J.F-B.: THE MEMOIRS OF JACK FAIRFAX-BLAKEBOROUGH O.B.E., M.C. Edited by Noel Fairfax-Blakeborough.

1978 1st edition. 8vo (141 x 222mm). Pp196. B/w photograph plates. Red boards, spine titled in gilt.

"Major Jack Fairfax-Blakeborough ...was one of the great characters of British racing. He knew everyone worth knowing - and a good few who were not - in that fraternity of 'friends, rogues and vagabonds' who make up the racing world. His memoirs reflect his years spent with horses and the racing circle he knew so well. ...In his long lifetime, J. F-B was to see - in many cases to prophecy and even instigate - some of the great changes which took place in British racing during this century. He was ideally placed to do so. Not only was he a writer but he also served the racing world as an amateur rider, racehorse owner and trainer, race course steward, judge and administrator, and his chapters about these years are full of interest and incident." Chapters include: To horse; Early days; Hambleton; War; Judging; Gangsters; Our betters; Trainers, jockeys and owners; Tricks of the trade; Looking back - and forwards.