Plot synopsis: Randall Drew, gentleman farmer, is not allowed to race any more because of a new rule: jockeys with glasses are banned. So he has time for a jaunt to Moscow, though he doesn't want to go; but when Royalty begs, he jumps. He has to go and find out why a British jockey has been threatened, should he ride in the Moscow Olympics.
book first published in 1978.
I am usually not very keen on Dick Francis books with the action taking place overseas, rather than in Britain; there are exceptions, but this is probably why I feel like this. Couleur locale takes precedence over the story, maybe; more scene setting means less tautness. Still, it is an intelligent thriller, with some good bits of sustained tension; but then again, some bits of nothing much happening. And no romance, boo hiss. A bit looser than Francis' very best ones; but still head and shoulders above most thrillers, I'd say!
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