His books on Racing and Breeding
Three Centuries of Leading Sires 1721-1987 presents a tremendous amount of information, especially concerning the cloudy first two centuries of the Thoroughbred’s development. Since many early sources are error-prone and conflicting in documentary evidence, this represents much meticulous and scholarly research on the part of Michael Church.” Camilla Power – Pacemaker
This limited edition of 500, sold with a sire-line chart of all the Leading Sires in Great Britain & Ireland sold out in six weeks to 29 countries. Originally priced at £39 it is currently changing hands at £175. Signed and numbered by the author, 108 pages, all edges gilt, now very rare.
The Classic Pedigree 1776-1989“This valuable work will delight and instruct lovers of the Thoroughbred … the analysis tables provide marvellous insight … a ready reference to the breeding of the most celebrated horses on the British Turf over more than two centuries.” Tony Morris – Racing Post
Sold only as a limited edition of 1101 – each copy dedicated to a specific Classic winner, signed and numbered by the author. Includes the four-generation pedigrees and race record of every Classic winner, together with the winners of the King George and Queen Elizabeth Stakes and the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe. Also contains histories of the races, detailed pedigree analysis, 14 three-coloured charts showing the male descent of every winner. Fully Indexed. De-luxe gold block binding, all edges gilt, 480 pages, size 10” x 7 ½ ”. Originally sold out at £59 it is currently changing hands at around £100.
Dams of Classic Winners 1777-1993“This is a genuine collector’s item, with Michael Church’s impeccable research enshrined in a superbly produced book – the only comprehensive book ever published on the dams of Classic winners, which, since the late 18th century, have represented the cream of the thoroughbreds.” Peter Willett – Horse and Hound
Sold only as a Numbered Edition of 1101, the book gives the four-generation pedigree, race record and notable produce of every dam of a Classic winner, together with the three-generation pedigree of the stallion who sired their best produce. Also contains the result of every Classic race, over 100 photographs and is fully indexed. De-luxe gold block binding, all edges gilt, 608 pages, size 10” x 7 ½ ”. Originally sold out at £69 it now changes hands at nearly twice the price.
“Michael Church, a Derby devote since childhood, has made an immensely valuable contribution in his labour of love that yielded, ‘The Derby Stakes 1780-1997’. No previous work on the subject included such a vast amount of information, none was so imaginatively designed; none ever profess to rank as the standard ready reference for later generations of researchers. But never mind future historians. This is a book to delight all present-day racing enthusiasts and all who relish the heritage of the turf.” Tony Morris – Racing Post
Sold as a Limited Edition of 1314, numbered and signed by the author. The book contains a double-page spread on each year, with the classified result, a 500 word essay, the winner’s five-generation pedigree and, the race-records of the sire and dam and their notable progeny. In addition there are 290 pictures, a comprehensive records section and the indices to pedigrees, progeny and essays. The edition sold out within the year and the original price of £72 has been continually surpassed when resold.
Eclipse – The Horse – The Race – The Awards“Anyone who has ever thrilled to the sight of one racehorse pitched against another, legs pounding, neck outstretched, nostrils flaring has buried somewhere in their subconscious the expression, ‘Eclipse first, the rest nowhere’ and at last, for me, an elegant new book from the painstaking racing historian Michael Church has put the quotation in context.” Robin Oakley – The Spectator
Published as a Limited Edition of 1250 the book covers the history of the Eclipse Stakes 1886-2000, the life and times of Eclipse 1764-1789 (ancestor of 97% of the world’s Thoroughbreds), and the Eclipse Awards 1971-1999. The book comprises 416 pages, 250 pictures, a deluxe binding and all edges gilt. Sold out at the RRP of £87, the book is continually sought after.
