"The Benson And Hedges Book Of Racing Colours" 1973 Ltd/ Deluxe Edition
$800
[320] pp.
The Jockeys Association of Great Britain
1973
12 1/8" x 8 3/4"
Limited edition leather-bound version/ copy # 687 of 1000 signed by Lester Piggott & Lord Oaksey
Fine
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A pictorial dictionary of racing colours; as much a work of graphic art as a reference book. Each page contains a grid of 30 line drawings of a jockey shirt and cap with the colours and names of the owners. Nearly 10,000 registered owners' racing colours are depicted. The whole makes a stunning graphic design book and the perfect gift for racing fans.
Published by the Jockeys’ Association of Great Britain
A rare and visually arresting artifact from the golden age of British horse racing, The Benson and Hedges Book of Racing Colours offers an extraordinary catalog of nearly 10,000 registered jockey silks from owners across the UK. Published in 1973 by the Jockeys’ Association of Great Britain, this first edition hardback is bound in a richly textured leather cover with gilt embossed lettering and a charming illustration of a racing jacket.
Each page is a meticulously illustrated tableau of hand-drawn jockey shirts and caps, capturing a vibrant spectrum of patterns, colors, and heraldic designs—turning what could be mere reference into a graphic design collectible in its own right. The book opens with an introduction by Major-General Sir Randle Feilden and serves as both a comprehensive registry and a celebration of tradition, pageantry, and individuality in the sport of kings.
Whether you’re a fan of equestrian history, a collector of vintage racing memorabilia, or a lover of bold 1970s visual design, this piece belongs on your shelf or atop your coffee table. With fewer surviving in pristine condition, it’s increasingly sought after by collectors worldwide.