The Sport of Kings: Kinship, Class and Thoroughbred Breeding in Newmarket

ISBN-13: 9780521808774 / Angielski / Twarda / 2002 / 200 str.

Rebecca Cassidy

Opis

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.

Recenzje

'This entertaining book deals with kinship, class, and breeding through an ethnographic study of the racing industry, and, specifically, of the Newmarket stud farm and racing stables … Her background is comfortable enough for her to move between different social groups, her authorial expertise deriving from her roles as owner, trainer, trainer's assistant, stable lass, and stud hand. … This enjoyable book is recommended as a case study to those who wish to have some idea of the interaction of British class, capital, and kinship in the racing industry, without the financial outlay that hands-on experience requires.' Journal of the Royal Anthropological Institute

Spis treści

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 …; 7. One of the lads; 8. Doing it for Daddy; 9. Blood will tell; 10. Conclusions; List of references; Index.