Jockey

<p> Being a jockey is more than a career it's a way of life. The glitz and glamour of the show may belie all the time and effort that goes into it but the life of a jockey entails a great deal of risk personal sacrifice and hardship. Often viewed as second-rate athletes partly because of their small size these riders are in actuality some of the toughest men in the athletic world. Pound for pound they are unmatched in physical prowess. Controlling and guiding large thoroughbreds requires a great deal of strength and skill. In addition there is little room for error during the close-run high-speed races where the necessity of implementing a winning strategy makes the sport mentally as well as physically taxing.</p><p> This volume provides an in-depth look at the self-employed independent contractor known as the jockey and the all-encompassing culture of the race track he calls home. The book details the qualities and abilities of the successful jockey the transitory nature of horse racing the jockey's constant battle regarding weight the financial motivation of the sport and the close-knit nature of the profession. Interviews with over 100 jockeys including Hall of Famers Pat Day Earlie Fires and Russell Baze add a personal focus and give the reader an inside glimpse into the world of horse racing. The last chapter includes brief biographical sketches of the most influential riders from the last 50 years.</p>