BOOK REVIEW By John Scanlon BLOODSTOCK

photographs, and Whitaker’s camera takes A Year In The Frame: in the sales before heading to Paris for the Edward Whitaker Arc meeting in October. We are also transported to the United States for the notebook Racing Post Books spectacle of the Breeders’ Cup. Whitaker’s images capture the colour, the speed, the traditions, the excitement Whath a magnifificent and the sheer fun of horseracing, with the HIS is the third collection of images of horseracing stunning beauty of the thoroughbred racehorse at the centre of it publication! I am very T prepared by the award-winning sports photographer, all. Followers of Kingsley Park will also be delighted to know flattered to have been Edward Whitaker. A master of his craft, Whitaker is a that his images for July include ‘Yorkshire Glory’, an image of included multiple winner of awards such as ‘Racing Photographer of the the Johnston string set against the fabulous backdrop of the Year’ and ‘Sports Journalist of the Year.’ Yorkshire Dales, while his September selection includes a The volume features a foreword by ITV Racing’s Ed fabulous action shot of Nyaleti and James Doyle just losing out Chamberlin, who talks of Whitaker’s attention to detail and his in a thrilling four-way finish to last year’s May Hill Stakes at ability to transport those who see his images ‘to the heart of the Doncaster. action.’ It’s almost an impossible task to select just one favourite Arranged by months of the calendar year, the images portray image from the book. While I love Whitaker’s shot of Black an accurate reflection of the progression of the racing ‘cycle’ Caviar winning at Royal Ascot, I can’t resist the beauty of his through the year. From the White Turf of St Moritz in February, image of horses racing at Goodwood, set against a dramatic we progress to the March highlights of the backdrop of storm clouds and a stunning flint wall. And his and the Dubai World Cup meeting in March. midwinter shot of Fergal O’Brien’s string has almost a 3D effect The exhilaration of the Aintree in April is to it, as well as a fabulous use of light. supplanted by the major, early season meetings on the Flat, Taken as a whole, this is a collection of photographs of which whether they be at Goodwood, Chester or Newmarket. Whitaker racing, never mind the gifted photographer himself, should be takes us to Epsom on Derby Day, and there are some fascinating proud. Hopefully, it is a resource which can be used to attract images of Royal Ascot. new people to become involved, in whatever capacity, in the Glorious Goodwood provides Whitaker with some stunning Sport of Kings. Ton-up Franny!

HEN Franny Norton drove achievement he has thoroughly W his mount, Deeds Not deserved. Words, to a win by the “I often think it’s a shame we didn’t minimum margin at Kempton on discover the value of putting Franny up November 15, the success had a far on our horses 10 years ago. He’s a greater significance to the popular clever, quick-witted jockey who looks veteran jockey than just his percentage after himself well and works hard at his of the prize-money won by the seven- craft.” year-old gelding. Originally from Belle Vale in south- At the age of 48, Franny had just east Liverpool, and with no previous Franny Norton completed his first-ever century of connections in racing, Franny rode his British wins within a calendar year. All first winner back in 1989. Over the take the strain on southern trips during at Kingsley Park are delighted that he years, he has established himself as one the summer months. has now broken through the ton barrier, of Britain’s leading lightweight jockeys. “It gives me time to relax and catch especially as he has topped 80 winners His career hasn’t always been plain up on the form and watch race videos," no fewer than five times in his career, sailing however, and there were times explains the veteran jockey. and would certainly have become a when Franny was tempted to pursue a In recent years, Franny has teamed up centurion by now but for horrendous career in boxing. In a brief spell in the with Dr George Wilson of Liverpool luck with injuries. amateur game, Franny showed lots of John Moores University and has worked “Franny is in a better place now than talent, defeating the boxer ranked closely with him on aspects of diet, he has ever been,” Mark told the number 4 in Britain at his weight. nutrition and rehabilitation from Klarion. The only jockey currently living in injuries. It’s a partnership from which The perfect Christmas pressent “I’m absolutely delighted for him that Liverpool, Franny travels to the races Franny is reaping dividends. Long may he’s reached his first century and it’s an mostly on his own, even letting the train it continue. Available from bloodstocknotebook.com 24