Dorothy Paget: The Eccentric Queen of the Sport of Kings

by Graham Sharpe

At one point in her life, Dorothy Paget was described by journalist Quintin Gilbey, as so much in the public eye that she became, apart from royalty, the best-known woman in the land. Synonymous with Golden Miller, perhaps the greatest racehorse ever to jump a fence, Paget ploughed fortunes into racing and breeding, buying despite never visiting the Ballymacoll Stud in Ireland. She also happened to be the biggest gambler ever to walk the turf. Living an eccentric lifestyle, she would spend most of the day in bed and rise at night, placing bets with bookmakers and their staff, specifically employed for these late night duties. She was even allowed to place bets on races that had already been run the previous day. This long overdue telling of the life of an extraordinary, larger-than-life character is now available in paperback.

288 pages, Paperback

Published April 28, 2018

Reviews

[Neil Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would have awarded 3 and a half stars if I could - bumped up to 4 as I think this book deserves more than the 2.4 average rating at the time of this review. A competent enough treatment of one of horse racing’s more eccentric personalities, this book is more listed class rather than a group performer!

[Graham John · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well researched bio of a fascinating woman who now receives a mere fraction of the attention that was intruded upon her during her lifetime. Passionate, opinionated, vulnerable - sort of person you'd only want to meet on one of her good days.

[Jamie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Somewhat dry and can read like a long Wikipedia page at times. But a fascinating insight into a unique character and important figure in horse racing history.