Jersey Jockeys and Guernsey Gallopers

As of 2025, there are 59 racecourses operating in Britain, from Perth in Scotland to Newton Abbot in Devon, and another 28 in Ireland. Almost all of them have had a book written about their history, as have many more historic, now defunct, tracks.

However, there are two racecourses, both in British Crown Dependencies, which do not have a book dedicated to their history. This is a notably odd omission as the islands they are on have enjoyed properly organised racing for almost 200 years – both reportedly began the sport in 1832 – hosting leading jockeys, trainers, owners and runners over the decades. Graham Sharpe and John Henwood’s comprehensive and engaging Jersey Jockeys and Guernsey Gallopers: A History of Channel Islands Horse-Racing corrects this ridiculous racing omission. It explores how the tracks in the two Channel Islands – currently Les Landes in Jersey and L’Ancresse in Guernsey – developed and flourished over the years, although the ongoing future of the latter is seriously under threat.

Author Biography

A journalist by trade, GRAHAM SHARPE made a name for himself by spending almost half a century publicising bookmakers William Hill, winning awards along the way, and creating one himself – the world’s most prestigious and richest sports-based literary prize, the William Hill Sports Book of the Year. Graham has been attending the races on the Channel Islands for over 45 years, and is the author of several titles, including Vinyl Countdown and A Gentleman’s Guide to Calculating Winning Bets.

JOHN HENWOOD MBE had a career in broadcasting before tackling a range of other challenges. In 2016 he was awarded the Institute of Directors Lifetime Achievement Award. John lives on Jersey, owns racehorses there and writes a regular newspaper column tipping winners.