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Table of Contents
About The Book
The definitive autobiography from Kieren Fallon, one of the world’s greatest and most controversial horseracing jockeys.
A six-time British Champion Jockey, Kieran Fallon was one of the best jockeys, winning more than 2,250 races, including the UK’s Derby three times, the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe twice, and more 2000 and 1000 Guineas than anyone else in the history of the sport—but his career was littered with controversial incidents. He was 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 horses didn’t quite extend to his dealings with people—particularly with those in authority.
Now Fallon recalls his rise from a rural Irish family with no racing connections, and his frequent collisions with the media and many of the people who run the sport. He reveals the huge pressures on top jockeys and how his dazzling riding career was marred, then brought to a premature halt by campaigns of lies and innuendo.
Full of wit and humor, Form is a powerful, honest sporting memoir and a unique behind-the-scenes look at the horseracing industry.
A six-time British Champion Jockey, Kieran Fallon was one of the best jockeys, winning more than 2,250 races, including the UK’s Derby three times, the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe twice, and more 2000 and 1000 Guineas than anyone else in the history of the sport—but his career was littered with controversial incidents. He was 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 horses didn’t quite extend to his dealings with people—particularly with those in authority.
Now Fallon recalls his rise from a rural Irish family with no racing connections, and his frequent collisions with the media and many of the people who run the sport. He reveals the huge pressures on top jockeys and how his dazzling riding career was marred, then brought to a premature halt by campaigns of lies and innuendo.
Full of wit and humor, Form is a powerful, honest sporting memoir and a unique behind-the-scenes look at the horseracing industry.
Product Details
- Publisher: Simon & Schuster UK (April 17, 2018)
- Length: 320 pages
- ISBN13: 9781471166518
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Raves and Reviews
“Form is a fascinating read for anyone interested in horse racing or the life of a jockey."
– Fredricksburg Free Lance-Star
'I’ve always been fascinated by Kieren Fallon; so talented and yet so damaged. So I was drawn like a moth to a flame to his recent autobiography Form. It doesn’t disappoint... It has not been a life without conflict, but if you look into his haunted, hooded eyes, that does not come as a surprise. What is unexpected, however, is the insight that one gets through the Fallon prism.'
– Charlie Brooks, Daily Telegraph
'This candid and rewarding book...career highlights are left to fight for whatever space remains after honest, expansive accounts of his various scandals... Fallon is certainly honest with himself, and that lifts Form out of the also-ran clutter of the genre and into the winner's enclosure... It's the account of a flawed individual who happens to be a genius at riding horses, as accessible as human nature itself, not simply the life story of a jockey... If it were fiction, it would be a proper page-turner, Dick Francis-esque in its delivery. The reality that this is fact, a life well lived if not always lived well, makes it even more compelling. This piece of Form is strong, solid, difficult to argue with.'
– Steve Dennis, Racing Post
'His story gives us a graphic picture of the downside of racing at the highest level — the pressures, the ‘flipping’ to keep to an unrealistic weight, the travelling grind...For me the best pages are those in which he describes his riding methods, how he used his legs and his body while others used the whip. His story of Kris Kin’s Derby victory is riveting.'
– Robin Oakley, Spectator
'Brutally candid'
– Tom Richmond, Yorkshire Post
'Fallon hasn't left any dirty washing in the laundry basket'
– Steve Dennis, Racing Post
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High Resolution Images
- Book Cover Image (jpg): Form Hardcover 9781471166518
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