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.
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Review
A sports book landed on my desk, not a rare event. I started reading it though which is rather less common ... and it s a good read. --Simon Barnes, The Times
Few will get the chance to test the truth of how Mick Fitzgerald s description of winning the Grand National feels ... he tells the story of his rise to grasp jump racing s most coveted prize well, his memoirs shot through with a dry wit. --Simon Redfern, The Independent
There s a lot of sports books out there, but not a lot of good ones. I read this one in a sitting and it is excellent. --Eamon Dunphy
Few will get the chance to test the truth of how Mick Fitzgerald s description of winning the Grand National feels ... he tells the story of his rise to grasp jump racing s most coveted prize well, his memoirs shot through with a dry wit. --Simon Redfern, The Independent
There s a lot of sports books out there, but not a lot of good ones. I read this one in a sitting and it is excellent. --Eamon Dunphy
About the Author
MICK FITZGERALD is one of the most talented racehorse riders of his generation. He is also a major pundit for the satellite TV channel Racing UK. DONN McCLEAN is the chief racing writer for The Sunday Times in Ireland.
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
17 of 18 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
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.... Read more ›
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.... Read more ›
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
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.
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
By Wyndham
Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase
I bought this for my keen racing wife for Christmas. She evidently thoroughly enjoyed it as the giggles interspersed with phews clearly indicated.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
By C. Clements
Format:Paperback
As viewers of horse racing can attest Mick Fitzgerald is an articulate chap who can call things as they seem and is often forthright in his views. Thankfully, his autobiography continues this theme and is a real page turner. Mick provides an insight into his private life, including plenty of racing tales as well as personal family tales including his personal relationships. He is honest in his failings (too career focussed to the detriment of his first marriage etc) and is refreshingly frank in this respect.
I've read quite a few sporting autobiographies but devoured the pages in this one as quick as any other I can recall. Brilliant.
I've read quite a few sporting autobiographies but devoured the pages in this one as quick as any other I can recall. Brilliant.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
By Catrin Nack
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
I can only join in all the praise about this book; this book is how every jockey's biography (well, trainers too, or any sports-person for that matter) should be written. Well written, easy-to-read and fluent, honest, funny, self-critical, serious (but never too much), insightfull and above all well balanced too, this book simply is the real deal. MickFitz recalls horses and people he met along the way, and who shaped his career (he even mentioned our friend Martin o'Reilly, a good jockey over here in Germany who was apprentice with Mick when both were about 15 -and they wrecked a car together! - and Martin was really chuffed to be mentioned in this book!), he recalls light and not-so-light moments, but above all gives us a real insight into the mind of one of the most successfull jockeys of my time. MickFitz is no-nonsense, but not a troubled soul like McCoy, and his utter love for the game, and his love and respect for the horses he rode, shines through every line. Get it and read and re-read it. As a National-Hunt fan, you canot afford to be without it!
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
I bought this book for my partner as he was due to go into hospital and I knew he would want lots of diverse reading material. Horse racing is his favourite sport so the content was apt. He says the book was very good. Fast delivery and good value for money.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
By Lee Ann Day
VINE™ VOICE
Format:Hardcover
To it's devotees there is nothing like National Hunt racing. We happily brave all that the unpredictable winter weather throws at us to be close to the horses and the people who make it happen. This sport brings all of those who participate and all of those who watch right up to the edge. This is an extreme sport that gives no quarter and none is asked.
The careers of National Hunt jockeys are more precarious than their flat comrades. Their injuries often far worse and more frequent and while many of us are thrilled to watch few of us would have the guts to take part. It is no wonder then that jump jockeys achieve a hero status amongst their fans.
Mick Fitzgerald is no exception.
Jump horses are around longer than most flat racehorses and the public become attached to them and those who ride them. Sometimes something magical occurs between a jockey and a horse who otherwise may never have reached it's potential.
Although never Champion Jockey Mick rode in and won most of the big races and became associated with racehorses who the public adored such as Rough Quest, See More Business, Stormyfairweather, Katarino, Get Real, Call Equiname, Bacchanal, Geos and Marlborough.
One of the things which set him apart from other jockeys was his relationship with the horses he rode and schooled, and his loyalty to his boss, trainer Nicky Henderson. Marlborough had nothing but letters next to his name when they took him over because he had unseated, pulled up or fallen so many times. His former trainer thought the world of the horse but it was Mick and Nicky who drew out the greatness that was there by understanding the nature of the horse and teaching him to settle and jump. Due to injury Mick was not able to ride Marlborough in his last win.... Read more ›
The careers of National Hunt jockeys are more precarious than their flat comrades. Their injuries often far worse and more frequent and while many of us are thrilled to watch few of us would have the guts to take part. It is no wonder then that jump jockeys achieve a hero status amongst their fans.
Mick Fitzgerald is no exception.
Jump horses are around longer than most flat racehorses and the public become attached to them and those who ride them. Sometimes something magical occurs between a jockey and a horse who otherwise may never have reached it's potential.
Although never Champion Jockey Mick rode in and won most of the big races and became associated with racehorses who the public adored such as Rough Quest, See More Business, Stormyfairweather, Katarino, Get Real, Call Equiname, Bacchanal, Geos and Marlborough.
One of the things which set him apart from other jockeys was his relationship with the horses he rode and schooled, and his loyalty to his boss, trainer Nicky Henderson. Marlborough had nothing but letters next to his name when they took him over because he had unseated, pulled up or fallen so many times. His former trainer thought the world of the horse but it was Mick and Nicky who drew out the greatness that was there by understanding the nature of the horse and teaching him to settle and jump. Due to injury Mick was not able to ride Marlborough in his last win.... Read more ›
Most Recent Customer Reviews
4.0 out of 5 stars
Great insight
The competitative world of jockeys explained gleefully and expertly. I enjoyed it immensely. I left it at the local club in case anyone else was interested. Read more
Published 17 months ago by Burni
5.0 out of 5 stars
The best jockey biography I've read
And that's saying something given the amount I've read! Good insight into his personal life as well as professional. Read more
Published on 4 Dec 2010 by El Gran Senor
5.0 out of 5 stars
One of my favourite autobiographies
One of my favourite autobiographies that I have read thus far. An honest and insightful account in the life of a fantastic jockey and the world of racing behind the scenes. Read more
Published on 7 Jan 2010 by Ms. E. Webster
5.0 out of 5 stars
Better Than Sex: My Autobiography
A must for all followers of the jumping game. Mick Fitz holds no punches and gives a frank insight into a life that is tougher than anything most mere mortals would ever have to... Read more
Published on 14 Dec 2009 by The Greenfielder
5.0 out of 5 stars
entertaining read
interesting and reads at good pace
liked him as a jockey and his book does not fall or refuse
pulls no punches and adds good detail to his great rides.
liked him as a jockey and his book does not fall or refuse
pulls no punches and adds good detail to his great rides.
Published on 7 Feb 2009 by Tenbob
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