Sacrifice: A Year in the Life of a Champion Jockey

(Hardback)

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A gripping and searingly honest account of a year in the turbulent life of a professional jockey, and the personal cost of success in the high-stakes world of horseracing, from four-time champion Oisin Murphy. Born prematurely, weighing less than a bag of sugar, Oisin Murphy's life has always been one of struggle. From a young age he found communion with horses. Mesmerised by their power, their spirit, he discovered a gift for the saddle. Oisin quickly established himself as one of horseracing's most prodigious talents. But reaching the pinnacle of the sport required a high-wire dance that pushed his body and mind to their breaking point. Despite a three-year streak as champion jockey, alcohol addiction lurked beneath the surface, and a string of misdemeanours saw him banned for over a year. \"I dealt with success and failure the same. Drink was the rock I perished on. The day I picked up the championship trophy there was no element of joy in it for me.\"" Fast paced and searingly honest