The new book, The Scudamores: Three of a Kind, was launched on the evening of Sunday, November 18th at Castle House, Hereford. Peter Scudamore MBE and his sons, Tom and Michael presented the book there. It is written by racing journalist and author, Chris Cook. The book charts the legendary family’s racing from the war generation to the present day.

On the evening, the family gave a talk and answered the questions of locals and visitors who attended. They explained the thoughts and ideas that went into the book and signed copies that were up for on sale. All of the proceeds from the evening have gone to St Michael’s Hospice. The event was sponsored by George Watkins the family that owns Castle House, who sponsored the event, as well as Wye Valley Brewery and Tanners Wine Merchants. It was open to the public who could also enjoy drinks and canapes. Sadly Tom Scudamore, Peter’s son, was unable to attend due to a fall at Cheltenham this weekend. He’s fine but nursing a few bruised ribs apparently.

Three of a Kind is about Michael Scudamore, the patriarch of a racing dynasty, who rode in 16 consecutive Grand Nationals including the 1957 renewal, in which he famously won on Oxo. Peter Scudamore was a record-breaking eight-time Champion Jockey and now assists his partner Lucinda Russell, with whom they trained 2017 Grand National winner, One For Arthur. There are tales from the saddle in the 50s and 60s from Michael, interspersed with those from the 80s and 90s from Peter.

The Scudamores are known for being one of the longest serving families in racing. As Brough Scott says in his introduction, ‘there can never be a book quite like this one’. The three generations of the same family engage in a full and frank discussion about the great horses they rode, the brave men and women they rode against, the shocking injuries they suffered and why such a dangerous job was the only one they ever wanted.

The book takes you to the very heart of National Hunt racing, from Michael’s war generation who never complained and rarely wore a helmet, to his son, Peter, who was a champion jockey eight times and riding at an evolutionary time for jockeys as modern sportsmen.

The book details the life of Tom too, a 21st century jockey who was riding in a world where jockeys can jump in a helicopter between race meetings, have psychologists and nutritionists, and get breathalysed at the races. Although issimilar in the eras they inhabit, the family are three of a kind in so many ways, and all were addicted to the drug of winning, isolated in the bubble of weighing room life and having to overcome the constant and never-ending battle with the scales.See this week’s paper for more stories like this, available in shops and as a Digital Edition now.