Whats the SP?

The central focus of horse racing, much more than any other sports has always revolved around gambling, so much so that if it were removed from the equation, racing as we know it would cease to exist. From chariot racing in ancient Rome to the beginnings of modern bookmaking in the 18th century to the betting shop explosion of the 1960s to today's e-betting revolution this is the most comprehensive reference book to betting on horse (and greyhound) racing on the market. With over 500 entries laid out in an A-Z format, it is both accessible and wide ranging, often quirky, sometimes offbeat but never boring. Systematically cross referenced it allows the reader to delve deeper into subject areas and explore the most unlikeliest of connections. And because betting and racing are so intertwined, the so called sport of kings has been littered with scandals, scams, ringers, doping as well as the huge array of unforgettable characters and audacious coups. All these along with the history, theory, law, slang and word origins associated with gambling have added to racing's story and this book will take you on a rollercoaster journey through them. Enjoy the ride.