Champion
A Memoir
Published on 25. November 2021
Book
Hardback
320 pages
978-0-7171-9365-3 (ISBN)
Description
Pat Smullen was one of the greatest Irish jockeys ever. In a career laden with success, his position as one of the best Irish flat jockeys ever was long established, yet he never felt that he had arrived. Despite being a nine-time champion jockey, there was a humility about him that defined him.
It was this strength of character that got him through when in March 2018, Pat was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. There was never any self-pity. He just dealt with it. More than just dealing with it, he brought it centre stage, raised funds and awareness, and channelled his energies into helping others. He was a champion in all aspects of life, no matter what setbacks were thrown at him. Pat was one of life's givers, and he majored in giving that most precious of commodities: time. Tragically his own time was cut short far too early in September 2020.
Assisted by Donn McClean and completed by Pat's wife Frances, Champion is his story.
'From incredible highs to devastating lows, the championship battles and mental turmoil, the Derby winners and cancer heartbreak, Pat has left more than a legacy. Read this and you will agree with me - he is iconic.' RUBY WALSH
'Pat tells his story with the same honesty and humility that defined him as a person. He was a remarkable man and his is a compelling story.' SIR ANTHONY MCCOY
'Pat was an amazing man, a man of dignity who went about life with a smile on his face. He is an example to all of us.' FRANKIE DETTORI
'Inspiring, heart-breaking and unforgettable.' BROUGH SCOTT
It was this strength of character that got him through when in March 2018, Pat was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. There was never any self-pity. He just dealt with it. More than just dealing with it, he brought it centre stage, raised funds and awareness, and channelled his energies into helping others. He was a champion in all aspects of life, no matter what setbacks were thrown at him. Pat was one of life's givers, and he majored in giving that most precious of commodities: time. Tragically his own time was cut short far too early in September 2020.
Assisted by Donn McClean and completed by Pat's wife Frances, Champion is his story.
'From incredible highs to devastating lows, the championship battles and mental turmoil, the Derby winners and cancer heartbreak, Pat has left more than a legacy. Read this and you will agree with me - he is iconic.' RUBY WALSH
'Pat tells his story with the same honesty and humility that defined him as a person. He was a remarkable man and his is a compelling story.' SIR ANTHONY MCCOY
'Pat was an amazing man, a man of dignity who went about life with a smile on his face. He is an example to all of us.' FRANKIE DETTORI
'Inspiring, heart-breaking and unforgettable.' BROUGH SCOTT
More details
Language
English
Place of publication
Dublin
Ireland
Publishing group
Gill
Dimensions
Height: 240 mm
Width: 162 mm
Thickness: 29 mm
Weight
574 gr
ISBN-13
978-0-7171-9365-3 (9780717193653)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions
Persons
Pat Smullen rode over 1,900 winners throughout his remarkable career. He was champion jockey nine times. He won every major race on the Irish flat-racing calendar and was prolific on the international stage too. He is survived by his wife, Frances, and his three children, Hannah, Paddy and Sarah.
Donn McClean assisted in writing AP McCoy - My Autobiography, Moscow Flyer with trainer Jessica Harrington, and Riding the Storm with Timmy Murphy.
Donn McClean assisted in writing AP McCoy - My Autobiography, Moscow Flyer with trainer Jessica Harrington, and Riding the Storm with Timmy Murphy.