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Centaur
*SHORTLISTED FOR THE WILLIAM HILL SPORTS BOOK OF THE YEAR 2017*
Coping with your own death, when you are not yet dead, is a strange thing...
A natural on a horse since he was able to walk, and imbued with a pure love of riding, Declan Murphy became one of the most brilliant jockeys of his generation before his world came crashing down at the final hurdle of a race at Haydock Park. His skull shattered in twelve places, he was believed to be dead, the last rites were read and the Racing Post prepared his obituary. Miraculously, and the word is not used lightly, he survived and defied medical thinking in recovering to the extent that eighteen months after his fall, he was able to saddle up for one more race. As usual, he won.
For 23 years, Declan has been unable to tell his story, to bring to words existence on the frontier between life and death, to describe the incredible bond between man and horse. But now, in an extraordinary collaboration with Ami Rao, she has helped him find those words, a way to piece together what happened before, during and after, what it all meant and what it means to us all. It is a story of triumph, fear, love and loss, by turns primal, heartbreaking and inspirational, and ultimately, it is the story of hope, and of life.
Coping with your own death, when you are not yet dead, is a strange thing...
A natural on a horse since he was able to walk, and imbued with a pure love of riding, Declan Murphy became one of the most brilliant jockeys of his generation before his world came crashing down at the final hurdle of a race at Haydock Park. His skull shattered in twelve places, he was believed to be dead, the last rites were read and the Racing Post prepared his obituary. Miraculously, and the word is not used lightly, he survived and defied medical thinking in recovering to the extent that eighteen months after his fall, he was able to saddle up for one more race. As usual, he won.
For 23 years, Declan has been unable to tell his story, to bring to words existence on the frontier between life and death, to describe the incredible bond between man and horse. But now, in an extraordinary collaboration with Ami Rao, she has helped him find those words, a way to piece together what happened before, during and after, what it all meant and what it means to us all. It is a story of triumph, fear, love and loss, by turns primal, heartbreaking and inspirational, and ultimately, it is the story of hope, and of life.
- GenresNonfiction
304 pages, Hardcover
Published January 1, 2017
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
April 27, 2017
4.5 stars
Declan Murphy never wanted to be a jockey. It was always meant to be a hobby, albeit one that he was naturally very good at. Even at a young age be impressed those much more experienced them him with his natural ability and the intelligence he bought to his racing. His career progressed in huge leaps and bounds, until and accident in one of the biggest races of the season threatened to end not just his career but also his life. This is Declan's astonishing account of his life from humble beginnings through to his glittering career and ultimately his accident and rehabilitation. A fascinating memoir about a truly remarkable man!
Declan is a brilliant person to read about. He is a very cheeky, confident guy who knows what he is capable of, what he wants and he goes for it! Despite what anyone says he should or shouldn't do. His story is a very inspiring one. I wish I had his nerve and attitude in approaching new things. It was interesting to read about his opinion on what many agree, was a very successful career. The fact that he didn't take it too seriously and just enjoyed it was very refreshing and interesting to read about.
I must confess that before reading this book I knew very little about horse racing. I therefore enjoyed reading about the ins and outs of racing. Declan's in depth descriptions of his best races were thrilling to read about and often had me on the edge of my seat even though, most of the time, I knew the outcome. I've never thought much about the skills and tactics needed to ride a good race so to read about what is involved and what Declan was having to think about throughout a race was very interesting. I won't watch another horse race quite the same way again!
The passages describing his accident are quite harrowing and poignant to read about especially as they are told from multiple points of view. Despite this it was lovely to see Declan's character shining through. How he deals with his injuries and rehabilitation is heart warming and inspiring. At times these passages bought a tear to my eye, imagining how I would feel in such a situation.
The thing that's especially good about this memoir is that it's not told in chronological order but instead memories throughout his life are put together to show a particular attribute of his or to highlight a particular time in his career. This means that the reader is always kept interested and wanting to read more. I liked that throughout the book he never boasts about himself which would have been easy to do, considering the career he's had but instead he just sticks to the facts and let's his achievements speak for themselves.
If you like books about strong, inspirational characters that fight against the odds then you will love this book.
