True Colours: My Autobiography

by Barry Geraghty

WINNER OF INTERNATIONAL AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF THE YEAR AT THE 2021 TELEGRAPH SPORTS BOOK AWARDS'An intelligent and often beautifully observed book' Donald McRae, The Guardian'A must-read about a career which never dropped out of top gear' Racing Post'A thoroughly engaging memoir. I can't recommend this insightful autobiography enough' Horse & Hound'A superior an honest and self-searching account of the glories and thrills but also the doubt and barren spells that visit even rampantly successful jockeys' The Irish TimesThe riveting full-career autobiography of Barry Geraghty, one of the most successful jump jockeys in the sport's history. Now retired, Geraghty takes his rightful place in the pantheon of greats that includes AP McCoy, Richard Johnson and Ruby Walsh.Barry Geraghty is an Irish horseracing legend. From his first win in 1997 he has gone on to ride almost 2000 winners, making him the fourth most successful jumps jockey of all time. With the second most wins at Cheltenham in the sport's history, he has worked with all the greats - Moscow Flyer, Kicking King, Monty's Pass. Barry finally retired in July 2020, covered in scars. He has broken all of his limbs, his shoulders, his ribs, his nose. He has survived falls too numerous to recall, and spent most of 2019 with a metal cast on his leg. And yet, he kept getting back on the horse, for twenty-three years.His autobiography is about resilience, the mental power that enables the great to keep going despite the pain, despite the odds. It explores how Barry has developed the mind tools to continue to push himself, even when all seems lost. Containing startling revelations and a searingly honest insight into the life of a top jockey, this is a must-read for all sports fans.

Genres: Racing, Biography

257 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 23, 2020

Reviews

[Martin Braunton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very insightful and engaging account from a former steeplechase jockey that had to overcome injury to succeed at the top.
The book is full of the author’s big races and how he rode his horse. It becomes very clear that Geraghty is a natural horseman who understands his horse and their various quirks.
He cares too about his horse, unafraid to pull them up if something wasn’t right. This is an excellent manual for any young jockey.
Geraghty identifies his love for the sport with the ability to accept the circumstances that fall your way.

[Des Flanagan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unique insight into the life of a top-level jockey in Ireland & UK. Lot of focus on the big races with many famous horses, including commentary about how he won some of the biggest races in the game. We get a good insight into Barry's personality as he struggles with the demands of balancing his family and professional life. If you love horses and have followed Barry's career, you will enjoy this read.

[Simon Jamieson · Rating 4 out of 5]

A revealing and engaging memoir of a remarkable career. As an insight into the tactics of race riding — before, during and after the race — it's very valuable. BG is also honest about his struggles with the drinking culture of the sport. Insight too into the injuries — as AP McCoy says, "In how many jobs does an ambulance follow you round?" Recommended for anyone interested in jump racing, or in learning more about it.

[Chloe · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absolute gem of a book!

This was so well written, I felt like I was on the horses myself sometimes, the adrenaline and the anticipation was so well described.
An honest and in depth portrayal of the highs and lows of Barry’s life and career.
A must read if you are a fan of horse racing, the level of insight into the sport that are entailed within this are amazing!
10/10

[Simone Cooper · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read it

Life of a jockey brilliant. The ups and downs . it's good to read that he would always pull up a horse if it was not travelling.

[Gail · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well written autobiography by top Irish jump jockey who retired in July 2020.

[Phil Ashton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Before reading this autobiography I knew next to nothing about horse racing but now I know a little bit; but a great deal about Barry Geraghty and I am all the better for it.