Champion Sires – 1722-2003“Author Michael Church is a true equine historian and, for generations to come, I am sure we will have reason to celebrate his work. No matter how all persuasive the internet becomes, you simply cannot beat a good book. And his latest opus is a lot more than a good book – it is brilliant.” Leo Powell – The Irish Field
Contents include: full coverage of every Champion Sire, with race-record, essay, pedigree and notable progeny. In addition there are analyses, tables, a tail-male chart, four indices and over 50 illustrations. Presented in a luxury binding, gold blocked cover, gilt edges, two colour head and tail bands and a ribbon marker; 320 pages. A Numbered Edition of 750, signed by the author and priced at £59, sold out in three months and thereafter changed hands for £100.
Classic Pedigrees – 1776-2005“When it comes to the Classics, this is a reference book beyond comparison.” Marcus Armytage – The Daily Telegraph “The top end product … a work of loving and precise research but also one of those Books – luxury binding and gilt edge pages – that feels nice just to hold.” Alan Lee – The Times
Contents include: The four-generation pedigree and race-record of every Classic winner, pedigree analysis, origins of the Classics, essays on the 15 Triple Crown winners, 17 three-colour lineage charts showing the descent of every Classic winner, fully indexed throughout. Completely sold out as a Limited Edition of 800 copies, the original price of £75 has greatly increased on copies resold.
The Derby Stakes – The Complete History – 1780-2006“It’s doubtful there’s a man alive who knows more about the Derby than Michael Church, author of a series of detailed books on the pedigrees of every Classic winner. Nine years ago he wrote the history of the Derby: now nearly a decade on, he has finished a book that he’s confident enough to call the complete history. And his confidence isn’t misplaced: never has so much information about the race been reproduced in such a readily accessible manner. It’s a treat for the statistician, the historian and the racing romantic.” Will Buckley – The Observer “This is a timely intervention by Michael Church, on whom Epsom Racecourse has conferred the title of ‘Official Derby Historian’.” His hefty tome weighs in at 640 pages, all of them gilt-edged and bound in majestic purple. Each of the 228 winners gets a double-page spread featuring a 600-word essay, its pedigree and full result. There are more than 300 photos and illustrations. Available as a numbered edition of 1140, this is an authoritative record that ought to be treasured by anyone with an interest in racing. If you had a tenner each way on Sir Percy back in June, there could be no better way to invest the proceeds.” Chris Cook – The Guardian. Sold out at £85.
The Oaks Stakes – 1799-2015“Michael Church is to be congratulated. This is a classic account of Epsom’s other classic. For it is the Oaks, more than any other race, which identifies the special filly who may earn the right to challenge the colts and sometimes put them in their place.” Tony Morris “Michael Church has produced one of the most valuable tomes to hit the bookshelves this year….but how do you put a value on a book that is priceless?” Leo Powell – The Irish Field The first book to be published on The Oaks Stakes, includes a comprehensive history of the race, its foundation, the results, race commentaries, all the winners and their breeding. A limited edition of 650 copies, numbered and signed by the author – £65.
The Derby Stakes – 1780-2016“I am now delighted to welcome Michael’s latest update, the work of one whose passion for the great race matches my own – and whose industry far exceeds mine!” Tony Morris As the Official Derby Historian, Michael has now revised and updated his history of the Derby, with race commentaries, illustrations, analysis and indices. To match his history of the Oaks, it is signed, numbered and presented in a strong luxury binding, gold blocked cover, all edges gilt, 256 pages – £65.
Michael’s autobiographical short stories
Ripping Gambling Yarns – Tales of a misspent youth “Absolutely magical … The best of them will last as true classics of their kind.” Brough Scott – Broadcaster. “Michael Church’s tales of a misspent youth echo the tales of Damon Runyon, as they revolve around gambling, a few shady characters and most importantly many humorous and unlikely events. The tale of two haircuts in one day is a cracking opening to the book. Hopefully it won’t be too long before he brings out Vols II and III.” John O’Hara – Channel 4
Illustrated by Julia Jacs, published by Raceform Ltd, hardbacked, 160 pages and sold out at £12.95.
