Arena

Episode Synopsis

The English Thoroughbred In the late 17th century the fastest, most elegant racing machine known to man was developed by the English aristocracy. The English gentry crossed their hardy mares with three delicate Arab stallions and it is from these horses that all today's thoroughbreds descend. 'Good breeding' is as much a watchword for the horses as for their owners and has culminated in such legendary animals as Nijinsky, Mill Reef and Oh So Sharp. The price tags on the world's best bloodstock drip noughts like great works of art. The film's equine guests include the triple crown winner Oh So Sharp, Dancing Brave, Adjal and Reference Point. Humans include owners His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum and Lord Howard de Walden, trainers Vincent O'Brien, Mr and Mrs Henry Cecil and jockey Walter Swinburn.