Thank you Alison Barrow and Transworld publishers for giving me s proof of this book.
Declan Murphy never wanted to be a jockey. It was always meant to be a hobby, albeit one that he was naturally very good at. Even at a young age be impressed those much more experienced them him with his natural ability and the intelligence he bought to his racing. His career progressed in huge leaps and bounds, until and accident in one of the biggest races of the season threatened to end not just his career but also his life. This is Declan's astonishing account of his life from humble beginnings through to his glittering career and ultimately his accident and rehabilitation. A fascinating memoir about a truly remarkable man!
Declan is a brilliant person to read about. He is a very cheeky, confident guy who knows what he is capable of, what he wants and he goes for it! Despite what anyone says he should or shouldn't do. His story is a very inspiring one. I wish I had his nerve and attitude in approaching new things. It was interesting to read about his opinion on what many agree, was a very successful career. The fact that he didn't take it too seriously and just enjoyed it was very refreshing and interesting to read about.
I must confess that before reading this book I knew very little about horse racing. I therefore enjoyed reading about the ins and outs of racing. Declan's in depth descriptions of his best races were thrilling to read about and often had me on the edge of my seat even though, most of the time, I knew the outcome. I've never thought much about the skills and tactics needed to ride a good race so to read about what is involved and what Declan was having to think about throughout a race was very interesting. I won't watch another horse race quite the same way again!
The passages describing his accident are quite harrowing and poignant to read about especially as they are told from multiple points of view. Despite this it was lovely to see Declan's character shining through. How he deals with his injuries and rehabilitation is heart warming and inspiring. At times these passages bought a tear to my eye, imagining how I would feel in such a situation.
The thing that's especially good about this memoir is that it's not told in chronological order but instead memories throughout his life are put together to show a particular attribute of his or to highlight a particular time in his career. This means that the reader is always kept interested and wanting to read more. I liked that throughout the book he never boasts about himself which would have been easy to do, considering the career he's had but instead he just sticks to the facts and let's his achievements speak for themselves.
If you like books about strong, inspirational characters that fight against the odds then you will love this book.
Thank you Alison Barrow and Transworld publishers for giving me s proof of this book.
May 7, 2018
breathtaking and totally inspirational
❤️❤️❤️
❤️❤️❤️
May 30, 2017
My brother recommended this book and as a Neighbour of the Murphy family I decided to get this book even though it is not the usual type of book I read and boy am I glad that i did.
I can remember when Declan had his accident but was unaware of what happened afterward and upon reading this book the up until now untold story is something that a Hollywood writer would struggle to tell.
The story itself is amazing but what really makes this book is the way it is written and told. It is like you are listening in on a conversation at times and the descriptions of the races are delivered in such a way that it really puts you into the heart of what riding a Thoroughbred racehorse feels like.
The real heart of this book however is the story of the immediate aftermath of the accident and how he dealt with it and the drive he had to come back from the precipice he found himself on. This fight is the second half of the book but because of the build up to it describing his early life and career you really invest in the whole process.
I cannot recommend this book enough to anyone that simply loves an amazing story told really well. I normally take a few weeks to read a novel as I fall asleep while reading but this book kept me awake and I finished it in 2 nights just because I wanted to see how the story ended and I was not disappointed.
I can remember when Declan had his accident but was unaware of what happened afterward and upon reading this book the up until now untold story is something that a Hollywood writer would struggle to tell.
The story itself is amazing but what really makes this book is the way it is written and told. It is like you are listening in on a conversation at times and the descriptions of the races are delivered in such a way that it really puts you into the heart of what riding a Thoroughbred racehorse feels like.
The real heart of this book however is the story of the immediate aftermath of the accident and how he dealt with it and the drive he had to come back from the precipice he found himself on. This fight is the second half of the book but because of the build up to it describing his early life and career you really invest in the whole process.
I cannot recommend this book enough to anyone that simply loves an amazing story told really well. I normally take a few weeks to read a novel as I fall asleep while reading but this book kept me awake and I finished it in 2 nights just because I wanted to see how the story ended and I was not disappointed.
