THE SPORTS BOOK AWARDS INTERNATIONAL AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF THE YEAR

Kieren Fallon was among the world’s greatest jockeys, but his profession was littered with controversial incidents. Now, in his powerful and honest autobiography, he tells all.

‘The most eagerly anticipated racing autobiography for most years’ Greg Real wood, Guardian

Like a jockey, Kieren Fallon acquired a unique rapport with his horses, often coaxing these to success when others experienced struggled. His skill and commitment made him a punter’ about Form: My Autobiography s most liked. His wonderful record, which saw him crowned Champ Jockey on six occasions, ensured he became one of racing’s biggest celebrities.

But that was just ever part of the story. Having come to the UK from Ireland to make his name, Fallon’s combative nature brought him to the attention of the race government bodies. When he dragged a rival jockey off his support in 1994, he began some run-ins that would eventually see him on trial in the Old Bailey, accused of race fixing. Even though the judge eventually ruled that there was no case to reply, the damage to his career and reputation had been done.

In Type, Kieren Fallon provides a searingly honest accounts of his life, and the pressures he faced to access the top of his sport, where winning was never enough, and where rest came in the form of a container of vodka or meals that needed to be ‘flipped’ instantly to ensure he managed his weight. He worked with among the better trainers and received all of the biggest races, but accurate happiness only ever really found him when he was on the trunk of a horse – a pleasure that he still feels given that he offers retired from race as he rides work early in the morning.

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