's over a line of country from Buttevant Church Spire to the steeple of St Leger at Doneraile nearly five miles away. Thus 'steeplechasing' was born. 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, in 1839, the first running of the Grand National and brings evocative memories of steeplechasing and those characters who participated in it in the 20th century. Finally, she brings us into the 21st century with the 2001 Grand National. Anecdotes, surprises, occasional contention and heart-warming memories, this lavishly illustrated book is a must for any steeplechasing fan, whether National Hunt devotees or occasional punters.