Kauto Star, Nijinsky, Arkle, Desert Orchid, Frankel, Red Rum how do you rank the best British and Irish horses from both Flat racing and jumping? How do you compare a fleet-footed sprinter with the robust staying power of a steeplechaser? This was the daunting task for Robin Oakley, and his highly personal list will provoke debate among racing fans everywhere.

A lifelong devotee of racing and well known as the Turf correspondent for the Spectator, former BBC Political Editor Robin Oakley has made his selection not just on form figures and statistics but on the 'fun factor'. His ratings give prominence to horses who seized the public's imagination and inspired a following, and he brings the legendary names of past and present vividly to life with a wealth of fascinating stories behind their victories. Illuminated by archive photographs that illustrate the athleticism, character and courage of the horses, Britain and Ireland's Top 100 Racehorses of All Time is the perfect gift for any fan of racing and its colourful history.