Strongholds of Satan: the rise and demise of more than 1,000 British racecourses

You should never judge a book by its dimensions, but in this case it's difficult because you have to be impressed by the sheer size of this magnificent volume – 1,032 pages and weighing in at just under a stone. However, the most stunning statistic is that it has been more than 40 years in the making and it's only one of four volumes, although it's a relief to know that the other three, which in total detail the rise and demise of more than 1,000 British racecourses, are just about ready to go and will not require another 120 years to complete.

The author is William Morgan, who has done quite a lot else over the past 40 years, including running the Limestone Stud in Lincolnshire, which bred the Irish 2,000 Guineas winner Wassl and Queen Mary Stakes winner On Tiptoes in the 1980s, and was once where Gunner B stood as a stallion.

Sheep graze at Wye before the course closed in 1974. They were generally removed only a short time before racingCredit: Wye Historical Society

Morgan has also been a racecourse steward, vice chairman of the Thoroughbred Breeders Association, its representative on the BHA's Race Planning Committee and a trustee of the British European Breeders' Fund.