Sea Pigeon, Night Nurse, Tingle Creek. Three of the greatest names in jump racing history. Ian Watkinson rode - and won on - them all. He was at the top of his game when a fall at Towcester resulted in a serious head injury and blocked out months of his life. Yet he went on to become a successful trainer in Australia, later returning to Newmarket to educate the 'difficult' horses no one else dared ride.
In this frank and revealing autobiography, Ian tells of the horses he rode and the people he met along the way, alongside a variety of hilarious tales and adventures including how he almost prevented Red Rum winning a third Grand National. He recalls the victories, the injuries, the constant battle to keep his weight in check, the giving up, the coming back and the eventual recognition.
He relates stories of his friends, acquaintances and fellow jockeys. In often moving detail he reflects candidly on his relationships, marriage breakdowns and personal tragedies. Moreover, he gives those closest to him the chance to say what they want about him. Illustrated by more than 50 superb photographs, he provides, in his own words, a full picture of his life in and out of the saddle.
"I think in a previous life he would have been one of those Saxon warriors ... If you were going into battle you would definitely want him on your side." John Francome
"He rode some of the best horses not just of that era but in National Hunt racing history." Bob Champion
"Watty would literally ride anything, yet somehow survived the falls and broken bones to ride Night Nurse and Sea Pigeon to victory on the same day." Derek Thompson
"If I had to sum Ian up, I'd say he's a bloody fearless lunatic." Steve Smith Eccles
