By the book

AT the heart of the sport of kings, Weatherbys has been the keeper of all things Thoroughbred for more than 250 years. Now, it is demonstrating its commitment to its history by publishing volume 49 of the General Stud Book, kept since the first edition was published by founder James Weatherby in 1791. The authoritative register has recorded every racehorse from founding father the Darley Arabian to modern titan Frankel. Fewer than 100 editions are published every four years; in 2022, for the first time, it is dedicated to three significant owner/breeders: Prince Khalid Abdullah, David Thompson and Sheikh Hamdan Al Maktoum. Each edition of the General Stud Book is made by Green Street Bindery in Oxford, yet sits comfortably alongside the company’s 21st-century innovations, such as the epassport and genetic research at Weatherbys Scientific. A set is kept in the Stud Book Library and editions may be purchased, often by collectors or breeders, for £350 (www. weatherbysshop.co.uk). An online version may be consulted, but chairman Johnny Weatherby notes: ‘We feel it is our responsibility to continue to publish this historic record in its original printed form.’ OP

28 | Country Life | February 16, 2022

Le Manuscrit de Madame Théobon (Aparté | AP256) is out on February 18. Claire Jackson