Kieren Fallon was one of the world's greatest jockeys, but his career was littered with controversial incidents. Now, in his powerful and honest autobiography, he tells all.
'The most eagerly anticipated racing autobiography for many years' Greg Wood, Guardian
British Champion Jockey six times - without terrifying injury and mental trauma it could have been many more - he won more than 2250 races, including the Derby three times, the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe twice, and more 2000 and 1000 Guineas (nine) than anyone else in the history of the sport. He was also accused of race fixing, resulting in an astonishing Old Bailey trial at which he was completely cleared.
No one would question his ability in the saddle. Few, if any, have ever been as good at coaxing the best out of their rides. But his extraordinary rapport with the horse has not quite been matched by his dealings with humans - particularly not those in authority with whom he's had a career-long battle.
Now Fallon recalls his rise from a rural Irish family with no racing connections, and his frequent collisions with the media as well as many of the people who run the sport. With wit as well as absolute frankness, he tells of the huge pressures on top jockeys - even those without his external problems - and how his dazzling riding career was marred, then brought to a premature halt by campaigns of lies and innuendo.
Brutally honest as well as entertaining, this is a unique sporting memoir.
