An impersonal account, 23 Apr 2007
Timmy is undoubtedly a very skilled jockey with a style of his own. Over the years he has given some horses splendid rides. What is disappointing about this book is how little he recalls of those horses, or the ones he gave terrible rides to. Whether his alcohol fuelled life erased the memories or he has chosen not to include them is not known. The book is well written, but lacks the personal touch, it is obviously ghosted. You cannot imagine Timmy actually saying much of what is written. I would have liked for more thoughts from the heart. In the end we still know very little about this man, and he does not come across as someone you could warm to. His finest and his lowest hours are dealt with in the same unfeeling manner. I was left thinking he still needs to do some growing up, something is missing - as it is in this account of his life, his demons and his resurrection. If you want to know about his humble beginnings, his family and his battle with drink then this will be a good read but you will find little of the horses he has ridden. This was surprising to me as judging by his riding I had thought he had more empathy with the animals themselves.

BEST RACING AUTOBIOGRAPHY SO FAR, 22 Jan 2007
I read this book cover to cover in 48 hours, staying up well into early morning, thinking just one more chapter that turned into two then three... Its starts in the court room, then goes back into his early life to present day. Timmy writes honest about his life, about the good and the bad. my deepest sympathy for his first pony Bluebell, who Timmy practised races on ( Who Hasn't?!). Then to working in yards trying to get rides and his breaks, then the fall and the true account of prison. Up to recently i have thought that being an alcoholic would be hard and that people that are have choices. My reviewed opinion is that getting to be an alcoholic is very easy ( i often head for the pub, after a bad day at work ) and being sober is very hard. The autobiography is very good reading compared to Tony McCoy and Richard Johnson which are quite ordinary in comparison. I may even have a flutter on Timmy Murphy ride in the Grand National.

An impersonal account, 23 Apr 2007
Timmy is undoubtedly a very skilled jockey with a style of his own. Over the years he has given some horses splendid rides. What is disappointing about this book is how little he recalls of those horses, or the ones he gave terrible rides to. Whether his alcohol fuelled life erased the memories or he has chosen not to include them is not known. The book is well written, but lacks the personal touch, it is obviously ghosted. You cannot imagine Timmy actually saying much of what is written. I would have liked for more thoughts from the heart. In the end we still know very little about this man, and he does not come across as someone you could warm to. His finest and his lowest hours are dealt with in the same unfeeling manner. I was left thinking he still needs to do some growing up, something is missing - as it is in this account of his life, his demons and his resurrection. If you want to know about his humble beginnings, his family and his battle with drink then this will be a good read but you will find little of the horses he has ridden. This was surprising to me as judging by his riding I had thought he had more empathy with the animals themselves.

BEST RACING AUTOBIOGRAPHY SO FAR, 22 Jan 2007
I read this book cover to cover in 48 hours, staying up well into early morning, thinking just one more chapter that turned into two then three... Its starts in the court room, then goes back into his early life to present day. Timmy writes honest about his life, about the good and the bad. my deepest sympathy for his first pony Bluebell, who Timmy practised races on ( Who Hasn't?!). Then to working in yards trying to get rides and his breaks, then the fall and the true account of prison. Up to recently i have thought that being an alcoholic would be hard and that people that are have choices. My reviewed opinion is that getting to be an alcoholic is very easy ( i often head for the pub, after a bad day at work ) and being sober is very hard. The autobiography is very good reading compared to Tony McCoy and Richard Johnson which are quite ordinary in comparison. I may even have a flutter on Timmy Murphy ride in the Grand National.

Inglorious Certainty?, 13 Oct 2008
The merit of this book for me was that it does make the point that, if you are going to be a fulltime gambler, you are in it for the big bucks, not the small cheeses, unlke (as Nevison points out) some other professional backers, who are content to make something like £20K a year, albeit taxfree. Nevison wants more like £200K+ if not far more! And, if he is to be believed, he gets it! That alone, if so, makes his book worth reading. The downside is the abrasive Yorkshire knowall element, which slightly (more than slightly) put my teeth on edge. And his lifestyle around and off the course, seems to be the polar opposite of mine, but then I am not an ex-City of London trader turned honest gambler!

A good read on the whole, but not a lot of use for tips on betting for those of us for whom the normal punt is £100 or less (and I have never put on more than £3K and that money was the result of a run of three winners, ie profit monies). Nevison is --or more or less says he is-- Big Time, but therein lies a lot of the interest, of course.

A couple of lenghts behind, 01 Jul 2008
For what had the ingredients to become a bloody good book, it doesn't deliver. Dave Nevison really could have made this book a lot better than it is. Reason being is that for such an interesting profession, I am very surprised that for all the race meetings that he has attended, there were not more hilarious stories to be told. It is interesting, but not interesting enough for me. From a gambling perspective, interesting stories & facts, but no secrets. If you do read this book, you won't be able to give up your day job after you've finished it if that's what you are looking for.

A Bloody Good Read, 28 Jan 2008
I read Daves weekly column, its never too serious, and is an entertaining account of his ups and downs as a professional punter. This book offers more of the same, right from his beginnings in the city through his decision to become a professional punter. It gives you an insight into his methodology, although does not go into any great detail, but that isn't what this book is about. Dave holds many strong opinions, and does not shirk expressing them, about racing and some of the individuals in it. I read this book cover to cover in three days, and really really enjoyed it, it also confirmed what I have always known, that I don't have the balls to be pro punter. Buy it be entertained.

Interesting, 05 Dec 2007
An interesting look at the work of a modern day punter .
Who makes a good living from his not the norm methods of multiple betting .
The book made the modern day world of Internet betting , Spread betting etc. an area that is worth consideration for those of the old school .
No road to riches for the novice punter to be found amongst these pages as Dave's actual methods receive scant coverage .However what is more than useful is an indication of the attitude of mind that is required to make your betting pay .That alone may be worth the books cost providing you get it at a value price.

jje

The Perfect Book For The Horse Racing Enthusiast, 05 Dec 2007
If you already have a reasonable knowledge of horse racing, then this book will definitely steer you in the direction needed to become a profitable gambler. For sure Dave doesn't go into the abc's of odds compiling, or exactly how he judges form, but these things are easily learned if your serious about punting on the horses.
This acount of a professional gambler is both funny and extremely close to the bone. Anyone with a good sense of humour and even the vaguest interest in the horses will love this book.

An impersonal account, 23 Apr 2007
Timmy is undoubtedly a very skilled jockey with a style of his own. Over the years he has given some horses splendid rides. What is disappointing about this book is how little he recalls of those horses, or the ones he gave terrible rides to. Whether his alcohol fuelled life erased the memories or he has chosen not to include them is not known. The book is well written, but lacks the personal touch, it is obviously ghosted. You cannot imagine Timmy actually saying much of what is written. I would have liked for more thoughts from the heart. In the end we still know very little about this man, and he does not come across as someone you could warm to. His finest and his lowest hours are dealt with in the same unfeeling manner. I was left thinking he still needs to do some growing up, something is missing - as it is in this account of his life, his demons and his resurrection. If you want to know about his humble beginnings, his family and his battle with drink then this will be a good read but you will find little of the horses he has ridden. This was surprising to me as judging by his riding I had thought he had more empathy with the animals themselves.

BEST RACING AUTOBIOGRAPHY SO FAR, 22 Jan 2007
I read this book cover to cover in 48 hours, staying up well into early morning, thinking just one more chapter that turned into two then three... Its starts in the court room, then goes back into his early life to present day. Timmy writes honest about his life, about the good and the bad. my deepest sympathy for his first pony Bluebell, who Timmy practised races on ( Who Hasn't?!). Then to working in yards trying to get rides and his breaks, then the fall and the true account of prison. Up to recently i have thought that being an alcoholic would be hard and that people that are have choices. My reviewed opinion is that getting to be an alcoholic is very easy ( i often head for the pub, after a bad day at work ) and being sober is very hard. The autobiography is very good reading compared to Tony McCoy and Richard Johnson which are quite ordinary in comparison. I may even have a flutter on Timmy Murphy ride in the Grand National.

Inglorious Certainty?, 13 Oct 2008
The merit of this book for me was that it does make the point that, if you are going to be a fulltime gambler, you are in it for the big bucks, not the small cheeses, unlke (as Nevison points out) some other professional backers, who are content to make something like £20K a year, albeit taxfree. Nevison wants more like £200K+ if not far more! And, if he is to be believed, he gets it! That alone, if so, makes his book worth reading. The downside is the abrasive Yorkshire knowall element, which slightly (more than slightly) put my teeth on edge. And his lifestyle around and off the course, seems to be the polar opposite of mine, but then I am not an ex-City of London trader turned honest gambler!

