Jersey Jockeys and Guernsey Gallopers (A History of Channel Islands Horse-Racing)

As of 2025, there are 59 racecourses operating in Britain, from Perth in Scotland to Newton Abbot in Devon, and another 28 in Ireland. Almost all of them have had a book written about their history, as have many more historic, now defunct, tracks.

However, there are two racecourses, both in British Crown Dependencies, which do not have a book dedicated to their history. This is a notably odd omission as the islands they are on have enjoyed properly organised racing for almost 200 years – both reportedly began the sport in 1832 – hosting leading jockeys, trainers, owners and runners over the decades.

Graham Sharpe and John Henwood’ s comprehensive and engaging Jersey Jockeys and Guernsey Gallopers: A History of Channel Islands Horse-Racing corrects this ridiculous racing omission. It explores how the tracks in the two Channel Islands – currently Les Landes in Jersey and L’ Ancresse in Guernsey – have developed and flourished over the years, although the ongoing future of the latter is seriously under threat.