From Aintree to York - Stephen Cartmell

Writer and psychologist Stephen Cartmell set off to explore Britain using the cultural melting pot of the UK's 60 racecourses as his staging posts. During his travels the author observed the frequent absurdity of the British, the peculiarities of their institutions and developed a satirical critique of one of the country's favourite pastimes.

With his acute eye for observation, an appreciation of the ridiculous and the ability to find humour even in the face of petty officialdom, this acclaimed book is not simply a travelogue of racing but a key to understanding Britain and its curiously comical inhabitants. Racegoer, traveller or first time visitor, Stephen Cartmell's colourful stories are sure to entertain.

Stephen Cartmell is a travel writer, dedicated racing enthusiast and one time university lecturer. In order to give his students a well rounded education, he has been known to announce the result of the 2.30 at Cheltenham in the middle of a lecture on the application of Freudian perspective to a post-modern world (whatever that is). His interest in racing has extended to the ownership of several racehorses, all of which gave him chronic indigestion and a very thin wallet. Contact can be made through his local bookmaker. He is a Lancastrian exiled in Buckinghamshire.

"Cartmell is afraid of offending no one... he peppers his droll prose with some scathing criticism. A kind of 'Rough Guide' counterpoint to the glossy and over polite Traveling The Turf Annual"
RACING POST

"A thoroughly entertaining, amusing and accurate collection of stories"
JOHN REID, winning jockey of the Arc de Triomphe and Derby

"A top-notch must read for gee-gee fans"
NUTS Magazine

"This is a practical and (above all) comprehensive work"
DAILY TELEGRAPH