Victor Chandler: Put Your Life On It

Victor Chandler: Put Your Life On It, masterfully written by award-winning author Jamie Reid, stands as the definitive account of horse racing’s most audacious bookmaker. This gripping biography captures the pulse of modern horse racing, weaving together the sport’s high-stakes culture with the evolution of betting from muddy paddocks to digital empires. Reid’s narrative doesn’t just chronicle the relentless drive and razor-sharp instincts of Chandler—often dubbed the “gentleman bookmaker”—it delivers an insider’s view of legendary races like Royal Ascot, the drama of the Cheltenham Festival, and the seismic shift as the industry moved offshore and online. Reid’s prose is rich with the language of the track—odds, handicaps, stewards’ inquiries, and the thrill of a photo finish—making it a must-read for anyone searching for the intersection of horse racing, gambling history, and literary excellence.
Beyond the legacy of Chandler and his pioneering role in online betting, the book is timely in spotlighting the changing face of racing today. It pays tribute to the new generation of women jockeys and trainers making headlines in 2025, such as Hollie Doyle, who continues to break records, and Jessica Harrington, whose training acumen is revered worldwide. Reid’s reputation as a meticulous chronicler of the sport—previously showcased in his William Hill Sports Book of the Year-winning ‘Doped’—ensures that every name, from Alfie Solomons and Darby Sabini to Lucian Freud and the legendary punters of Hong Kong, is rendered with vivid authenticity. Whether you’re googling for the best horse racing books, the history of gambling, or the rise of female stars in the sport, this book delivers a powerful, SEO-optimized journey that captures the essence of both literature and the racing world.
ROYAL MAIL TRACKED 48 
Publisher: Reach Sport
Published: March 9, 2023
Price: £9.99
Paperback: 352 pages
ISBN-10: 1914197828
ISBN-13: 978-1914197826
Dimensions: 197 x 130 (mm)