Product Description

When you think of Mick Fitzgerald, you might think of his masterful ride on Rough Quest to win the 1996 Grand National, or his interview with Des Lynam live on BBC afterwards: 'After that, Des, even sex is an anti-climax'. You might think of his victories in the Cheltenham Gold Cup, the Champion Chase, the Triumph Hurdle or the Hennessy Gold Cup because, as one of the most accomplished jump jockeys ever to throw his leg over a saddle, Fitzgerald has just about done it all.In "Better Than Sex", Fitzgerald tells his story with a candidness that is both rare and refreshing. He provides a unique insight into life as a jockey, the struggles, the temptations, the victories, the celebrations. He tells openly of his failed marriage, of riding for the Queen, and about how the racing game has changed irrevocably during the 19 years since he crossed the Irish Sea.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #1400 in Books
• Published on: 2009-05-29
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 320 pages

About the Author
MICK FITZGERALD is one of the most talented racehorse riders of his generation. He is also a major pundit for Channel 4 and the satellite racing channel At The Races. DONN McCLEAN is the chief racing writer for The Sunday Times in Ireland and a columnist for the Irish Field. He has written two best selling books - Moscow Flyer for Jessica Harrington and Riding the Storm for Timmy Murphy, both published by Highdown.

Customer Reviews

Well above average - an insightful and enjoyable read.
One of my better presents this Christmas - I read Mick Fitzgerald's informative, well written book at a single sitting. In Donn Maclean Mick Fitzgerald has a fine co-author who has helped him to tell his story in a way that never loses one's interest. As a racing presenter, Mick comes across as well informed, thoughtful and articulate, and all of these qualities are echoed in the pages of this book.

I particularly enjoyed Mick's pen portraits of other characters in racing - notably his descriptions of other jockeys.Not only did I feel that I got to know Mick a lot better but many others too.

Mick never pulls a punch in his retelling of a story. The refreshing honesty that led to the comment that gave the book its title is threaded throughout the book. Punch - ups, arguments, scrimmages in races, narrow escapes from driving bans - its all here.

There is also a significant key to what made this man, who never received any formal tuition in his sport one of its greatest ever exponents. Mick mentioned that there are notable races that he won that he has never seen on video. There are far less notable races that he lost narrowly that he viewed forty times, analysing and re-analysing in order to improve future performances. The constant desire to improve never left him and enabled mastery.

The book is not just a parade of dry statistics, however. It is a loving son's tribute to the parents who helped him to make his name in the sport, particularly to his father, Frank, who is portrayed here as a truly unforgettable character. Tribute is also given to Mick's remarkable wife Chloe whose ceaseless support following the injury that so nearly ended Mick's life in April, resulted in his abandoning his avowed intent to never walk up the aisle again and marrying her this summer.

The book is full of photographs that add to the enjoyment of the book, including a lovely shot of Mick's favourite - not the horse you might suspect, incidentally.

If you have seen Mick on the TV and felt you would like to know a little more of his story, this is a book for you. If you are looking to work in racing and are looking for a book that informs without overly glamourising the sport, this is also for you. If you enjoy good sporting writing that engages you throughout, this is definitely for you. A super book that deserves to become a classic of its type.

A great insight
This is a great read for any racing fan and a great insight into the lives of these incredible sportsmen. As Fitz says himself 'how many people go to work being followed by two ambulances!' The punishment these guys put themselves through is well described but also their love of the sport and the affection they have for their horses leaps out of the pages. As racegoers we all miss Fitz but respect him for what he brought to the game.Enjoy again some great moments through the pages of this book,these men are the bravest of the brave but always have time for a chat or an autograph when you meet them.

Endeavour,setbacks and success buoyed by good humour

I bought this for my keen racing wife for Christmas. She evidently thoroughly enjoyed it as the giggles interspersed with phews clearly indicated.