A golden thread links diverse equine and human characters in Irish racing, past and present: generations of families in which racing is truly in the blood - or one-off fanatics who acquire it in their veins.

Not only trainers and jockeys but also owners, breeders and the unsung heroes who care for their equine stars are portrayed here, as well as commentators and bookmakers, without whom the industry would be no more than a sideshow, instead of one of Ireland's greatest global products.