Born to Bet – Further tales of a misspent youth“These are nothing less than little masterpieces of their kind.” Brough Scott – Channel 4 Racing “This second instalment of Church’s memoirs is that rare thing – a book with universal appeal. The gambler will relate to his tales of desperate wagers, the sports fan will enjoy reliving past events.” Amy Bennett – Racing Post
Illustrated by Julia Jacs, published by Raceform Ltd, hardbacked, 160 pages and sold out at £12.95.
Black Horse – Red Dog … more gambling yarns“After Ripping Gambling Yarns and Born to Bet, the author has more tales to tell, and takes us to meet the extended Church clan. Uncle Henry told the young Michael to give up betting on the flimsy footing it’s a mugs game. But the boy ignored him and I, for one, am very glad he did.” David Yates – Newsboy, Daily Mirror From Thelma with her ‘satisfying sturdy legs’ to Auntie Mary and her lethal dry rot, Michael Church’s latest book is a time machine journey from then till now that introduces the reader to an array of delicious characters, none more delicious than the author himself.” Lee Mottershead – Racing Post journalist
Illustrated with family photographs, published by Highdown, 176 pages, hardbacked, rrp £14.99.
The Gambling Adventures of Father Green“Michael’s Father Perry Green is a rare and attractive invention, being both unworldly and cunning at the same time and just begs to be played by a reincarnated Alec Guinness in a TV version that must surely come.” Brough Scott – Racing Post columnist. “It is a testament to Church’s most excellent story-telling skills that his characters, from Perry the punting clergyman to the delightfully ‘buxom’ Brenda, come alive from the very first page. Enter their world and find yourself lost in a collection of warm, cosy tales that provide the perfect accompaniment to steaming tea and gooey cake.” Lee Mottershead – Racing Post journalist
Published by Racing Post, hardbacked, 160 pages, RRP 14.99.
A selection of Michael’s lineage charts
From the Darley Arabian to Frankel, to celebrate the 300 years of Champion Sires of Great Britain and Ireland, Michael Church, the racing author and historian, has published a signed and illustrated, limited edition lineage chart, showing the male descent of the 125 Champion Sires to the founding fathers. The chart is printed on a strong 250 gm white paper with a silk finish and comes with a brief history of each of the 14 illustrated Champion Sires. Suitable for framing, the chart, is sized A2 i.e. 42 x 59 cm or 16.5 x 23.4”. The chart, limited to 100 copies is for sale at £60 incl. p&p.
The Classics Chart 1776 – 2020
The Classics Chart 1776-2020 Full Chart ***For a better view Mobiles view Landscape Showing the male lineage of every British Classic winner plus the King George, Arc and Champion Sires, traced back to the founding fathers.
Printed in three colours on 170 GSM bright white paper, measuring 74 cm x 59 cm or 29″ x 23 “, the chart shows every winner with dates won: colts in Red, fillies in Green and Champion Sires with asterisks either side of their name. The Chart encompasses 20 interlocking smaller charts photo reduced, therefore with the accompanying Pdf file magnifying up to x 10, highly suitable for research.
A sold out Limited Edition of 60 copies, numbered & signed at £60 each, with copies going to The British Library, The Surrey History Centre and The Jockey Club Archive.
The Irish Greyhound Derby Chart 1932-2012
The Irish Greyhound Derby Chart 1932-2012 traces every winner back through two dynasties to the Victorian coursing greyhounds – King Cob born in 1838 and Emperor in 1837.
The lineage, layout and research is by Michael and it is sold in Ireland, under his licence, by the Irish Greyhound Review, P.O.Box 7993, Dunlaoghaire, Co. Dublin. An unsigned limited edition, the chart is printed in red and black on quality parchmarque, size 70 x 50 cms, with every winner in red with their sex, colour, date of birth, and year won. RRP £55 incl. p&p.