Eclipse - Softcover

Clee, Nicholas

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0593059840 ISBN 13: 9780593059845

Publisher: Bantam Press, 2010

Synopsis

Epsom Downs, 3rd May, 1769: a chestnut with a white blaze scorches across the turf towards the finishing post. His four rivals are so far behind him that, in racing terms, they are 'nowhere'. Awestruck, his spectators know they are in the presence of greatness. Among the crowd are two men who, according to the tradition of the Sport of Kings, should not be associated with the horse who will become its greatest exponent. One, Eclipse's owner, is a meat salesman.The second, who wants to own Eclipse, is an adventurer who has made his money through roguery and gambling. He is also the companion of the madam of one of London's most notorious brothels. While this man will remain an outcast to the racing establishment, Eclipse will go on to become the undisputed, undefeated champion of his sport. He will found dynasties that will dominate the bloodstock market - not only in Britain, but in every other country where Thoroughbreds race. His influence will be such that ninety-five per cent of horses racing today are his male-line descendants. This is a vivid portrait of high and low life; of princes, paupers and prostitutes; an era of passionate sport, ferocious gambling, and uninhibited sex. It's the story of a rank outsider who went on to become a national celebrity; and of the horse that became a national icon, and whose influence is transcendent 200 years later.

About this title

About the Author

Nicholas Clee is a journalist, cookery writer, and racing enthusiast. He lives in north London with his wife (also an author) and two daughters.

From the Back Cover

Epsom Downs, 3rd May 1769.

A chestnut with a white blaze is scorching across the turf towards the finishing post. His four rivals are so far behind him that, in racing terms, they are 'nowhere'.

Watching Eclipse is the man who wants to buy him. An adventurer who has made his money through roguery and gambling, Dennis O'Kelly is also the companion of the madam of one of London's most notorious brothels.

While O'Kelly is destined to remain an outcast to the racing establishment, his horse will go on to become the undisputed, undefeated champion of his sport.

Eclipse's male-line descendants will include Desert Orchid, Arkle and all but three of the Derby winners of the past fifty years.And his astonishing life will be matched only by that of the rogue who owned him.

Edition details

• Publisher: Bantam Press
• Publication date: 2010
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0593059840
• ISBN 13: 9780593059845
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 352