The Classic Pedigree 1776-1989

The Classic Pedigree 1776–1989 by Michael Church (Racing Post, 1990) is an exhaustive and beautifully produced reference work on the pedigrees of the winners of the British Classic races over more than two centuries. Published in 1990 as a limited edition hardcover, this deluxe volume was released in a numbered edition of 1101 copies, each dedicated to a specific Classic winner and signed by the author, making it both a scholarly resource and a collector’s item.

Spanning approximately 480 pages, The Classic Pedigree 1776–1989 offers a comprehensive compilation of four‑generation pedigrees and race records for every winner of the British Classics — the 2,000 Guineas, 1,000 Guineas, The Derby, The Oaks, and the St Leger — from their earliest runnings through 1989. The book also includes the winners of other major modern stakes such as the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes and the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, placing these illustrious races and horses within a broader historical and breeding context.

In addition to the pedigree tables, detailed commentary and historical essays chart the development of the Classics, explain important changes in racing and breeding, and provide analytical insight into trends such as inbreeding, leading sires, and the influence of bloodlines on modern thoroughbreds. Colour lineage charts illustrate male descent, and indexes enhance the volume’s use as a reference. The lavish production — gilt edges, deluxe binding, and rich visual material — reflects the author’s stature as a leading racing historian and pedigree expert.

The Classic Pedigree 1776–1989 remains valued by racing historians, pedigree researchers, stud‑book librarians, and thoroughbred enthusiasts. Its depth of research and quality of presentation make it a definitive single‑source reference for anyone interested in the history and breeding of the greatest horses to contest the Classic races on the British Turf.