Royal Thoroughbreds, History of the Royal Studs Arthur Fitzgerald, 1990, hardcover, 312 pgs. The British Royal Family, from the time of Henry the VIII, was instrumental in the development of the thoroughbred horse as we know it today. This is the comprehensive history of the Royal Studs, from inception to present day. The author was permitted access to the Royal Archives, and this is probably the most accurate account of the origin of the thoroughbred racehorse, the earliest important racehorses and racehorse breeding.