A good read on the whole, but not a lot of use for tips on betting for those of us for whom the normal punt is £100 or less (and I have never put on more than £3K and that money was the result of a run of three winners, ie profit monies). Nevison is --or more or less says he is-- Big Time, but therein lies a lot of the interest, of course.

A couple of lenghts behind, 01 Jul 2008
For what had the ingredients to become a bloody good book, it doesn't deliver. Dave Nevison really could have made this book a lot better than it is. Reason being is that for such an interesting profession, I am very surprised that for all the race meetings that he has attended, there were not more hilarious stories to be told. It is interesting, but not interesting enough for me. From a gambling perspective, interesting stories & facts, but no secrets. If you do read this book, you won't be able to give up your day job after you've finished it if that's what you are looking for.

A Bloody Good Read, 28 Jan 2008
I read Daves weekly column, its never too serious, and is an entertaining account of his ups and downs as a professional punter. This book offers more of the same, right from his beginnings in the city through his decision to become a professional punter. It gives you an insight into his methodology, although does not go into any great detail, but that isn't what this book is about. Dave holds many strong opinions, and does not shirk expressing them, about racing and some of the individuals in it. I read this book cover to cover in three days, and really really enjoyed it, it also confirmed what I have always known, that I don't have the balls to be pro punter. Buy it be entertained.

Interesting, 05 Dec 2007
An interesting look at the work of a modern day punter .
Who makes a good living from his not the norm methods of multiple betting .
The book made the modern day world of Internet betting , Spread betting etc. an area that is worth consideration for those of the old school .
No road to riches for the novice punter to be found amongst these pages as Dave's actual methods receive scant coverage .However what is more than useful is an indication of the attitude of mind that is required to make your betting pay .That alone may be worth the books cost providing you get it at a value price.

jje

The Perfect Book For The Horse Racing Enthusiast, 05 Dec 2007
If you already have a reasonable knowledge of horse racing, then this book will definitely steer you in the direction needed to become a profitable gambler. For sure Dave doesn't go into the abc's of odds compiling, or exactly how he judges form, but these things are easily learned if your serious about punting on the horses.
This acount of a professional gambler is both funny and extremely close to the bone. Anyone with a good sense of humour and even the vaguest interest in the horses will love this book.

Excellent, 12 Jun 2007
I guess I'm pretty lucky my ex hubby knew Ginger McCain so I have some fantastic photos of the great "Red Rum" in his lovely Cheshire surroundings. :-)

This book was fantastic from start to finish; Ginger has done a great job with it. Taking you right through his life, basically up to present day. It's lovely to hear "Rummy" story again from start to finish and how he loved showing off, which was true when you were taking photographs of him, "Red Rum£ loved the limelight, and he and Ginger were a great match the made history I'm sure that no one ever be able to repeat.

With me being a huge "Red Rum" fan I always backed Gingers horses and saw a lot run at Haydock Park during the 1990's,he did me some wonderful favours with the odds that some of horses won at, 33-1 and 100-1 etc. :-)

It's an excellent read and very compulsive, it's a book I shall read again. It takes pride of place in amongst my other horse racing books I own. :-)

It's well worth every penny to read the story of two very special beings. :-)


A National treasure, 23 Apr 2007
Ginger McCain has raised plenty of eyebrows during his time but you have to admire his honesty. What you see is what you get with him and here is his story. He is a real character, a total one off and a national treasure. His love of, and empathy with the horses shines through. Only he could have found and trained a horse like Red Rum. Here is his love of Liverpool and all that the Grand National, the people's race, means to him and racing. Ginger is the epitome of all that is wonderful and unique about natiional hunt racing.

This book is great, from the name right down to the very last page. Buy it!

Tough Trainer, 27 Mar 2006
This autobiography shows a racing trainer far from conventional. The author came out of National Service in the Army and set up as a sort of car dealer and general small local businessman on the coast of Northwest England. Overcoming some opposition from the Jockey Club, he was eventually granted a trainer's licence. His famous triumph, more accurately, piece of luck, was in acquiring Red Rum, perhaps the best loved horse in England after Desert Orchid. The Grand National and wealth came. The story is one of many ups and downs, especially financial.

It has to be said that the author is his own worst enemy in places, coming over as a hard and even somewhat brutal man. Perhaps he has better sides...For instance, he defends the appalling practice of "firing" a horse, applying red hot metal to the horse's leg to heal. This is now banned in the UK, though not, surprisingly (?) in the USA and elsewhere. Quite apart from the doubtful utility of this practice (he says it does work...) there is the more important fact that it is painful for the horse and not necessary for healing. The author does seem to be mainly interested in money---even Red Rum is trooped around supermarket openings etc to make money for the owner and trainer.

Overall, not totally boring but a book which left me, at least, very much out of sympathy with the author

Great!, 12 Mar 2006
Enjoyed this book from start to finish as others said it will make you laugh and cry. From buying Red Rum in 1970 to Amberleigh House winning the national in 2004 it gives you a real insight into his emotions during the race.

5 Star.

Dreams Can come True!, 20 Oct 2005
Having worked for Ginger, I found that this book is full of honesty. I couldn't put the book down, there's funny bits and sad things but it's a dream that became reality. It's a very good read for somebody who likes reading biographys and not just for the racing fan.

An impersonal account, 23 Apr 2007
Timmy is undoubtedly a very skilled jockey with a style of his own. Over the years he has given some horses splendid rides. What is disappointing about this book is how little he recalls of those horses, or the ones he gave terrible rides to. Whether his alcohol fuelled life erased the memories or he has chosen not to include them is not known. The book is well written, but lacks the personal touch, it is obviously ghosted. You cannot imagine Timmy actually saying much of what is written. I would have liked for more thoughts from the heart. In the end we still know very little about this man, and he does not come across as someone you could warm to. His finest and his lowest hours are dealt with in the same unfeeling manner. I was left thinking he still needs to do some growing up, something is missing - as it is in this account of his life, his demons and his resurrection. If you want to know about his humble beginnings, his family and his battle with drink then this will be a good read but you will find little of the horses he has ridden. This was surprising to me as judging by his riding I had thought he had more empathy with the animals themselves.

BEST RACING AUTOBIOGRAPHY SO FAR, 22 Jan 2007
I read this book cover to cover in 48 hours, staying up well into early morning, thinking just one more chapter that turned into two then three... Its starts in the court room, then goes back into his early life to present day. Timmy writes honest about his life, about the good and the bad. my deepest sympathy for his first pony Bluebell, who Timmy practised races on ( Who Hasn't?!). Then to working in yards trying to get rides and his breaks, then the fall and the true account of prison. Up to recently i have thought that being an alcoholic would be hard and that people that are have choices. My reviewed opinion is that getting to be an alcoholic is very easy ( i often head for the pub, after a bad day at work ) and being sober is very hard. The autobiography is very good reading compared to Tony McCoy and Richard Johnson which are quite ordinary in comparison. I may even have a flutter on Timmy Murphy ride in the Grand National.

Inglorious Certainty?, 13 Oct 2008
The merit of this book for me was that it does make the point that, if you are going to be a fulltime gambler, you are in it for the big bucks, not the small cheeses, unlke (as Nevison points out) some other professional backers, who are content to make something like £20K a year, albeit taxfree. Nevison wants more like £200K+ if not far more! And, if he is to be believed, he gets it! That alone, if so, makes his book worth reading. The downside is the abrasive Yorkshire knowall element, which slightly (more than slightly) put my teeth on edge. And his lifestyle around and off the course, seems to be the polar opposite of mine, but then I am not an ex-City of London trader turned honest gambler!

A good read on the whole, but not a lot of use for tips on betting for those of us for whom the normal punt is £100 or less (and I have never put on more than £3K and that money was the result of a run of three winners, ie profit monies). Nevison is --or more or less says he is-- Big Time, but therein lies a lot of the interest, of course.

A couple of lenghts behind, 01 Jul 2008
For what had the ingredients to become a bloody good book, it doesn't deliver. Dave Nevison really could have made this book a lot better than it is. Reason being is that for such an interesting profession, I am very surprised that for all the race meetings that he has attended, there were not more hilarious stories to be told. It is interesting, but not interesting enough for me. From a gambling perspective, interesting stories & facts, but no secrets. If you do read this book, you won't be able to give up your day job after you've finished it if that's what you are looking for.

A Bloody Good Read, 28 Jan 2008
I read Daves weekly column, its never too serious, and is an entertaining account of his ups and downs as a professional punter. This book offers more of the same, right from his beginnings in the city through his decision to become a professional punter. It gives you an insight into his methodology, although does not go into any great detail, but that isn't what this book is about. Dave holds many strong opinions, and does not shirk expressing them, about racing and some of the individuals in it. I read this book cover to cover in three days, and really really enjoyed it, it also confirmed what I have always known, that I don't have the balls to be pro punter. Buy it be entertained.

