1. Frankie: The Autobiography of Frankie Dettori
World champion Italian jockey Frankie Dettori’s tell-all autobiography was released back in 2005 as an updated version of the original release to include all of his “record-breaking racing exploits” in 2004. Dettori discusses all of his major wins over the years including his incredible seven wins on British Champions’ Day at Ascot in 1996. The book also covers a lot more than just his professional career as he openly discusses other areas of his life including his family and friends. The hard-working jockey also opens up about even more private aspects from his life and career in this entertaining and often personal tale.
2. Great Women in the Sport of Kings: America’s Top Women Jockeys Tell Their Stories
This book focuses on the women jockeys and their struggles within the world of horse racing to get noticed and of course taken seriously in a predominantly male orientated sport. Find out how some of the most famous women jockeys around broke into the sport and what sort of obstacles they have had to overcome on their journey to the top of their game.
3. Ride of Their Lives: The Triumphs and Turmoil of Today’s Top Jockeys
Author Lenny Shulman’s much praised book surrounding the trials and tribulations of no less than fourteen top flight jockeys from horse racing each revealing their battles with injury, weight balance, the pressures of the sport and also the focus needed to compete regularly in some of the fastest races around. Gary Stevens, Jerry Bailey, Pad Day, Mark Guidry, Eddie Delahoussaye and Chris Antley are just a handful of the top jockeys featured in this informative behind the scenes guide to horse racing.
4. Betting on Myself: Adventures of a Horseplayer and Publisher
Author Steve Christ chronicles his adventures from racing journalism to high finance to his biggest passion, that of betting on the gee-gee’s. Whilst we rely on the the latest horse racing tips to help us pick a winner author and horse racing expert Christ has pieced together an entertaining memoir covering his time as a copyboy at the New York Times to his high profile role as publisher of the Daily Racing Form.
5. Against the Odds: Riding for My Life
This particularly frank and open autobiography from champion jockey Jerry Bailey gives a great depiction of the world of professional racing. Bailey touches upon his personal struggle with alcoholism and how he ultimately defeated his demons to get back to his winning ways.
