Sacrifice: A Year in the Life of a Champion Jockey

by Oisin Murphy

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.

225 pages, Hardcover

Published January 6, 2026

Reviews

[Rob Hartnett · Rating 4 out of 5]

“I often wonder what people think of me while I’m chatting to them… In public I will always give off the air of being confident and in good humour… But there are days when being that character is a confection baked for the cameras.”

This is a brutally raw self reflection from an elite sportsman who is still competing at the very top level of his sport.

The parts of his dissection of his personal struggles are the strongest, and at times both moving and painful.

I listened on Audible and his reading the book himself makes that even more so.

Only quibble is that some of the racing analysis might lose people not familiar with the sport, and some repetition of phrasing like in my opinion could have benefitted from tighter editing.

Not a spoiler as such, it’s an autobiography of a public figure, but the fact of his success continuing into 2025, after the books conclusion that suggested it would be different shows that his complex struggle to get the balance between personal wellbeing and professional acclaim continue.

[Dean HOCK1NG · Rating 4 out of 5]

I know nothing about horse racing but fancied something different. I can say I wasn’t disappointed. Despite not having any knowledge on the subject, I found it interesting and informative and really liked Oisin’s honesty. He spoke from the heart about professional and personal matters and I appreciated that aspect

Would recommend highly.

[Louise Ruffell · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very honest insight into what it takes to be champion jockey. It’s written diary style so you really feel the ups and downs of the racing year. Oisin is open about his struggle with alcohol, the difficulties of maintaining a constant low weight, and the punishing workload. Even having worked in racing I learned a lot. A great read.

[Claire · Rating 4 out of 5]

Audiobook review- ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

A must read/listen for a racing fans. It’s a real eye opening account of what jockeys put themselves through day after day. Oisin is very open about his mental health and addiction struggles and these conversations are so important

[Mark Brooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating behind the scenes look at what it takes to be a champion jockey, the sacrifices , the obsession , the work ethic , the wasting , incredible what these elite sportsmen put themselves through to achieve things.Very honestly written book , really enjoyed it, highly recommended.

[Julia McCall · Rating 3 out of 5]

Felt like a diary in a good way

[Isabelle Duff · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great behind the scenes look at the commitment and dedication that goes into sporting success at this level. Murphy is a likeable character and his honesty about his struggles does him credit.