Sacrifice

A Year in the Life of a Champion Jockey

Oisin Murphy

$55

Hardback

Forthcoming
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English

Bantam Books (Transworld Publishers a division of the Random House Group)
09 November 2025

Autobiography: sport; Equestrian & animal sports; Horse racing

A gripping and searingly honest account of a year in the turbulent life of a professional jockey, and the personal cost of success in the high-stakes world of horseracing, from four-time champion 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.

By: Oisin Murphy
Imprint: Bantam Books (Transworld Publishers a division of the Random House Group)
Country of Publication: United Kingdom
Dimensions: Height: 240mm, Width: 156mm, Spine: 40mm
Weight: 750g
ISBN: 9780857507587
ISBN 10: 0857507583
Pages: 240
Publication Date: 09 November 2025
Audience: General/trade , ELT Advanced
Format: Hardback
Publisher's Status: Forthcoming

Oisin Murphy grew up in Killarney in Ireland. He started riding ponies from the age of 4 and competed in show jumping before switching to flat racing. He has won two British Classics and a number of Group 1 races. He has been British Champion Jockey in 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2024.