Interesting, 05 Dec 2007
An interesting look at the work of a modern day punter .
Who makes a good living from his not the norm methods of multiple betting .
The book made the modern day world of Internet betting , Spread betting etc. an area that is worth consideration for those of the old school .
No road to riches for the novice punter to be found amongst these pages as Dave's actual methods receive scant coverage .However what is more than useful is an indication of the attitude of mind that is required to make your betting pay .That alone may be worth the books cost providing you get it at a value price.

jje

The Perfect Book For The Horse Racing Enthusiast, 05 Dec 2007
If you already have a reasonable knowledge of horse racing, then this book will definitely steer you in the direction needed to become a profitable gambler. For sure Dave doesn't go into the abc's of odds compiling, or exactly how he judges form, but these things are easily learned if your serious about punting on the horses.
This acount of a professional gambler is both funny and extremely close to the bone. Anyone with a good sense of humour and even the vaguest interest in the horses will love this book.

Excellent, 12 Jun 2007
I guess I'm pretty lucky my ex hubby knew Ginger McCain so I have some fantastic photos of the great "Red Rum" in his lovely Cheshire surroundings. :-)

This book was fantastic from start to finish; Ginger has done a great job with it. Taking you right through his life, basically up to present day. It's lovely to hear "Rummy" story again from start to finish and how he loved showing off, which was true when you were taking photographs of him, "Red Rum£ loved the limelight, and he and Ginger were a great match the made history I'm sure that no one ever be able to repeat.

With me being a huge "Red Rum" fan I always backed Gingers horses and saw a lot run at Haydock Park during the 1990's,he did me some wonderful favours with the odds that some of horses won at, 33-1 and 100-1 etc. :-)

It's an excellent read and very compulsive, it's a book I shall read again. It takes pride of place in amongst my other horse racing books I own. :-)

It's well worth every penny to read the story of two very special beings. :-)


A National treasure, 23 Apr 2007
Ginger McCain has raised plenty of eyebrows during his time but you have to admire his honesty. What you see is what you get with him and here is his story. He is a real character, a total one off and a national treasure. His love of, and empathy with the horses shines through. Only he could have found and trained a horse like Red Rum. Here is his love of Liverpool and all that the Grand National, the people's race, means to him and racing. Ginger is the epitome of all that is wonderful and unique about natiional hunt racing.

This book is great, from the name right down to the very last page. Buy it!

Tough Trainer, 27 Mar 2006
This autobiography shows a racing trainer far from conventional. The author came out of National Service in the Army and set up as a sort of car dealer and general small local businessman on the coast of Northwest England. Overcoming some opposition from the Jockey Club, he was eventually granted a trainer's licence. His famous triumph, more accurately, piece of luck, was in acquiring Red Rum, perhaps the best loved horse in England after Desert Orchid. The Grand National and wealth came. The story is one of many ups and downs, especially financial.

It has to be said that the author is his own worst enemy in places, coming over as a hard and even somewhat brutal man. Perhaps he has better sides...For instance, he defends the appalling practice of "firing" a horse, applying red hot metal to the horse's leg to heal. This is now banned in the UK, though not, surprisingly (?) in the USA and elsewhere. Quite apart from the doubtful utility of this practice (he says it does work...) there is the more important fact that it is painful for the horse and not necessary for healing. The author does seem to be mainly interested in money---even Red Rum is trooped around supermarket openings etc to make money for the owner and trainer.

Overall, not totally boring but a book which left me, at least, very much out of sympathy with the author

Great!, 12 Mar 2006
Enjoyed this book from start to finish as others said it will make you laugh and cry. From buying Red Rum in 1970 to Amberleigh House winning the national in 2004 it gives you a real insight into his emotions during the race.

5 Star.

Dreams Can come True!, 20 Oct 2005
Having worked for Ginger, I found that this book is full of honesty. I couldn't put the book down, there's funny bits and sad things but it's a dream that became reality. It's a very good read for somebody who likes reading biographys and not just for the racing fan.

Tony McCoy, 09 Apr 2008
I totally disagree with the 1 star someone has given it. Valiramix* fell fatally after clipping heels with another horse- an accident that occurs regularly in horse racing. McCoy explains all the pain he felt after the fall and how much he felt for the horse. And other to that- he describes his whole life so far in great detail and enthusiasm. If like horse racing and interested in jockeys- this is a must for you!

Boring account of a driven man, 15 Oct 2003
Tony McCoy is the punter's favourite. But he certainly is not mine after I read this book. OK, he might be honest, but he should have rather stayed silent if that is what he has to tell us. McCoy is certainly overinspiered for his own good, too driven to be rated as a " normal " ambitious rider. Now we know that he weeps in the bath ( he hates to bath, but has never a choice ! ), his unhealthy diat und so on. He never drinks, good to know.
I have read many biographies from jockeys and trainers alike, but never one from someone who seems to care less for his horses. If you have seen Tony McCoys reaction in 2002 Champion Hurdle after Valiramix fatally fell, you know what I mean, and the book does nothing to alter the picture. All he cares is winning, no matter how .

If you enjoy reading soemthing like this, buy the book. The paperback version will do, so. For those you care about the horses and the sport , there are more enjoyable books around.

simply the best!, 28 Oct 2002
Good honest account of his life so far. Fascinating look into the life of argueably the best jump jockey of all time. Beginning from when he was a young boy, who regular missed school to work with horses, to finally achieving the amazing feat of being Sir Gordon Richards record for race wins. You feel the pain that he puts his body through every day & cannot help but admire his dedication to be the best. If you are interested in horse racing, you simply must read this book!

High-profile sports stars choose to walk a fine line between nurturing the bloom of their celebrity, and exercising the talent that made them famous in the first place. Horseracing's most recognisable face, Frankie Dettori - TV quiz show star, pizza endorser, restaurateur and pal of Vinnie Jones - publicly remarked recently that he realised he had crossed that line when someone seriously asked him how long ago he retired from being a jockey. In some ways then, Frankie, is a timely reminder that not only is Dettori a hugely talented horseman who is most definitely still riding, he's arguably at his peak. At the time of writing the Italian has all-but landed his first jockeys' championship in ten years - after a frantic summer compared to his almost part-time campaigns of recent years - and is once again the best known AND the best. Thankfully while this `autobiography', written with journalist Jonathan Powell, is not shy of trumpeting Dettori's unique achievements, it embraces the darker side of the affable imp persona too. Forget the married-with-kids, polished performer who appears on TV now - young Frankie, by his own admission, was a tearaway, a night-club wolf, a drugs-dabbler who was perilously close to seeing his career go permanently off the rails. Even when he had established himself as champion jockey he recalls among other failings, behaving like 'a real bastard' to challenger, and one-time pal, Jason Weaver, when he feared his crown was under threat. It's far from the only time when we see behind the cheeky chappie mask. Whether by accident or design, Dettori is refreshingly candid when it comes to revealing faults. His somewhat traditional views on women, in particular, will rankle with some. As will the underlying tone - Frankie's very much the star of the show, on the racecourse and off, and it's not an altogether likeable trait. But that's exactly what makes this book so entertaining - did you really think winners were nice guys? --Alex Hankin

An impersonal account, 23 Apr 2007
Timmy is undoubtedly a very skilled jockey with a style of his own. Over the years he has given some horses splendid rides. What is disappointing about this book is how little he recalls of those horses, or the ones he gave terrible rides to. Whether his alcohol fuelled life erased the memories or he has chosen not to include them is not known. The book is well written, but lacks the personal touch, it is obviously ghosted. You cannot imagine Timmy actually saying much of what is written. I would have liked for more thoughts from the heart. In the end we still know very little about this man, and he does not come across as someone you could warm to. His finest and his lowest hours are dealt with in the same unfeeling manner. I was left thinking he still needs to do some growing up, something is missing - as it is in this account of his life, his demons and his resurrection. If you want to know about his humble beginnings, his family and his battle with drink then this will be a good read but you will find little of the horses he has ridden. This was surprising to me as judging by his riding I had thought he had more empathy with the animals themselves.

BEST RACING AUTOBIOGRAPHY SO FAR, 22 Jan 2007
I read this book cover to cover in 48 hours, staying up well into early morning, thinking just one more chapter that turned into two then three... Its starts in the court room, then goes back into his early life to present day. Timmy writes honest about his life, about the good and the bad. my deepest sympathy for his first pony Bluebell, who Timmy practised races on ( Who Hasn't?!). Then to working in yards trying to get rides and his breaks, then the fall and the true account of prison. Up to recently i have thought that being an alcoholic would be hard and that people that are have choices. My reviewed opinion is that getting to be an alcoholic is very easy ( i often head for the pub, after a bad day at work ) and being sober is very hard. The autobiography is very good reading compared to Tony McCoy and Richard Johnson which are quite ordinary in comparison. I may even have a flutter on Timmy Murphy ride in the Grand National.