May 25, 2017
In May, 1994, at Haydock Park racecourse, just a few miles from where I live, jockey, Declan Murphy was catastrophically injured when, Arcot, the horse he was riding in the 2:30 afternoon race failed at the last second to clear a hurdle. The race had been running for just 3 minutes and 27 seconds when Declan's life changed forever. Transferred to one of the best neurological specialist hospitals, The Walton Centre in Liverpool, twenty eight year old Declan's life hung in the balance.
Centaur charts Declan's long, slow journey to recovery.
I have no words to do justice to this story other than to say that I am in awe of the power of the human spirit, the sheer strength of determination and the perseverance which Declan needed in order to pick up the pieces of his shattered life is awe-inspiring.
Beautifully written by Ami Rao, Declan's unique affinity and special relationship with horses, from his childhood spent in Ireland, through to his natural ability to race horses and win, comes across with every well-chosen word. That Declan is speaking and recounting what he can barely remember, because after the accident he lost chunks of his memory, is never in any doubt. I could sense Declan's strength of spirit in every well uttered sentence, and his unique personality in every eloquent turn of phrase.
Declan's perfect symbiotic relationship and understanding of horses lies at the very heart of the story and despite the catastrophic injuries he sustained at Haydock Park, even when his own steely determination was the only driving force keeping him alive, his abiding love for horses never faltered.
I read Centaur in less than a day, travelling in Declan's footsteps on an inspirational journey, with tears shining so brightly in my eyes that at times I couldn't see the print. I had to stop and take frequent breaks in order to breathe, only to be impatient, after a few minutes, to pick up the story once again.
At the end of Declan's story I felt emotionally wiped out and completely overwhelmed by this story of a man who, with all the odds stacked against him, just wouldn't give up. Truly inspirational.
Centaur charts Declan's long, slow journey to recovery.
I have no words to do justice to this story other than to say that I am in awe of the power of the human spirit, the sheer strength of determination and the perseverance which Declan needed in order to pick up the pieces of his shattered life is awe-inspiring.
Beautifully written by Ami Rao, Declan's unique affinity and special relationship with horses, from his childhood spent in Ireland, through to his natural ability to race horses and win, comes across with every well-chosen word. That Declan is speaking and recounting what he can barely remember, because after the accident he lost chunks of his memory, is never in any doubt. I could sense Declan's strength of spirit in every well uttered sentence, and his unique personality in every eloquent turn of phrase.
Declan's perfect symbiotic relationship and understanding of horses lies at the very heart of the story and despite the catastrophic injuries he sustained at Haydock Park, even when his own steely determination was the only driving force keeping him alive, his abiding love for horses never faltered.
I read Centaur in less than a day, travelling in Declan's footsteps on an inspirational journey, with tears shining so brightly in my eyes that at times I couldn't see the print. I had to stop and take frequent breaks in order to breathe, only to be impatient, after a few minutes, to pick up the story once again.
At the end of Declan's story I felt emotionally wiped out and completely overwhelmed by this story of a man who, with all the odds stacked against him, just wouldn't give up. Truly inspirational.
July 29, 2017
It’s amazing what a horse can do for your soul…
we are capable of infinitely more than we think!
This heart wrenching, poignant jockey’s memoir speaks to the heart and soul of any man; set in a world for golden athletes who literally ride and run for their life every day. I was astonished to find how a single fall, (a common accident when horse riding) could have such devastating consequences and yet had the power to change a life totally. Fortunately, a tale with a happy ending this thought-provoking, awesome read isn’t one for the faint hearted. Dark, dangerous and difficult this tale is one that captures one man’s heart and soul as he fights for life and essentially for his own identity. As a keen equestrian myself and horse racing enthusiast I was curious as to Declan Murphy’s story, and what makes him stand out above all others as a truly remarkable rider and distinctive individual.
‘I didn’t think I had it in me, this ability to reach into the recesses of my heart, to bare my soul. Hand someone my life. What if they dropped it?’
Centaur is essentially a truly magnificent tale about one man’s struggle with life; before and after a horrific accident that would take him close to death. His fight to push the boundaries of human limitation is one that I greatly admire and cannot help but be awestruck by, as it is raw and without sugar-coating. Anyone knows that in writing a book you’re bearing your heart and soul, yet here is something deeper than that; it is truth from the horse’s mouth.
