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Great Australian Racing Stories
the stories and verses in this collection are not just anecdotes, racing history pieces or rehashed feature articles from sports journalists; first and foremost they are good literature. the common thread running through the wonderful Australian short stories featured in this volume is the real Aussie character and passion for life that racing seems to bring out in our culture. there are tales of childhood dreams, great achievements, victory in adversity and also tales of tragedy and heartbreak. there are stories of crazy schemes and hilarious events that could only happen on an Australian racetrack. there are colourful, larger-than-life characters immediately recognizable to us all. We all had an uncle like some of the characters we meet here. there is also a fine collection of stirring ballads, hilarious verses and poignant and moving poetry. Racing is the sport of kings and deadbeats. No Australian activity better reflects our national character and its weaknesses and strengths. this volume captures all the colour and passion, tragedy and emotion that thoroughbred racing brings to the lives of the owners, breeders, trainers, jockeys, punters, battlers and dreamers who live with horses every day, or just love a bet on the Melbourne Cup.
272 pages, Paperback
Published January 1, 2005
About the author
Jim Haynes
69 books8 followersThe son of British migrants, Jim attended Sydney Boys’ High and Sydney Teachers’ College. He taught in schools and universities in NSW and Britain, has two masters’ degrees in literature, from New England University and the University of Wales in the UK, and is the author of 24 books.
Jim’s book, Australia’s Best Unknown Stories, made it into the top ten best-seller list for his publishers Allen & Unwin. He was Writer in Residence at Charles Sturt University in 2011 and has also taught writing, performance skills and song-writing for The Arts Council of NSW, University of New England, SA Arts Council, Victorian Folk Council and Australian Performing Rights Association.
A professional entertainer since 1988, Jim has recorded for Festival, Sony and ABC Music and has had many songs in the Country Music Charts, including a number one with ‘Since Cheryl Went Feral’ and a national hit with ‘Don’t Call Wagga Wagga Wagga’. He won the Comedy Song of The Year award four times and toured his own show for many years.
Jim still performs as an entertainer and speaker, works in radio as the Australiana expert on 2UE.
Jim was awarded the Order of Australia Medal in the Australia Day Honour's List in 2016, 'for service to the performing arts as an entertainer, author, broadcaster and historian'.
Jim’s book, Australia’s Best Unknown Stories, made it into the top ten best-seller list for his publishers Allen & Unwin. He was Writer in Residence at Charles Sturt University in 2011 and has also taught writing, performance skills and song-writing for The Arts Council of NSW, University of New England, SA Arts Council, Victorian Folk Council and Australian Performing Rights Association.
A professional entertainer since 1988, Jim has recorded for Festival, Sony and ABC Music and has had many songs in the Country Music Charts, including a number one with ‘Since Cheryl Went Feral’ and a national hit with ‘Don’t Call Wagga Wagga Wagga’. He won the Comedy Song of The Year award four times and toured his own show for many years.
Jim still performs as an entertainer and speaker, works in radio as the Australiana expert on 2UE.
Jim was awarded the Order of Australia Medal in the Australia Day Honour's List in 2016, 'for service to the performing arts as an entertainer, author, broadcaster and historian'.
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Displaying 1 - 1 of 1 review
May 21, 2026
I listened to this in audiobook format, and what a treat it was to hear classic horse racing stories and prose performed exquisitely. This lovely book has a unique way of taking you trackside, and you feel like you are right next to the turf for the highs, the lows and points in between. Through it all, you get to enjoy the race day pageantry with a smile on your face.
I don’t think that I have read a book quite like this very unique offering, and I am more than a little surprised that I get to write its first review on this platform. To me, Jim Haynes’ book is flawless. He organised the tales so well that the book, as a whole, has a way of mimicking the rhythm of a thoroughbred race.
Whether it’s a story of a punter’s lament or a backstreet bookie or a great racing triumph, you get to experience all of the action from a front row seat per se. Afterwards, you walk away feeling like you’ve just absorbed a fascinating chapter in Australia’s cultural history.
I cannot recommend it enough.
I don’t think that I have read a book quite like this very unique offering, and I am more than a little surprised that I get to write its first review on this platform. To me, Jim Haynes’ book is flawless. He organised the tales so well that the book, as a whole, has a way of mimicking the rhythm of a thoroughbred race.
Whether it’s a story of a punter’s lament or a backstreet bookie or a great racing triumph, you get to experience all of the action from a front row seat per se. Afterwards, you walk away feeling like you’ve just absorbed a fascinating chapter in Australia’s cultural history.
I cannot recommend it enough.
Displaying 1 - 1 of 1 review