Inglorious Certainty?, 13 Oct 2008
The merit of this book for me was that it does make the point that, if you are going to be a fulltime gambler, you are in it for the big bucks, not the small cheeses, unlke (as Nevison points out) some other professional backers, who are content to make something like £20K a year, albeit taxfree. Nevison wants more like £200K+ if not far more! And, if he is to be believed, he gets it! That alone, if so, makes his book worth reading. The downside is the abrasive Yorkshire knowall element, which slightly (more than slightly) put my teeth on edge. And his lifestyle around and off the course, seems to be the polar opposite of mine, but then I am not an ex-City of London trader turned honest gambler!

A good read on the whole, but not a lot of use for tips on betting for those of us for whom the normal punt is £100 or less (and I have never put on more than £3K and that money was the result of a run of three winners, ie profit monies). Nevison is --or more or less says he is-- Big Time, but therein lies a lot of the interest, of course.

A couple of lenghts behind, 01 Jul 2008
For what had the ingredients to become a bloody good book, it doesn't deliver. Dave Nevison really could have made this book a lot better than it is. Reason being is that for such an interesting profession, I am very surprised that for all the race meetings that he has attended, there were not more hilarious stories to be told. It is interesting, but not interesting enough for me. From a gambling perspective, interesting stories & facts, but no secrets. If you do read this book, you won't be able to give up your day job after you've finished it if that's what you are looking for.

A Bloody Good Read, 28 Jan 2008
I read Daves weekly column, its never too serious, and is an entertaining account of his ups and downs as a professional punter. This book offers more of the same, right from his beginnings in the city through his decision to become a professional punter. It gives you an insight into his methodology, although does not go into any great detail, but that isn't what this book is about. Dave holds many strong opinions, and does not shirk expressing them, about racing and some of the individuals in it. I read this book cover to cover in three days, and really really enjoyed it, it also confirmed what I have always known, that I don't have the balls to be pro punter. Buy it be entertained.

Interesting, 05 Dec 2007
An interesting look at the work of a modern day punter .
Who makes a good living from his not the norm methods of multiple betting .
The book made the modern day world of Internet betting , Spread betting etc. an area that is worth consideration for those of the old school .
No road to riches for the novice punter to be found amongst these pages as Dave's actual methods receive scant coverage .However what is more than useful is an indication of the attitude of mind that is required to make your betting pay .That alone may be worth the books cost providing you get it at a value price.

jje

The Perfect Book For The Horse Racing Enthusiast, 05 Dec 2007
If you already have a reasonable knowledge of horse racing, then this book will definitely steer you in the direction needed to become a profitable gambler. For sure Dave doesn't go into the abc's of odds compiling, or exactly how he judges form, but these things are easily learned if your serious about punting on the horses.
This acount of a professional gambler is both funny and extremely close to the bone. Anyone with a good sense of humour and even the vaguest interest in the horses will love this book.

Excellent, 12 Jun 2007
I guess I'm pretty lucky my ex hubby knew Ginger McCain so I have some fantastic photos of the great "Red Rum" in his lovely Cheshire surroundings. :-)

This book was fantastic from start to finish; Ginger has done a great job with it. Taking you right through his life, basically up to present day. It's lovely to hear "Rummy" story again from start to finish and how he loved showing off, which was true when you were taking photographs of him, "Red Rum£ loved the limelight, and he and Ginger were a great match the made history I'm sure that no one ever be able to repeat.

With me being a huge "Red Rum" fan I always backed Gingers horses and saw a lot run at Haydock Park during the 1990's,he did me some wonderful favours with the odds that some of horses won at, 33-1 and 100-1 etc. :-)

It's an excellent read and very compulsive, it's a book I shall read again. It takes pride of place in amongst my other horse racing books I own. :-)

It's well worth every penny to read the story of two very special beings. :-)


A National treasure, 23 Apr 2007
Ginger McCain has raised plenty of eyebrows during his time but you have to admire his honesty. What you see is what you get with him and here is his story. He is a real character, a total one off and a national treasure. His love of, and empathy with the horses shines through. Only he could have found and trained a horse like Red Rum. Here is his love of Liverpool and all that the Grand National, the people's race, means to him and racing. Ginger is the epitome of all that is wonderful and unique about natiional hunt racing.

This book is great, from the name right down to the very last page. Buy it!

Tough Trainer, 27 Mar 2006
This autobiography shows a racing trainer far from conventional. The author came out of National Service in the Army and set up as a sort of car dealer and general small local businessman on the coast of Northwest England. Overcoming some opposition from the Jockey Club, he was eventually granted a trainer's licence. His famous triumph, more accurately, piece of luck, was in acquiring Red Rum, perhaps the best loved horse in England after Desert Orchid. The Grand National and wealth came. The story is one of many ups and downs, especially financial.

It has to be said that the author is his own worst enemy in places, coming over as a hard and even somewhat brutal man. Perhaps he has better sides...For instance, he defends the appalling practice of "firing" a horse, applying red hot metal to the horse's leg to heal. This is now banned in the UK, though not, surprisingly (?) in the USA and elsewhere. Quite apart from the doubtful utility of this practice (he says it does work...) there is the more important fact that it is painful for the horse and not necessary for healing. The author does seem to be mainly interested in money---even Red Rum is trooped around supermarket openings etc to make money for the owner and trainer.

Overall, not totally boring but a book which left me, at least, very much out of sympathy with the author

Great!, 12 Mar 2006
Enjoyed this book from start to finish as others said it will make you laugh and cry. From buying Red Rum in 1970 to Amberleigh House winning the national in 2004 it gives you a real insight into his emotions during the race.

5 Star.

Dreams Can come True!, 20 Oct 2005
Having worked for Ginger, I found that this book is full of honesty. I couldn't put the book down, there's funny bits and sad things but it's a dream that became reality. It's a very good read for somebody who likes reading biographys and not just for the racing fan.

Tony McCoy, 09 Apr 2008
I totally disagree with the 1 star someone has given it. Valiramix* fell fatally after clipping heels with another horse- an accident that occurs regularly in horse racing. McCoy explains all the pain he felt after the fall and how much he felt for the horse. And other to that- he describes his whole life so far in great detail and enthusiasm. If like horse racing and interested in jockeys- this is a must for you!

Boring account of a driven man, 15 Oct 2003
Tony McCoy is the punter's favourite. But he certainly is not mine after I read this book. OK, he might be honest, but he should have rather stayed silent if that is what he has to tell us. McCoy is certainly overinspiered for his own good, too driven to be rated as a " normal " ambitious rider. Now we know that he weeps in the bath ( he hates to bath, but has never a choice ! ), his unhealthy diat und so on. He never drinks, good to know.
I have read many biographies from jockeys and trainers alike, but never one from someone who seems to care less for his horses. If you have seen Tony McCoys reaction in 2002 Champion Hurdle after Valiramix fatally fell, you know what I mean, and the book does nothing to alter the picture. All he cares is winning, no matter how .

If you enjoy reading soemthing like this, buy the book. The paperback version will do, so. For those you care about the horses and the sport , there are more enjoyable books around.

simply the best!, 28 Oct 2002
Good honest account of his life so far. Fascinating look into the life of argueably the best jump jockey of all time. Beginning from when he was a young boy, who regular missed school to work with horses, to finally achieving the amazing feat of being Sir Gordon Richards record for race wins. You feel the pain that he puts his body through every day & cannot help but admire his dedication to be the best. If you are interested in horse racing, you simply must read this book!

Dettori is wonderfully frank in Frankie, 29 Jul 2005
After my recently crazed obsession regarding horse-racing (mainly throwing my hard-earned cash Mr Hills way) I decided to purchase 'Frankie' and I definitely was not disappointed.

The little fellow with a huge personality gives fantastic insight into the life of a jockey and proves how difficult it is to become successful in the racing industry. Dettori's stories will keep you amused throughout, taking you from his youthful ambition to play professional football, to the drug scandal that almost ended his career. Dettori holds nothing back; confesses about stealing; participating in a joyride and his huge relief of surviving a plane crash.

There are a few mistakes, which others have pointed out in their reviews, but content is more important and one would have to lay the blame on Jonathan Powell who has actually written the book (Dettori dictating!). The book is also nicely spaced out into four sections of photographs capturing wonderful moments throughout Dettori's life.

The content is surprising extensive considering how young Dettori is, but do not let this deter you from reading - At the time of writing, Frankie is in hospital due to a fall which could have ended his life, proving that writing an autobiography at this stage in his career is essential for a man of his calibre, providing the pages can be filled - which they are!

