The Sport of Kings Kinship, Class and Thoroughbred Breeding in Newmarket [Paperback]

'Behind the scenes' description of British flat racing based on Cassidy's experiences working in Newmarket.A unique 'behind the scenes' d escription of British flat racing based on the experiences of an academic living and working in Newmarket, the Suffolk town regarded as the international headquarters of flat racing. Rebecca Cassidy offers explanations of the rituals involved in horseracing, including those that take place on the racecourse and at the bloodstock auction, and shows how racing, betting and the bloodstock industry fit together. She gives insightful descriptions of the class structure of Newmarket and explains how the racing professionals preserve their authority within the industry.A unique 'behind the scenes' d escription of British flat racing based on the experiences of an academic living and working in Newmarket, the Suffolk town regarded as the international headquarters of flat racing. Rebecca Cassidy offers explanations of the rituals involved in horseracing, including those that take place on the racecourse and at the bloodstock auction, and shows how racing, betting and the bloodstock industry fit together. She gives insightful descriptions of the class structure of Newmarket and explains how the racing professionals preserve their authority within the industry.This unique behind the scenes description of British flat racing is based on first hand experiences in Newmarket, the Suffolk town regarded as the international headquarters of the sport. Cassidy offers an insider's look at the rituals of horseracing--including those on the racecourse and at the bloodstock auction--and shows how racing, betting and the bloodstock industry are connected. Her insightful descriptions of the class structure of Newmarket explain how racing professionals preserve both the sport and their status quo.Preface; Acknowledgements; 1. Introduction; 2. Headquarters; 3. Keeping it in the family; 4. At the races; 5. Having a flutter; 6. Going once, going twice &; 7l#+