Sacrifice - by Oisin Murphy (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

'A GRIPPING AND INCREDIBLY HONEST INSIGHT INTO OUR SPORT, FROM ONE OF RACING'S MOST EXCITING TALENTS' FRANKIE DETTORI

'AN ASTONISHINGLY HONEST ACCOUNT OF WHAT IT'S LIKE BEING A PROFESSIONAL JOCKEY.' DAILY TELEGRAPH

THE THRILLING AND SEARINGLY HONEST MEMOIR FROM FIVE-TIME CHAMPION JOCKEY OISIN MURPHY.

Born prematurely, weighing less than a bag of sugar, Oisin Murphy's life has always been one of struggle.

From a young age he found communion with horses. Mesmerised by their power, their spirit, he discovered a gift for the saddle. Oisin quickly established himself as one of horseracing's most prodigious talents.

But reaching the pinnacle of the sport has required a high-wire dance that continues to push his body and mind to their breaking point. Despite four champion jockey crowns, alcohol addiction lurked beneath the surface, and a string of misdemeanours have overshadowed his racing.

Fast paced and searingly honest, Sacrifice lays bare Oisin's personal struggles and immerses readers in the daily life of a jockey throughout an entire season.

From the countless unseen hours of horse work to the psychological turmoil of racing, the private agony of wasting, and the vital community of the weighing room, it pulls back the curtain and examines the fine line between elite performance and personal destruction in a sport that demands nothing less than total obsession.

Part-autobiography, part-diary written in real-time, this incredible and immersive memoir charts Oisin Murphy's year in the saddle, laying bare the pressures of life at the pinnacle of horse-racing.

'ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS I'VE READ ALL YEAR. UTTERLY COMPELLING.' BRENDAN O'CONNOR

Review Quotes

A gripping and incredibly honest insight into our sport, from one of racing's most exciting talents.--Frankie Dettori

An astonishingly honest account of what it's like being a professional jockey.--Daily Telegraph

Racing's answer to George Best.--Daily Telegraph

Blunt and engaging.--Irish Times

An unsparing account of the all-consuming demands jockeys face.--Donald McRae, The Guardian

One of the best books I've read all year; utterly compelling.--Brendan O'Connor

About the Author

Oisin Murphy grew up in Killarney in Ireland. He started riding ponies from the age of 4 and competed in show jumping before switching to flat racing. He has won two British Classics and a number of Group 1 races. He has been British Champion Jockey in 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2024.