Essential reading for anyone interested in Sport, Horse-racing, betting and Dettori's tinned tomatoes!!

Dettori is wonderfully frank in Frankie, 28 Jul 2005
After my recently crazed obsession regarding horse-racing (mainly throwing my hard-earned cash Mr Hills way) I decided to purchase 'Frankie' and I definitely was not disappointed.

The little fellow with a huge personality gives fantastic insight into the life of a jockey and proves how difficult it is to become successful in the racing industry. Dettori's stories will keep you amused throughout, taking you from his youthful ambition to play professional football, to the drug scandal that almost ended his career. Dettori holds nothing back; confesses about stealing; participating in a joyride and his huge relief of surviving a plane crash.

There are a few mistakes, which others have pointed out in their reviews, but content is more important and one would have to lay the blame on Jonathan Powell who has actually written the book (Dettori dictating!). The book is also nicely spaced out into four sections of photographs capturing wonderful moments throughout Dettori's life.

The content is surprising extensive considering how young Dettori is, but do not let this deter you from reading - At the time of writing, Frankie is in hospital due to a fall which could have ended his life, proving that writing an autobiography at this stage in his career is essential for a man of his calibre, providing the pages can be filled - which they are!

Essential reading for anyone interested in Sport, Horse-racing, betting and Dettori's tinned tomatoes!!

Dettori is wonderfully frank in Frankie, 28 Jul 2005
After my recently crazed obsession regarding horse-racing (mainly throwing my hard-earned cash Mr Hills way) I decided to purchase 'Frankie' and I definitely was not disappointed.

The little fellow with a huge personality gives fantastic insight into the life of a jockey and proves how difficult it is to become successful in the racing industry. Dettori's stories will keep you amused throughout, taking you from his youthful ambition to play professional football, to the drug scandal that almost ended his career. Dettori holds nothing back; confesses about stealing; participating in a joyride and his huge relief of surviving a plane crash.

There are a few mistakes, which others have pointed out in their reviews, but content is more important and one would have to lay the blame on Jonathan Powell who has actually written the book (Dettori dictating!). The book is also nicely spaced out into four sections of photographs capturing wonderful moments throughout Dettori's life.

The content is surprising extensive considering how young Dettori is, but do not let this deter you from reading - At the time of writing, Frankie is in hospital due to a fall which could have ended his life, proving that writing an autobiography at this stage in his career is essential for a man of his calibre, providing the pages can be filled - which they are!

Essential reading for anyone interested in Sport, Horse-racing, betting and Dettori's tinned tomatoes!!

A brilliant read!, 16 Oct 2004
Frankie Dettori holds nothing back in this "warts and all" autobiography. From the heady heights of his amazing 7 from 7 winners at Ascot in 1996 to his near fatal plane crash.

The book is totally endearing, with lots of surprising moments and lots of amusing moments too. There are a large quantity of photos throughout the book, not just of Frankie on horses, but other off-course antics as well.

In being so honest Frankie reveals the hardships of being a top jockey; the highs, the lows and the days that really made him question why he WAS a jockey...along with lots of stories of the wild-child situations he found himself in, early in his career. You don't have to be a fan of the man to appreciate his story and the huge amounts of information on the workings behind the scenes in horse racing.

If you buy this book you won't be disappointed!!!

Interesting but errors make it annoying!, 05 Oct 2004
This book could have rated higher than three stars but for the glaring and amateurish errors in it. It starts off well and is an interesting account of Frankie's life. Also there are four colour photo sections which are interesting and add value.

However, once spotted, the mistakes start to annoy you and eventually ruin the enjoyment of the book. For instance, Marilyn Monroe spelt 'Munroe', Trusthouse Forte spelt Trust House Fort, and, most disturbing in a book written with someone who's supposed to have been a horseracing journalist for 23 years, War Admiral was the horse who duelled with Seabisuit NOT War Emblem! There are also various typing errors.

For me, the book came across as written in a hurry but is worth a read if you can gloss over the errors.

Every sport has its unlikely legends. In horse racing, there is Northern Dancer.

This is the fast-moving story of a horse that, against the odds, has had a massive influence on the sport of kings--both on and off the track. Northern Dancer's success on the racecourse was in itself a remarkable tale of triumph in adversity.

Although small in size, he turned out to be larger than life, proving the cynics totally wrong by winning the 1964 Kentucky Derby in the fastest time in history. It also represented a marvellous achievement for his famous owner E.P.Taylor, who showed that great horses could be born and bred in Canada. And, while far from being the best looking of thoroughbreds, the success story continued after Northern Dancer's racing days were over. He is one of the most successful thoroughbred sires in racing history, with his descendants including the brilliant Nijinsky.

Author Muriel Lennox gives a splendid, vivid account of Northern Dancer's life both on and off the racecourse, as well as providing an intriguing insight into the character of owner E.P.Taylor. Clearly somebody who has witnessed much of what she talks about at close hand, she intersperses her well-told story with shorter pieces which act as useful summaries. The middle of the book includes some superb equine pictures, some of them action shots made more dramatic by being in black and white. And towards the tail-end, there are the impressive details of Northern Dancer's probably unparalleled record as a sire which takes the reader cantering through to the finish.

This may be the story of a horse that raced three decades ago, but the legend is still alive today and that comes across in this book. Through his many, successful descendants, the legacy of Northern Dancer relentlessly gallops on.

An impersonal account, 23 Apr 2007
Timmy is undoubtedly a very skilled jockey with a style of his own. Over the years he has given some horses splendid rides. What is disappointing about this book is how little he recalls of those horses, or the ones he gave terrible rides to. Whether his alcohol fuelled life erased the memories or he has chosen not to include them is not known. The book is well written, but lacks the personal touch, it is obviously ghosted. You cannot imagine Timmy actually saying much of what is written. I would have liked for more thoughts from the heart. In the end we still know very little about this man, and he does not come across as someone you could warm to. His finest and his lowest hours are dealt with in the same unfeeling manner. I was left thinking he still needs to do some growing up, something is missing - as it is in this account of his life, his demons and his resurrection. If you want to know about his humble beginnings, his family and his battle with drink then this will be a good read but you will find little of the horses he has ridden. This was surprising to me as judging by his riding I had thought he had more empathy with the animals themselves.

BEST RACING AUTOBIOGRAPHY SO FAR, 22 Jan 2007
I read this book cover to cover in 48 hours, staying up well into early morning, thinking just one more chapter that turned into two then three... Its starts in the court room, then goes back into his early life to present day. Timmy writes honest about his life, about the good and the bad. my deepest sympathy for his first pony Bluebell, who Timmy practised races on ( Who Hasn't?!). Then to working in yards trying to get rides and his breaks, then the fall and the true account of prison. Up to recently i have thought that being an alcoholic would be hard and that people that are have choices. My reviewed opinion is that getting to be an alcoholic is very easy ( i often head for the pub, after a bad day at work ) and being sober is very hard. The autobiography is very good reading compared to Tony McCoy and Richard Johnson which are quite ordinary in comparison. I may even have a flutter on Timmy Murphy ride in the Grand National.

Inglorious Certainty?, 13 Oct 2008
The merit of this book for me was that it does make the point that, if you are going to be a fulltime gambler, you are in it for the big bucks, not the small cheeses, unlke (as Nevison points out) some other professional backers, who are content to make something like £20K a year, albeit taxfree. Nevison wants more like £200K+ if not far more! And, if he is to be believed, he gets it! That alone, if so, makes his book worth reading. The downside is the abrasive Yorkshire knowall element, which slightly (more than slightly) put my teeth on edge. And his lifestyle around and off the course, seems to be the polar opposite of mine, but then I am not an ex-City of London trader turned honest gambler!

A good read on the whole, but not a lot of use for tips on betting for those of us for whom the normal punt is £100 or less (and I have never put on more than £3K and that money was the result of a run of three winners, ie profit monies). Nevison is --or more or less says he is-- Big Time, but therein lies a lot of the interest, of course.

A couple of lenghts behind, 01 Jul 2008
For what had the ingredients to become a bloody good book, it doesn't deliver. Dave Nevison really could have made this book a lot better than it is. Reason being is that for such an interesting profession, I am very surprised that for all the race meetings that he has attended, there were not more hilarious stories to be told. It is interesting, but not interesting enough for me. From a gambling perspective, interesting stories & facts, but no secrets. If you do read this book, you won't be able to give up your day job after you've finished it if that's what you are looking for.

