Book description
The Epsom Derby, established back in 1780 for three-year-old
thoroughbred colts and fillies, is today considered to be the most
prestigious of the five Classics of the racing calendar, but there was
nothing noble about the notorious Derby held in 1844. Marred by horse
switching allegations, false age declarations, devious ownership
transferrals and nobbling, it was set to become the most scandalous
event in the history of the Turf. Drawing on a wide range of
publications, newspaper articles, Jockey Club inquiry documentation and
court evidence records, this book traces the web of deceit surrounding
the original but subsequently disqualified 1844 Derby winner, Running
Rein, and the audacious plan orchestrated by a certain Abraham Levi
Goodman to ensure, by any underhand means at his disposal, that the
Derby victory would be his, not for the glory of winning but as a
monstrous betting coup. Twists and turns abound in the claims,
counter-claims and conflicting witness statements when the case goes to
trial, as attempts are made to determine the age and identity of the
horse purported to be Running Rein, and this intriguing story provides a
fascinating insight into the world of horse racing and betting, where
the stakes are high and the unscrupulous are prepared to do anything to
protect their own interests, with little regard for the impact of their
actions on the reputation of the sport. The Epsom Derby, established
back in 1780 for three-year-old thoroughbred colts and fillies, is today
considered to be the most prestigious of the five Classics of the racing
calendar, but there was nothing noble about the notorious Derby held in
1844. Marred by horse switching allegations, false age declarations,
devious ownership transferrals and nobbling, it was set to become the
most scandalous event in the history of the Turf. Drawing on a wide
range of publications, newspaper articles, Jockey Club inquiry
documentation and court evidence records, this book traces the web of
deceit surrounding the original but subsequently disqualified 1844 Derby
winner, Running Rein, and the audacious plan orchestrated by a certain
Abraham Levi Goodman to ensure, by any underhand means at his disposal,
that the Derby victory would be his, not for the glory of winning but as
a monstrous betting coup. Twists and turns abound in the claims,
counter-claims and conflicting witness statements when the case goes to
trial, as attempts are made to determine the age and identity of the
horse purported to be Running Rein, and this intriguing story provides a
fascinating insight into the world of horse racing and betting, where
the stakes are high and the unscrupulous are prepared to do anything to
protect their own interests, with little regard for the impact of their
actions on the reputation of the sport.
