Sacrifice - A Year in the Life of a Champion Jockey

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 required a high-wire dance that pushed his body and mind to their breaking point. Despite a three-year streak as champion jockey, alcohol addiction lurked beneath the surface, and a string of misdemeanours saw him banned for over a year. ''I dealt with success and failure the same. Drink was the rock I perished on. The day I picked up the championship trophy there was no element of joy in it for me.'' Fast paced and searingly honest, Sacrifice follows Oisin''s extraordinary journey back from the brink to recover his love for the sport and reclaim his champion jockey crown in 2024. It lays bare the realities of life as a professional jockey and the personal cost of success in a sport that demands total obsession.

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.

Product details

• Authors: Oisin Murphy
• Publisher: Bantam UK
• Languages: English
• Product format: Hardback
• Released: 09.10.2025
• EAN: 9780857507587
• ISBN: 978-0-85750-758-7
• No. of pages: 240
• Dimensions: 160 mm x 251 mm x 23 mm
• Subjects: Guides > Nature > Horses, riding; BIOGRAPHY & AUTOBIOGRAPHY / Sports, Horse Racing, Memoirs, SPORTS & RECREATION / History, Autobiography: sport, history of sport, United Kingdom, Great Britain, Equestrian & animal sports, SPORTS & RECREATION / Animal Sports / Horse Racing, BIOGRAPHY & AUTOBIOGRAPHY / Memoirs