The Best Australian Racing Stories

The finest collection of writing about horse racing includes short stories, verse and anecdotes from some of Australia's best-loved writers.

Did you know that Jorrocks raced till the grand old age of 19? Or that Melbourne Cup-winner Grand Flaneur never lost a race? Or that Sunline was the top stakes-winning mare in the world in her day?

The Best Australian Racing Stories is chock-a-block with the victories and tragedies of these amazing champions and many more. Insiders reveal fascinating stories of the rags-to-riches lives of Tony Santic, Bart Cummings and T.J. Smith. Some of Australia's finest writers, such as Banjo Paterson, C.J. Dennis and Les Carlyon, tell tall tales and true of the racing life from Australia's earliest colonial times to the present day. Nat Gould, Jim Haynes, Bruce Montgomerie, Crackers Keenan and many others share moving memories, engaging yarns and laughs galore, ensuring that the coat-tuggers, touts and urgers are never far from view and that the great characters of the track live on.

Whether you are a racing tragic, a lover of horses or a two-bob, once-a-year punter, you will love this horseracing celebration that ripples with all the laughter, romance, heartbreak and humanity of the sport of kings.

About the Author

Before becoming a professional entertainer, songwriter, verse writer and singer in 1988, Jim Haynes taught writing, literature, history and drama in schools and universities from outback NSW to Britain and back again! The son of British migrants, Jim attended Sydney Boys' High School and Sydney Teachers' College. While teaching in schools and universities in NSW and Britain he gained two masters' degrees in literature, from New England University and the University of Wales.

A professional entertainer and writer since 1988, Jim has released many albums of his own songs, verse and humour. He has won the 'Bush Laureate Book of the Year' four times and has had many songs in the Country Music Charts, including a number one with 'Since Cheryl Went Feral' and a national hit with 'Don't Call Wagga Wagga Wagga'. He has won Country Comedy Song of The Year four times. Jim still tours as an entertainer, he works in radio as the resident weekend Australiana Humourist on Radio 2UE.