Sir Clement Freud was a man of many parts, but his devotion to racing and betting was lifelong and unwavering. He owned several racehorses, one of whom was named Weareagrandmother after Margaret Thatcher's announcement of the birth of her first grandchild. He also rode in several races: 'Why did they dope-test the horse, I wondered, when it was I who was up to the gills with amphetamines and diuretics in order to make under 12 stone, which God had never intended as my weight.'
He was a fearless punter, winning a fortune after backing himself to win the 1973 Ely by-election at 33-1. He also visited racecourses all over the world. And his racing journalism was characterised by a wit and understanding unmatched by any other writer. This book (which includes a healthy serving of the jokes which formed such a popular part of his weekly Racing Post columns) brings together the very best of Freud on racing – which is, in effect, the very best of Clement Freud.
