Tales From the Turf

Robin Oakley shares 40 years' worth of stories and anecdotes from his life as one of Britain's best-known turf enthusiasts.

Robin Oakley shares 40 years’ worth of stories and anecdotes from his life as one of Britain’s best-known turf enthusiasts.

Britain and Ireland's Top 100 Racehorses of All Time author Robin Oakley takes us on a canter through the colourful world of horseracing.

Join him as he shares evocative personal stories of being there at racing legends' key moments, such as Frankie Dettori riding seven winners in a day at Ascot. He debates whether jockeys are sportsmen or masochists - jump jockeys can expect a fall on average every 13 rides - and reminisces about unusual achievements, including trainer Sirrell Griffith's Cheltenham Gold Cup win after milking his 100 cows that morning.

Tales From the Turf is an extraordinary account from the Spectator's long-running Turf columnist, and a man for whom horseracing is a lifetime's passion.