I was so impressed by this highly emotive, moving and telling tale that I would highly recommend to horse racing enthusiasts and equestrians alike. It’s certainly a story that you’ll never forget –forever etched in the memory for all time.
February 28, 2019
This book broke and healed my heart. This is the incredibly powerful story of Declan Murphy, the jockey who fell at a fence, had a horse run over him shattering his skull in 12 places and lived to tell the tale. This tale.
The books is written by Ami Rao from Declan’s point of view and it feels incredibly authentic. Clearly a lot of thought and time has gone into the way this biography is told. Considering Declan Murphy has no memory of the 4 ½ years prior to the accident they did a wonderful job in piecing these together from interviews, videos, etc.
This very much feels like a book of two halves; the first half, the man Declan was before the fall, and the second half the man Declan became afterwards. I tell you, the second half is an absolute rollercoaster of emotions. Yes, I cried…
What shines through in this books is Declan’s absolute belief in himself througout life and the confidence that anything is possible as long as you believe it is. He does not come across as a humble man, but as a man who has been humbled by the sheer fact that he is still alive.
This book is on par with Seabiscuit in my opinion as one of the great stories in horseracing. A superb book, not just for people who love horses and racing, but for anyone who loves a story of surviving the odds. A fantastic read.
The books is written by Ami Rao from Declan’s point of view and it feels incredibly authentic. Clearly a lot of thought and time has gone into the way this biography is told. Considering Declan Murphy has no memory of the 4 ½ years prior to the accident they did a wonderful job in piecing these together from interviews, videos, etc.
This very much feels like a book of two halves; the first half, the man Declan was before the fall, and the second half the man Declan became afterwards. I tell you, the second half is an absolute rollercoaster of emotions. Yes, I cried…
What shines through in this books is Declan’s absolute belief in himself througout life and the confidence that anything is possible as long as you believe it is. He does not come across as a humble man, but as a man who has been humbled by the sheer fact that he is still alive.
This book is on par with Seabiscuit in my opinion as one of the great stories in horseracing. A superb book, not just for people who love horses and racing, but for anyone who loves a story of surviving the odds. A fantastic read.
July 30, 2018
Determination!
I've never read a book where one person had so much determination!! Two things encouraged me to pick up this book my love of horses and the achievement and courage it takes to push above and beyond, to regain that person you are again after such a traumatic injury. My son is a Sportsman at a high level and I've never understood how he can push himself beyond that point where your limbs and lungs are screaming at you to stop then to rest and do it all again the next day only harder and faster pushing for more each time but reading about Declan's rehabilitation back to fitness I can completely understand that mentality needed to push and push some more. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and highly recommend it. It is a humble story that has to be read if not just to remind you that Life is precious and worth fighting for everyday and the power of positivity and true determination.
I've never read a book where one person had so much determination!! Two things encouraged me to pick up this book my love of horses and the achievement and courage it takes to push above and beyond, to regain that person you are again after such a traumatic injury. My son is a Sportsman at a high level and I've never understood how he can push himself beyond that point where your limbs and lungs are screaming at you to stop then to rest and do it all again the next day only harder and faster pushing for more each time but reading about Declan's rehabilitation back to fitness I can completely understand that mentality needed to push and push some more. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and highly recommend it. It is a humble story that has to be read if not just to remind you that Life is precious and worth fighting for everyday and the power of positivity and true determination.
September 7, 2020
If you knew nothing about National Hunt racing you would come away from this book believing that Declan Murphy was the finest jockey who ever sat astride a horse. He wasn't. By a considerable margin. His recovery from a near fatal fall whilst riding in a race is remarkable and testament to his mental and physical strength. The rest of the book, however, is a never ending love letter to himself,
what great jockey he was, how he had almost mystical powers when judging a horse, what a wonderful son/brother/lover/husband he was and, doubtless, still is. Even his hair gets an honourable mention. He writes more than once that he doesn't drink, smoke, take drugs, gamble or tell lies and then quotes Bukowski's Factotum in the forward of the book! Truly, an irony free tome. While I'm here, if you want to read an excellent bio of a jockey can I recommend Obsessed by Richard Dunwoody who really WAS a great jockey and suffered as a consequence.
what great jockey he was, how he had almost mystical powers when judging a horse, what a wonderful son/brother/lover/husband he was and, doubtless, still is. Even his hair gets an honourable mention. He writes more than once that he doesn't drink, smoke, take drugs, gamble or tell lies and then quotes Bukowski's Factotum in the forward of the book! Truly, an irony free tome. While I'm here, if you want to read an excellent bio of a jockey can I recommend Obsessed by Richard Dunwoody who really WAS a great jockey and suffered as a consequence.
