When Darren Bird began drawing caricatures for the Sport of Kings two years ago little did he realise he would end up lauded as ‘racing’s cartoonist of choice”.

East Anglian Daily Times: British hope telescope searches for victory in the Breeders' Cup at Santa AnitaBritish hope telescope searches for victory in the Breeders' Cup at Santa Anita

Inspired by the work of legendary Suffolk cartoonist, Carl Giles, the Ipswich father-of-three has now had a selection of his drawings published in a book by the Racing Post.

Entitled Birdie, it showcases a wide range of his cartoons embracing all aspects of racing.

Mr Bird, 43, said: “I was totally honoured and shocked that the industry can recognise me as someone to go to and feels it can use my work to promote racing.

“It’s the stuff dreams are made of. I am literally pinching myself. I have to stop myself walking around with a silly grin on my face.

East Anglian Daily Times: 'Who forgot to Shutthefrontdoor?' - AP McCoy's last ride in the Grand National and Birdie's first cartoon in the Racing Post'Who forgot to Shutthefrontdoor?' - AP McCoy's last ride in the Grand National and Birdie's first cartoon in the Racing Post

“I hope to reach a wider audience and gain more recognition locally. Hopefully there will be another Birdie book and then who knows.

Mr Bird’s work is described as “just brilliant” by former jump jockey and broadcaster Mick Fitzgerald, while Nicholas Godfrey of the Racing Post summed him up as “racing’s cartoonist of choice”.

The book can be purchased through the Racing Post gift shop, Amazon and most well-known High Street retailers.