A Bloody Good Read, 28 Jan 2008
I read Daves weekly column, its never too serious, and is an entertaining account of his ups and downs as a professional punter. This book offers more of the same, right from his beginnings in the city through his decision to become a professional punter. It gives you an insight into his methodology, although does not go into any great detail, but that isn't what this book is about. Dave holds many strong opinions, and does not shirk expressing them, about racing and some of the individuals in it. I read this book cover to cover in three days, and really really enjoyed it, it also confirmed what I have always known, that I don't have the balls to be pro punter. Buy it be entertained.

Interesting, 05 Dec 2007
An interesting look at the work of a modern day punter .
Who makes a good living from his not the norm methods of multiple betting .
The book made the modern day world of Internet betting , Spread betting etc. an area that is worth consideration for those of the old school .
No road to riches for the novice punter to be found amongst these pages as Dave's actual methods receive scant coverage .However what is more than useful is an indication of the attitude of mind that is required to make your betting pay .That alone may be worth the books cost providing you get it at a value price.

jje

The Perfect Book For The Horse Racing Enthusiast, 05 Dec 2007
If you already have a reasonable knowledge of horse racing, then this book will definitely steer you in the direction needed to become a profitable gambler. For sure Dave doesn't go into the abc's of odds compiling, or exactly how he judges form, but these things are easily learned if your serious about punting on the horses.
This acount of a professional gambler is both funny and extremely close to the bone. Anyone with a good sense of humour and even the vaguest interest in the horses will love this book.

Excellent, 12 Jun 2007
I guess I'm pretty lucky my ex hubby knew Ginger McCain so I have some fantastic photos of the great "Red Rum" in his lovely Cheshire surroundings. :-)

This book was fantastic from start to finish; Ginger has done a great job with it. Taking you right through his life, basically up to present day. It's lovely to hear "Rummy" story again from start to finish and how he loved showing off, which was true when you were taking photographs of him, "Red Rum£ loved the limelight, and he and Ginger were a great match the made history I'm sure that no one ever be able to repeat.

With me being a huge "Red Rum" fan I always backed Gingers horses and saw a lot run at Haydock Park during the 1990's,he did me some wonderful favours with the odds that some of horses won at, 33-1 and 100-1 etc. :-)

It's an excellent read and very compulsive, it's a book I shall read again. It takes pride of place in amongst my other horse racing books I own. :-)

It's well worth every penny to read the story of two very special beings. :-)


A National treasure, 23 Apr 2007
Ginger McCain has raised plenty of eyebrows during his time but you have to admire his honesty. What you see is what you get with him and here is his story. He is a real character, a total one off and a national treasure. His love of, and empathy with the horses shines through. Only he could have found and trained a horse like Red Rum. Here is his love of Liverpool and all that the Grand National, the people's race, means to him and racing. Ginger is the epitome of all that is wonderful and unique about natiional hunt racing.

This book is great, from the name right down to the very last page. Buy it!

Tough Trainer, 27 Mar 2006
This autobiography shows a racing trainer far from conventional. The author came out of National Service in the Army and set up as a sort of car dealer and general small local businessman on the coast of Northwest England. Overcoming some opposition from the Jockey Club, he was eventually granted a trainer's licence. His famous triumph, more accurately, piece of luck, was in acquiring Red Rum, perhaps the best loved horse in England after Desert Orchid. The Grand National and wealth came. The story is one of many ups and downs, especially financial.

It has to be said that the author is his own worst enemy in places, coming over as a hard and even somewhat brutal man. Perhaps he has better sides...For instance, he defends the appalling practice of "firing" a horse, applying red hot metal to the horse's leg to heal. This is now banned in the UK, though not, surprisingly (?) in the USA and elsewhere. Quite apart from the doubtful utility of this practice (he says it does work...) there is the more important fact that it is painful for the horse and not necessary for healing. The author does seem to be mainly interested in money---even Red Rum is trooped around supermarket openings etc to make money for the owner and trainer.

Overall, not totally boring but a book which left me, at least, very much out of sympathy with the author

Great!, 12 Mar 2006
Enjoyed this book from start to finish as others said it will make you laugh and cry. From buying Red Rum in 1970 to Amberleigh House winning the national in 2004 it gives you a real insight into his emotions during the race.

5 Star.

Dreams Can come True!, 20 Oct 2005
Having worked for Ginger, I found that this book is full of honesty. I couldn't put the book down, there's funny bits and sad things but it's a dream that became reality. It's a very good read for somebody who likes reading biographys and not just for the racing fan.

Tony McCoy, 09 Apr 2008
I totally disagree with the 1 star someone has given it. Valiramix* fell fatally after clipping heels with another horse- an accident that occurs regularly in horse racing. McCoy explains all the pain he felt after the fall and how much he felt for the horse. And other to that- he describes his whole life so far in great detail and enthusiasm. If like horse racing and interested in jockeys- this is a must for you!

Boring account of a driven man, 15 Oct 2003
Tony McCoy is the punter's favourite. But he certainly is not mine after I read this book. OK, he might be honest, but he should have rather stayed silent if that is what he has to tell us. McCoy is certainly overinspiered for his own good, too driven to be rated as a " normal " ambitious rider. Now we know that he weeps in the bath ( he hates to bath, but has never a choice ! ), his unhealthy diat und so on. He never drinks, good to know.
I have read many biographies from jockeys and trainers alike, but never one from someone who seems to care less for his horses. If you have seen Tony McCoys reaction in 2002 Champion Hurdle after Valiramix fatally fell, you know what I mean, and the book does nothing to alter the picture. All he cares is winning, no matter how .

If you enjoy reading soemthing like this, buy the book. The paperback version will do, so. For those you care about the horses and the sport , there are more enjoyable books around.

simply the best!, 28 Oct 2002
Good honest account of his life so far. Fascinating look into the life of argueably the best jump jockey of all time. Beginning from when he was a young boy, who regular missed school to work with horses, to finally achieving the amazing feat of being Sir Gordon Richards record for race wins. You feel the pain that he puts his body through every day & cannot help but admire his dedication to be the best. If you are interested in horse racing, you simply must read this book!

Dettori is wonderfully frank in Frankie, 29 Jul 2005
After my recently crazed obsession regarding horse-racing (mainly throwing my hard-earned cash Mr Hills way) I decided to purchase 'Frankie' and I definitely was not disappointed.

The little fellow with a huge personality gives fantastic insight into the life of a jockey and proves how difficult it is to become successful in the racing industry. Dettori's stories will keep you amused throughout, taking you from his youthful ambition to play professional football, to the drug scandal that almost ended his career. Dettori holds nothing back; confesses about stealing; participating in a joyride and his huge relief of surviving a plane crash.

There are a few mistakes, which others have pointed out in their reviews, but content is more important and one would have to lay the blame on Jonathan Powell who has actually written the book (Dettori dictating!). The book is also nicely spaced out into four sections of photographs capturing wonderful moments throughout Dettori's life.

The content is surprising extensive considering how young Dettori is, but do not let this deter you from reading - At the time of writing, Frankie is in hospital due to a fall which could have ended his life, proving that writing an autobiography at this stage in his career is essential for a man of his calibre, providing the pages can be filled - which they are!

Essential reading for anyone interested in Sport, Horse-racing, betting and Dettori's tinned tomatoes!!

Dettori is wonderfully frank in Frankie, 28 Jul 2005
After my recently crazed obsession regarding horse-racing (mainly throwing my hard-earned cash Mr Hills way) I decided to purchase 'Frankie' and I definitely was not disappointed.

The little fellow with a huge personality gives fantastic insight into the life of a jockey and proves how difficult it is to become successful in the racing industry. Dettori's stories will keep you amused throughout, taking you from his youthful ambition to play professional football, to the drug scandal that almost ended his career. Dettori holds nothing back; confesses about stealing; participating in a joyride and his huge relief of surviving a plane crash.

There are a few mistakes, which others have pointed out in their reviews, but content is more important and one would have to lay the blame on Jonathan Powell who has actually written the book (Dettori dictating!). The book is also nicely spaced out into four sections of photographs capturing wonderful moments throughout Dettori's life.

The content is surprising extensive considering how young Dettori is, but do not let this deter you from reading - At the time of writing, Frankie is in hospital due to a fall which could have ended his life, proving that writing an autobiography at this stage in his career is essential for a man of his calibre, providing the pages can be filled - which they are!

Essential reading for anyone interested in Sport, Horse-racing, betting and Dettori's tinned tomatoes!!

Dettori is wonderfully frank in Frankie, 28 Jul 2005
After my recently crazed obsession regarding horse-racing (mainly throwing my hard-earned cash Mr Hills way) I decided to purchase 'Frankie' and I definitely was not disappointed.

The little fellow with a huge personality gives fantastic insight into the life of a jockey and proves how difficult it is to become successful in the racing industry. Dettori's stories will keep you amused throughout, taking you from his youthful ambition to play professional football, to the drug scandal that almost ended his career. Dettori holds nothing back; confesses about stealing; participating in a joyride and his huge relief of surviving a plane crash.

