THE SPORTS BOOK AWARDS INTERNATIONAL AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF THE YEAR

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

As a jockey, Kieren Fallon had a unique rapport with his horses, often coaxing them to victory when others had struggled. His skill and commitment made him a punter’s favourite. His magnificent record, which saw him crowned Champion Jockey on six occasions, ensured he became one of racing’s biggest stars.

But that was only ever part of the story. Having come over to the UK from Ireland to make his name, Fallon’s combative nature brought him to the attention of the racing authorities. When he dragged a rival jockey off his mount in 1994, he began a series of run-ins that would eventually see him on trial in the Old Bailey, accused of race fixing. Although the judge eventually ruled that there was no case to answer, the damage to his career and reputation had been done.

In Form, Kieren Fallon provides a searingly honest account of his life, and the pressures he faced to get to the top of his sport, where winning was never enough, and where relaxation came in the shape of a bottle of vodka or a meal that had to be ‘flipped’ immediately to ensure he maintained his weight. He worked with some of the best trainers and won all the biggest races, but true happiness only ever really came to him when he was on the back of a horse – a joy that he still feels now that he has retired from racing as he rides work early in the morning.

Brutally honest as well as entertaining, this is a unique sporting memoir.