Quest For Greatness

The Derby, the King George and Queen Elizabeth Diamond Stakes and the Prix de L'Arc de Triomphe are all famous races. This book examines the world of horse racing, exploring its fascination and asking why people value one horse over others. Laura Thompson, author, journalist and racing enthusiast, sets out to examine these issues, using as an example her own commitment to one particular horse, Lammtarra, of the 1995 season. Thompson, like so many others, favoured Celtic Swing as the new champion horse, but it was little-known, inexperienced Lammtarra, barely recovered from illness, who swept to victory and became the first horse since Mill Reef to win the famous triple. The dramas of Lammtarra's year were matched by other dramatic events, including the murder of Alex Scott, Lammtarra's original trainer. The book also examines the role of the Maktoum family, owners of Lammtarra, and their growing influence on the flat racing season.