There are a few mistakes, which others have pointed out in their reviews, but content is more important and one would have to lay the blame on Jonathan Powell who has actually written the book (Dettori dictating!). The book is also nicely spaced out into four sections of photographs capturing wonderful moments throughout Dettori's life.

The content is surprising extensive considering how young Dettori is, but do not let this deter you from reading - At the time of writing, Frankie is in hospital due to a fall which could have ended his life, proving that writing an autobiography at this stage in his career is essential for a man of his calibre, providing the pages can be filled - which they are!

Essential reading for anyone interested in Sport, Horse-racing, betting and Dettori's tinned tomatoes!!

A brilliant read!, 16 Oct 2004
Frankie Dettori holds nothing back in this "warts and all" autobiography. From the heady heights of his amazing 7 from 7 winners at Ascot in 1996 to his near fatal plane crash.

The book is totally endearing, with lots of surprising moments and lots of amusing moments too. There are a large quantity of photos throughout the book, not just of Frankie on horses, but other off-course antics as well.

In being so honest Frankie reveals the hardships of being a top jockey; the highs, the lows and the days that really made him question why he WAS a jockey...along with lots of stories of the wild-child situations he found himself in, early in his career. You don't have to be a fan of the man to appreciate his story and the huge amounts of information on the workings behind the scenes in horse racing.

If you buy this book you won't be disappointed!!!

Interesting but errors make it annoying!, 05 Oct 2004
This book could have rated higher than three stars but for the glaring and amateurish errors in it. It starts off well and is an interesting account of Frankie's life. Also there are four colour photo sections which are interesting and add value.

However, once spotted, the mistakes start to annoy you and eventually ruin the enjoyment of the book. For instance, Marilyn Monroe spelt 'Munroe', Trusthouse Forte spelt Trust House Fort, and, most disturbing in a book written with someone who's supposed to have been a horseracing journalist for 23 years, War Admiral was the horse who duelled with Seabisuit NOT War Emblem! There are also various typing errors.

For me, the book came across as written in a hurry but is worth a read if you can gloss over the errors.

The definite book on Northern Dancer, 26 Jun 2007
Muriel Lennox has written the definite, and ultimate book about ND, nothing short of it. Nobody was ever better equipped to do so either as Muriel did work for E.P Taylor for so many years; she did live Winfields Farm. Her love, respect and utmost awe for her subject and his contribution to the thoroughbred breeding are captured in fine words. A moving tribute for the one and only Northern Dancer and his sons, the legacy he left behind.
The only "minus" would be that the statistical database has not been updated; one can only refer to Avriel Hunters book for a more up-to-date account to ND's offspring.
A fine book.

A true fairy tale of our time, 23 Apr 2007
EP Taylor dreamed of breeding a great racehorse who would put Canada on the bloodstock map. He never lost faith in his dream. The story of Northern Dancer has everything, hardship and untold glory. He was the one no one wanted at the sales and yet he scaled the heights on the track and broke records at stud founding a dynasty that continues to make history. His story deserves to be told, and remembered. It is rare today, at any race meeting, not to find his blood in several horses in each race.

Muriel has captured the spirit of the great stallion, and in her words his deeds live on. This book is a must for all fans of the thoroughbred, and especially those who are interested in breeding and the history of classic bloodlines.

Julie, Cheshire, UK, 23 Aug 2006
Fantastic book, especially as I own a bit of his legacy. She has his nose, but unfortunately not his ability!

Northern Dancer, 16 Dec 2003
For anyone remotely interested in this fabulous horse, then this book is for you. If you wish to find a background to your breeding programme and Northern Dancer is in the bloodline, then you will find this book absolutley fascinating.
It is an accurate detail of this horse's life and shows how much can change by one action by someone else.
A thoroughrly good read, informative and hard to put down.
Great..
Nigel S Shaw.

A most compelling read, 26 Jan 2000
This is the fascinating tale of how one of the worlds most famous thoroughbred sires was created, and his extraordinary legacy. Lennox writes the book in a very readable manner and in the style of a novel, ensuring that it is appealing to both dedicated followers of thoroughbred pedigrees, and those with only a passing interest. The first half of the book covers Northern Dancer's parentage, and their own successes, and then moves on to chart the life and major triumphs of this remarkable horse - disregarded by so many as a youngster. The second half of the book describes his amazing legacy, giving rise to outstanding equine heroes - "The Magnificent Dancers", including Nijinsky, The Minstrel, Nureyev, and Sadlers Wells, and also notes the dramatic impact he still has upon the more comtemporary equine champions in todays classic races.

To use modern parlance, Jenny Pitman OBE faced a double whammy when she applied for her trainer's licence. First, she was an outsider to the world of racing; second, and more importantly, she was a woman in what was still very much a man's world. As she tells us in her frank and entertaining autobiography, simply titled Jenny Pitman, she overcame the first problem much easier than beating the second.

Known throughout the equine world as the first woman of racing, Mrs Pitman--now Mrs Stait after marrying her long-time partner David Stait in early 1998--is still having to bang her head against the brick wall that is sex discrimination. She tells how, after entering a fitness regime at theb eginning of 1998 and looking and feeling better than she had for years, a male colleague asked whether or not her sex life had improved as she appeared so fit and healthy!

But racing has been Jenny Pitman's life and the book is a no-holds barred account of a truly remarkable career. After telling of her happy childhood as the middle child of seven spent on a Leicestershire farm run by her parents, she describes the happiness she felt at her teenage marriage to jockey Richard Pitman. That joy was to turn to tears 10 years later when her first husband, and father of Jenny's two boys Mark and Paul, twice walked out on her. However, the outwardly tough-as-teak Jenny gritted her teeth and got on with the job of training racehorses.

Jenny has achieved success in the world's toughest races and she fully describes the joy and heartbreak of landing two (it should have been three but Esha Ness's success came in the 1993 void race) Grand Nationals. Then there were the other Grand Nationals, the Scottish, Welsh and finally to complete the set, Irish versions of the event. In 1984 she became the only woman to train a Cheltenham Gold Cup winner and followed that up when the same horse, Burrough Hill Lad, became the first trained by a woman to land the coveted Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup. That was a record which stood until Venetia Williams took 1998's running.

It is a frank book which covers and fully explains her run-ins with officialdom, press and even jockeys. The lead-up to her spat with Jamie Osborne is fully explained, as are the reasons behind her famous letter to Aintree officials over the state of the ground at 1998's Grand National. All in all, an enjoyable and informative read in which Mrs Pitman, as usual, pulls no punches.

An impersonal account, 23 Apr 2007
Timmy is undoubtedly a very skilled jockey with a style of his own. Over the years he has given some horses splendid rides. What is disappointing about this book is how little he recalls of those horses, or the ones he gave terrible rides to. Whether his alcohol fuelled life erased the memories or he has chosen not to include them is not known. The book is well written, but lacks the personal touch, it is obviously ghosted. You cannot imagine Timmy actually saying much of what is written. I would have liked for more thoughts from the heart. In the end we still know very little about this man, and he does not come across as someone you could warm to. His finest and his lowest hours are dealt with in the same unfeeling manner. I was left thinking he still needs to do some growing up, something is missing - as it is in this account of his life, his demons and his resurrection. If you want to know about his humble beginnings, his family and his battle with drink then this will be a good read but you will find little of the horses he has ridden. This was surprising to me as judging by his riding I had thought he had more empathy with the animals themselves.

BEST RACING AUTOBIOGRAPHY SO FAR, 22 Jan 2007
I read this book cover to cover in 48 hours, staying up well into early morning, thinking just one more chapter that turned into two then three... Its starts in the court room, then goes back into his early life to present day. Timmy writes honest about his life, about the good and the bad. my deepest sympathy for his first pony Bluebell, who Timmy practised races on ( Who Hasn't?!). Then to working in yards trying to get rides and his breaks, then the fall and the true account of prison. Up to recently i have thought that being an alcoholic would be hard and that people that are have choices. My reviewed opinion is that getting to be an alcoholic is very easy ( i often head for the pub, after a bad day at work ) and being sober is very hard. The autobiography is very good reading compared to Tony McCoy and Richard Johnson which are quite ordinary in comparison. I may even have a flutter on Timmy Murphy ride in the Grand National.

Inglorious Certainty?, 13 Oct 2008
The merit of this book for me was that it does make the point that, if you are going to be a fulltime gambler, you are in it for the big bucks, not the small cheeses, unlke (as Nevison points out) some other professional backers, who are content to make something like £20K a year, albeit taxfree. Nevison wants more like £200K+ if not far more! And, if he is to be believed, he gets it! That alone, if so, makes his book worth reading. The downside is the abrasive Yorkshire knowall element, which slightly (more than slightly) put my teeth on edge. And his lifestyle around and off the course, seems to be the polar opposite of mine, but then I am not an ex-City of London trader turned honest gambler!

