Past the post: what great horses do when they leave the racetrack.

by Helen Thomas, Lorrie Graham (photos)

Racing is a difficult business. When numbers crunch, they squeeze out any space for sentiment and loyalty between horse and human. Even the kindest owners find it hard to hold on to a horse that can no longer make it at the races. So what happens to all these beautiful, highly strung animals when they can no longer race? In Past the Postauthor Helen Thomas tracks down twenty-one former racehorses and tells their stories. With each tale, she embraces the character of the horse, as well as the personalities and idiosyncrasies of those who love and look after them still.Renowned photojournalist Lorrie Graham captures the often mischievous, sometimes wise but always noble character of the horse in forty-four beautiful portraits.Past the Postis a wonderful celebration of Australian horseracing and the powerful bonds between animals and their owners.

175 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2004

About the author

Helen Thomas has worked as a journalist for more than thirty years in both radio and print, and is an experienced presenter and producer. She is the manager of ABC News Radio as well as being a thoroughbred horse breeder and racehorse owner. She is the author of The Horse that Bart Built, Past the Post, A Horse Called Mighty and 42 Days at the Races.