Racing entered the 20th Century as the preserve of royalty and the rich but during the last 100 years, it has changed radically and the sport is now a worldwide industry with mass appeal. It is the story of fortunes won and lost on horses that became household names, and of the extraordinarily varied cast of characters who have punctuated the sport's history.

But racing is really two sports; the high finance and fashion of the flat contrasting with the grit and sometimes grim realities of the jumping scene. From the tragedy of suffragette Emily Davidson's death under the King's horse in the Derby, through the disruption of two world wars, to today, when horses are valued in tens of millions, the great characters both equine and human, are all shown in this entertaining feature.

Unique black and white footage from the turn of the century portrays the huge popularity of the major racing occasions, especially the coverage of the early century Derbys through to modern times.

Contains footage of DANEHILL's devastating victory in the Ladbrokes Sprint, THE MINSTREL's gutsy Epsom Derby (includes BLUSHING GROOM), the incredible BROWN JACK, RIBOT winning the King George at Ascot, CREPELLO, BALLYMOSS, LARKSPUR (Vincent O'Brien's first Derby), ST. PADDY, TRELAWNEY's Ascot Stakes, NIJINSKY II and his effortless victories, ROBERTO, ALLEZ FRANCE, DAHLIA, HIGHCLERE, SLIP ANCHOR, BELLOTTO, MOON DANCER, REFERENCE POINT, Robert Sangster's SADLER'S WELLS winning the Eclipse, his son GALILEO winning the Epsom Derby, SHERGAR and his ridiculous ten-length English Derby victory as well as his Irish Derby.

Also shown is Japan Cup footage showing Mick Kinane winning with PILSUDSKI, ROYAL ACADEMY winning the Breeders' Cup Turf with Lester Piggott aboard, Frankie Dettori and his seven rides for seven wins at Ascot, Pat Eddery winning his 4,000th race in the St. Leger aboard SILVER PATRIARCH, the Aga Khan's SINDARR winning the Derby beating SAKHEE, the incredible GIANT'S CAUSEWAY, the Maktoums and all their top horses...from Sheikh Mohammad's first winner to SINGSPIEL winning the inaugural Dubai World Cup for Jerry Bailey and Sir Michael Stoute, DUBAI MILLENNIUM and his mind-blowing ability, BALANCHINE beating the colts in the Irish Derby, LAMTARRA and his undefeated career including the Arc, ALLEGED and BALMARINO battling down the straight at Longchamp in the Arc. In addition is ROYAL PALACE with George Moore winning the Epsom Derby, and Scobie Breasley winning it with SANTA CLAUS. See the finest horse of the century: SEA BIRD II and his breathtaking action scorch the turf to win the Derby as he liked.

Watch MIGHT AND POWER's grand-sire SIR IVOR win the Derby...Lester Piggott and all his big wins and Sir Gordon Richards too. See HYPERION's Derby, BAHRAM as well plus his St. Leger, BLUE PETER and his Two Thousand Guineas and Derby double, Lord Derby's WATTLING STREET....royal horses include SUN CHARIOT winning the Oaks, ORIEOLE, BIG GAME, SCEPTRE, DIAMOND JUBILEE, ORBY, MINARU, DUNFURNLY, THE TETRIARCH, MUMTAZ MAHAL, NIMBUS, PINZER, ORIOLE, OSPREY, COMMANCHE RUN, ORTIS....and much more.

See BAHRAM in action, the first Triple Crown winner of the 20th Century who retired undefeated for the Aga Khan, whose grandson was to own the mighty SHERGAR. Marvel at the pint-sized brilliance of Sir Gordon Richards and the ruthless artistry of Lester Piggott, the greatest jockey of all time, as he refuses to accept defeat in the final furlong. Relive the great races of the century - GRUNDY and BUSTINO, SEA BIRD II's Derby, MILL REEF, BRIGADIER GERARD and DANCING BRAVE to name a few...all the stars in racings firmament.

This 75-minute compilation paints a rich picture of racings 20th Century and is a collector's item for all those who know and love the game; a very important feature for anyone serious about their racing or just interested in the history of horse racing in Europe...a must-have!

 

75 Minutes.

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