April 6, 2023
An incredible jockey, a remarkable story, all expertly navigated in this memoir.
I really enjoyed this book and would strongly recommend to anyone with an interest in sport mentality (as well the obvious themes: horses, racing, overcoming his injuries, etc.).
I found some of the insights into how Murphy approached his racing very relatable and his mind-over-matter-type approach to the challenges he has faced is inspiring, if at times a little daunting. This is a very honest account of how Murphy has overcome every challenge life has thrown at him and grasped every stroke of opportunity or luck he has been gifted.
I partially listened to this on audiobook (I often like to both read and listen to books) and it is very well read, so I would recommend that version as well to those who are interested.
I really enjoyed this book and would strongly recommend to anyone with an interest in sport mentality (as well the obvious themes: horses, racing, overcoming his injuries, etc.).
I found some of the insights into how Murphy approached his racing very relatable and his mind-over-matter-type approach to the challenges he has faced is inspiring, if at times a little daunting. This is a very honest account of how Murphy has overcome every challenge life has thrown at him and grasped every stroke of opportunity or luck he has been gifted.
I partially listened to this on audiobook (I often like to both read and listen to books) and it is very well read, so I would recommend that version as well to those who are interested.
May 25, 2017
The amazing story of a remarkable man. A brilliant jockey, his survival of a horrific accident against all the odds, his amazing, agonising recovery, yes, surely this is a story worth telling.
Having no particular interest in racing and no recollection of any of the great victories of Declan Murphy's career, I found the story dragged a bit. His manic behaviour during his recovery can, I guess, be put down to the impact of the injury on his brain. It certainly is not something to be admired. He admits as much himself, although the telling of it sometimes suggests that he views it as a great achievement.
I found it rather surprising that Declan sees the need to include in his story the affirmation of others to his great achievements on the racecourse. The facts speak for themselves.
Having no particular interest in racing and no recollection of any of the great victories of Declan Murphy's career, I found the story dragged a bit. His manic behaviour during his recovery can, I guess, be put down to the impact of the injury on his brain. It certainly is not something to be admired. He admits as much himself, although the telling of it sometimes suggests that he views it as a great achievement.
I found it rather surprising that Declan sees the need to include in his story the affirmation of others to his great achievements on the racecourse. The facts speak for themselves.
August 27, 2017
I picked this up because I'm both fascinated and terrified about comas. I knew nothing about horse racing and I barely recalled Declan Murphy's name.
But this was incredible. The emotion ran deep as his life story wove together in patchwork pieces. The writing is absolutely beautiful. I expected to be bored until reaching the section about his recovery, but I wasn't - I couldn't put it down just reading about his childhood and early career.
This is an absolutely incredible story about a sportsman who really did achieve incredible feats, let alone his miraculous recovery. This book is positive, inspiring, fascinating and, as I said earlier, utterly beautiful.
But this was incredible. The emotion ran deep as his life story wove together in patchwork pieces. The writing is absolutely beautiful. I expected to be bored until reaching the section about his recovery, but I wasn't - I couldn't put it down just reading about his childhood and early career.
This is an absolutely incredible story about a sportsman who really did achieve incredible feats, let alone his miraculous recovery. This book is positive, inspiring, fascinating and, as I said earlier, utterly beautiful.
June 26, 2017
Incredible read. Bought this for bf two weeks ago, he's not much of a reader but had heard an interview with Declan about the book. He couldn't put it down and to my surprise, I got to read it much sooner than expected. This man's spirit and courage are just amazing. Absolutely inspirational story of his recovery from a fall which could and should have killed him. To come back with such spirit and determination is awe inspiring. Whether you have any interest in horse racing or not, it's an unputdownable read. If I could give it more stars, I would.