A good read on the whole, but not a lot of use for tips on betting for those of us for whom the normal punt is £100 or less (and I have never put on more than £3K and that money was the result of a run of three winners, ie profit monies). Nevison is --or more or less says he is-- Big Time, but therein lies a lot of the interest, of course.

A couple of lenghts behind, 01 Jul 2008
For what had the ingredients to become a bloody good book, it doesn't deliver. Dave Nevison really could have made this book a lot better than it is. Reason being is that for such an interesting profession, I am very surprised that for all the race meetings that he has attended, there were not more hilarious stories to be told. It is interesting, but not interesting enough for me. From a gambling perspective, interesting stories & facts, but no secrets. If you do read this book, you won't be able to give up your day job after you've finished it if that's what you are looking for.

A Bloody Good Read, 28 Jan 2008
I read Daves weekly column, its never too serious, and is an entertaining account of his ups and downs as a professional punter. This book offers more of the same, right from his beginnings in the city through his decision to become a professional punter. It gives you an insight into his methodology, although does not go into any great detail, but that isn't what this book is about. Dave holds many strong opinions, and does not shirk expressing them, about racing and some of the individuals in it. I read this book cover to cover in three days, and really really enjoyed it, it also confirmed what I have always known, that I don't have the balls to be pro punter. Buy it be entertained.

Interesting, 05 Dec 2007
An interesting look at the work of a modern day punter .
Who makes a good living from his not the norm methods of multiple betting .
The book made the modern day world of Internet betting , Spread betting etc. an area that is worth consideration for those of the old school .
No road to riches for the novice punter to be found amongst these pages as Dave's actual methods receive scant coverage .However what is more than useful is an indication of the attitude of mind that is required to make your betting pay .That alone may be worth the books cost providing you get it at a value price.

jje

The Perfect Book For The Horse Racing Enthusiast, 05 Dec 2007
If you already have a reasonable knowledge of horse racing, then this book will definitely steer you in the direction needed to become a profitable gambler. For sure Dave doesn't go into the abc's of odds compiling, or exactly how he judges form, but these things are easily learned if your serious about punting on the horses.
This acount of a professional gambler is both funny and extremely close to the bone. Anyone with a good sense of humour and even the vaguest interest in the horses will love this book.

Excellent, 12 Jun 2007
I guess I'm pretty lucky my ex hubby knew Ginger McCain so I have some fantastic photos of the great "Red Rum" in his lovely Cheshire surroundings. :-)

This book was fantastic from start to finish; Ginger has done a great job with it. Taking you right through his life, basically up to present day. It's lovely to hear "Rummy" story again from start to finish and how he loved showing off, which was true when you were taking photographs of him, "Red Rum£ loved the limelight, and he and Ginger were a great match the made history I'm sure that no one ever be able to repeat.

With me being a huge "Red Rum" fan I always backed Gingers horses and saw a lot run at Haydock Park during the 1990's,he did me some wonderful favours with the odds that some of horses won at, 33-1 and 100-1 etc. :-)

It's an excellent read and very compulsive, it's a book I shall read again. It takes pride of place in amongst my other horse racing books I own. :-)

It's well worth every penny to read the story of two very special beings. :-)


A National treasure, 23 Apr 2007
Ginger McCain has raised plenty of eyebrows during his time but you have to admire his honesty. What you see is what you get with him and here is his story. He is a real character, a total one off and a national treasure. His love of, and empathy with the horses shines through. Only he could have found and trained a horse like Red Rum. Here is his love of Liverpool and all that the Grand National, the people's race, means to him and racing. Ginger is the epitome of all that is wonderful and unique about natiional hunt racing.

This book is great, from the name right down to the very last page. Buy it!

Tough Trainer, 27 Mar 2006
This autobiography shows a racing trainer far from conventional. The author came out of National Service in the Army and set up as a sort of car dealer and general small local businessman on the coast of Northwest England. Overcoming some opposition from the Jockey Club, he was eventually granted a trainer's licence. His famous triumph, more accurately, piece of luck, was in acquiring Red Rum, perhaps the best loved horse in England after Desert Orchid. The Grand National and wealth came. The story is one of many ups and downs, especially financial.

It has to be said that the author is his own worst enemy in places, coming over as a hard and even somewhat brutal man. Perhaps he has better sides...For instance, he defends the appalling practice of "firing" a horse, applying red hot metal to the horse's leg to heal. This is now banned in the UK, though not, surprisingly (?) in the USA and elsewhere. Quite apart from the doubtful utility of this practice (he says it does work...) there is the more important fact that it is painful for the horse and not necessary for healing. The author does seem to be mainly interested in money---even Red Rum is trooped around supermarket openings etc to make money for the owner and trainer.

Overall, not totally boring but a book which left me, at least, very much out of sympathy with the author

Great!, 12 Mar 2006
Enjoyed this book from start to finish as others said it will make you laugh and cry. From buying Red Rum in 1970 to Amberleigh House winning the national in 2004 it gives you a real insight into his emotions during the race.

5 Star.

Dreams Can come True!, 20 Oct 2005
Having worked for Ginger, I found that this book is full of honesty. I couldn't put the book down, there's funny bits and sad things but it's a dream that became reality. It's a very good read for somebody who likes reading biographys and not just for the racing fan.

Tony McCoy, 09 Apr 2008
I totally disagree with the 1 star someone has given it. Valiramix* fell fatally after clipping heels with another horse- an accident that occurs regularly in horse racing. McCoy explains all the pain he felt after the fall and how much he felt for the horse. And other to that- he describes his whole life so far in great detail and enthusiasm. If like horse racing and interested in jockeys- this is a must for you!

Boring account of a driven man, 15 Oct 2003
Tony McCoy is the punter's favourite. But he certainly is not mine after I read this book. OK, he might be honest, but he should have rather stayed silent if that is what he has to tell us. McCoy is certainly overinspiered for his own good, too driven to be rated as a " normal " ambitious rider. Now we know that he weeps in the bath ( he hates to bath, but has never a choice ! ), his unhealthy diat und so on. He never drinks, good to know.
I have read many biographies from jockeys and trainers alike, but never one from someone who seems to care less for his horses. If you have seen Tony McCoys reaction in 2002 Champion Hurdle after Valiramix fatally fell, you know what I mean, and the book does nothing to alter the picture. All he cares is winning, no matter how .

If you enjoy reading soemthing like this, buy the book. The paperback version will do, so. For those you care about the horses and the sport , there are more enjoyable books around.

simply the best!, 28 Oct 2002
Good honest account of his life so far. Fascinating look into the life of argueably the best jump jockey of all time. Beginning from when he was a young boy, who regular missed school to work with horses, to finally achieving the amazing feat of being Sir Gordon Richards record for race wins. You feel the pain that he puts his body through every day & cannot help but admire his dedication to be the best. If you are interested in horse racing, you simply must read this book!

Dettori is wonderfully frank in Frankie, 29 Jul 2005
After my recently crazed obsession regarding horse-racing (mainly throwing my hard-earned cash Mr Hills way) I decided to purchase 'Frankie' and I definitely was not disappointed.

The little fellow with a huge personality gives fantastic insight into the life of a jockey and proves how difficult it is to become successful in the racing industry. Dettori's stories will keep you amused throughout, taking you from his youthful ambition to play professional football, to the drug scandal that almost ended his career. Dettori holds nothing back; confesses about stealing; participating in a joyride and his huge relief of surviving a plane crash.

There are a few mistakes, which others have pointed out in their reviews, but content is more important and one would have to lay the blame on Jonathan Powell who has actually written the book (Dettori dictating!). The book is also nicely spaced out into four sections of photographs capturing wonderful moments throughout Dettori's life.

The content is surprising extensive considering how young Dettori is, but do not let this deter you from reading - At the time of writing, Frankie is in hospital due to a fall which could have ended his life, proving that writing an autobiography at this stage in his career is essential for a man of his calibre, providing the pages can be filled - which they are!

Essential reading for anyone interested in Sport, Horse-racing, betting and Dettori's tinned tomatoes!!

Dettori is wonderfully frank in Frankie, 28 Jul 2005
After my recently crazed obsession regarding horse-racing (mainly throwing my hard-earned cash Mr Hills way) I decided to purchase 'Frankie' and I definitely was not disappointed.

The little fellow with a huge personality gives fantastic insight into the life of a jockey and proves how difficult it is to become successful in the racing industry. Dettori's stories will keep you amused throughout, taking you from his youthful ambition to play professional football, to the drug scandal that almost ended his career. Dettori holds nothing back; confe