The Horse Racing Manual guides the reader through a first day at the races, explaining all the elements and considerations, from what to wear to placing a bet. Unlike other books on the market, it takes the reader further and goes ‘behind the scenes,’ providing explanations into the physiology of the horse and where it comes from, the processes and people involved in leading it to become a racehorse, the breeders, farriers, owners, trainers, jockeys and more.

Written by one of the UK’s leading equine veterinary practitioners, this textbook is dedicated wholly to the veterinary management of the racehorse. The Racehorse: A Veterinary Manual brings together all the major orthopaedic and non-orthopaedic conditions likely to be encountered in racehorse practice and concisely details state-of-the-art ‘best practice’ for diagnosis and management. The book spans the full range of fields relevant to the clinician, including topics as diverse as rehabilitation, respiratory medicine, exercise physiology, pre-purchase and ‘herd health.’ Well-illustrated and comprehensive, it succeeds in being both practical and firmly evidence based, making it an invaluable resource for clinicians worldwide as well as a useful reference work for many non-veterinarians in the racing industry.

From training horses at the farm to hauling livestock and equipment to the race track, this hands-on manual covers everything a competent horse owner needs to know to get involved in horse racing. Extensive discussions examine how to exercise horses, keep a horse sound, and prepare for the race. Specifics on monitoring horses' legs, dispensing medication, and track personnel round out this in-depth manual. Included is a directory of thoroughbred racetracks and organizations.

Each racing term has a witty illustration by Rosemary Coates. The facing page explains in simple terms exactly what those mysterious racing terms mean. No longer will you be out of the loop when the talk turns to: - Steeplechasers - Weighing Rooms - Nursery Stakes - Maiden Stakes - A Weaver - A colt, a filly, a brood mare, - A flying stallion - On the Nod - The Field - A Puller - Gone to Post - An Each-way Bet and much, much more....

This book takes an unadorned look at all aspects of owning racehorses. Topics range from purchase options to financial obligations to medication rules and veterinary bills.