Racing entered the 20th Century as the preserve of royalty and the rich. During the last 100 years it has changed radically and, at the start of the 21st century, is now a worldwide industry with mass appeal.

Presented by the legendary John Francome and narrated by Alastair Down, A History of Horseracing tells the story of fortunes won and lost on horses that became household names and of the extraordinary and varied cast of characters who have punctuated the sport's history.

Racing is really two sports, the high fiance and fashion of the flat contrasting with the grit and sometimes grim realities of the jumping scene. The first programme concentrates solely on flat racing and includes rare black and white footage of the memorable races, jockeys and horses from the turn of the 20th century onwards as well as races from as far afield as Japan, Dubai and America. Relive the brilliance of pintsized Sir Gordon Richards and the ruthless artistry of the greatest of them all, Lester Piggott. Also featured are the horses that become household names, from Mill Reff and Nijinsky through to the incredible Rock of Gibraltar. It is the complete story of the last 100 years, brought right up to date with Sir Percy's 2006 nail-biting Derby victory.Central to the second programme on the history of jumps racing is the rise of the Cheltenham Festival to its unique place in today's sporting calendar and, of course, the world's most famous race, the Grand National.

There are some incredible stories and heroic feats, both by horse and jockeys alike - Bob Champion and Aldanitti: Michael Dickinson's first five home in the 1983 Gold Cup; Arkle and Mill Reef; Red Rum; Jenny Pitman and Corbiere; Desert Orchid, Best Mate's three successive Gold Cups and war of Attrition's classy victory in the 2006 Gold Cup/The programme also looks at the heroic feat of Tony McCoy who became the most successful ever jockey in 2002 and has continued to go from strength to strength as his epic victory in the 2006 Champion Hurdle on Brave Inca will attest.