May 14, 2017
This s more than just an autobiography, if like me you have no interest in horse racing then this book is still for you.
Poignant, moving, heart breaking, uplifting, life affirming this is an extraordinary story beautifully written. This is not a story about a mans life, this is a mans life.
Would recommend this to all
Poignant, moving, heart breaking, uplifting, life affirming this is an extraordinary story beautifully written. This is not a story about a mans life, this is a mans life.
Would recommend this to all
March 20, 2018
4 and a half really. I know nothing about racing and hate the horses being put down. Despite that I was entranced by this book. Wonderful writing and descriptions. I only deducted half a star due to blow by blow account of 4 horse races. Fascinating to horsey folk methinks but too detailed for me. I'm not a biography person so the fact I loved it reflects on both authors well.
December 30, 2018
OMG! I absolutely loved this book!! It was so inspiring and emotional but I feel I really related to this book. Being an equestrian myself I know the risks of racing and horseback riding in general. I know how little of a thing it can take to spook the horse and you never know what it will be. Reading about Declan’s recovery was remarkable. He never gave up. I recommend this book to everyone.
March 6, 2019
Fantastically written account of Declan’s road to recovery after a near death accident.
I’m not into horse racing but so pleased I read this. His tough and remarkable journey is truly inspirational. A true honest fight, fuelled by sheer determination and inner strength. A highly recommended read.
I’m not into horse racing but so pleased I read this. His tough and remarkable journey is truly inspirational. A true honest fight, fuelled by sheer determination and inner strength. A highly recommended read.
August 2, 2017
What a great read. This story was told so well, gave a great meaning to the word 'hope'. I will always remember Declan's journey and will be inspired.
Would definitely recommend it as a great read.
Would definitely recommend it as a great read.
December 27, 2017
Very moving
Beautifully written and an emotional true story of a brilliant jockey and horse lover who lost four years of his life after he fell and was trampled during a race. If it wasn't for his strong spirit and will to recover, this story would never have been told.
Beautifully written and an emotional true story of a brilliant jockey and horse lover who lost four years of his life after he fell and was trampled during a race. If it wasn't for his strong spirit and will to recover, this story would never have been told.
January 19, 2018
I’ve never been into horse racing, in fact I even had an irrational fear of horses growing up, but none of that matters with this book. It’s an page turning, gut wrenching, life affirming read. The detail is amazing and yet so easy to read. Highly recommended.
April 20, 2024
This was a bit disappointing really. Endless introspection from Declan Murphy padded out quite a short tale of injury and recovery.
I guess it doesn't help that he has forgotten most of it. I would have made some more exciting bits up. Who's to know.
I guess it doesn't help that he has forgotten most of it. I would have made some more exciting bits up. Who's to know.
August 2, 2019
Autobiography of Declan Murphy. Very emotional
December 18, 2019
Remarkable story.
Beautifully written and poignant.
Astonishing.
Beautifully written and poignant.
Astonishing.
January 22, 2020
An absolutely astounding story of coming back from the brink of death, defying the odds and never losing spirit or hope. Just goes to show how strong and brave you can be when you think all is lost.
February 17, 2020
experiencing the critical events left me humbled .
a moving and uplifting account
a moving and uplifting account
August 20, 2020
Interesting read even for someone like me who knows nothing about horse racing
January 7, 2021
Loved this book! Amazing story so inspirational, well written & it has horses!
January 13, 2021
Very interesting read, especially as I worked in the racing industry when I left school.
Declan is a brave man and tough as iron. Imagine reading your own obituary !
Declan is a brave man and tough as iron. Imagine reading your own obituary !
September 30, 2021
Great read. Well done Declan!
January 9, 2024
Remarkable and articulate story.
March 28, 2018
Firstly this is not a book only for the racing fraternity. this book is about someone at the pinnacle of their profession having it all taken away so brutally and yet having the will to get up and start climbing /crawling his way back. The book is about the lengths people around him rallied around and also about the slices of luck he had on his journey back.
this book is brilliantly written and deserves its place not only in sports booked of the year but book of the year.
this book is brilliantly written and deserves its place not only in sports booked of the year but book of the year.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews