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Dive into the daring and captivating history of horse racing, as told through the lineage of twenty-five extraordinary Arabian horses. The story begins in 1704 when a financially ruined English merchant, Thomas Darley, sent home a colt he had purchased from Bedouin tribesmen near the remnants of Palmyra. Darley envisioned this horse as his ticket to a fresh start in Yorkshire. However, this horse proved to be much more significant. Despite the fact that Mr. Darley’s Arabian never participated in a race, he is the ancestor of 95% of all thoroughbreds in the world today.
In this riveting book, renowned racing writer Christopher McGrath meticulously traces this incredible lineage through twenty-five generations to our finest modern racehorse, Frankel. This tale is not just about racing; it’s a testament to man’s profound relationship with horses. “Mr. Darley’s Arabian” salutes the men and women who owned, trained, and traded the stallions that propagated the dynasty.
Take, for instance, the famous horse Eclipse, bred by the Duke who thwarted Bonnie Prince Charlie’s invasion, using militia from Wakefield races, and later headed the Jockey Club. However, Eclipse only achieved success after being purchased and raced by a cunning card-shark and brothel owner – exactly depicting how the racecourse has always been a melting pot of society’s highs and lows.
McGrath masterfully navigates us through three centuries of scandals, adventures, and fluctuating fortunes, providing a riveting glimpse into our historical and sporting tapestry. The backdrop of this tale extends from the diamond mines of South Africa to the trenches of the Great War, featuring a diverse cast from Smithfield meat salesmen to the muse for Mr Toad, legendary jockeys, two infamous Princes of Wales, and an unamused Queen Victoria.
“Mr. Darley’s Arabian” paints a vivid picture of the multifaceted sport of