Horses for Courses - Tapa dura

This meticulously researched book, for which author Anne Holland visited every Irish racecourse and met many of Ireland's top racing personalities, highlights the individuality of each Irish racing venue. Each has its own special qualities and atmosphere but all share two common traits: a warm welcome and good sport. And that is what the author believes Irish racing is all about. The country courses enjoy a huge level of support from the local population. It may be raining and the races may be 'ordinary' but the stands will always be crowded. That is because racing is part of Irish culture and the nation's way of life: with 27 courses, it has proportionately far more venues than Great Britain. The people and horses featured within "Horses for Courses" are representative of the broad variety of personalities that make up Irish racing past and present. The book also reveals how much has been done to improve racecourse facilities since the mid-'90s and that substantial investment in the sport is ongoing today. There can be no better way of getting to know Ireland than by visiting its racecourses: from the glamour of Leopards town and the class of the Curragh to the majestic mountains around Killarney and the unique challenge of Downpatrick; from the warmth of welcome at Gowran Park and Clonmel to the summer holidaymakers' meetings and 'industry' days in the winter months.

Anne Holland trained as a journalist and has written for many national British newspapers. She is the author of over a dozen books, including Best Mate: The Story of the Nation's Favourite Horse and Classic Horse Races. She moved from England to Ireland in 2002.