True Colours
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 story: 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 Times
The 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.
Barry Geraghty is Ireland's foremost champion jockey.
In 2009 he became the first jockey to have won the big four races at Cheltenham (Champion Hurdle, Champion Chase, Stayers Hurdle, Gold Cup) and the English Grand National.
In 2020 he won five races at Cheltenham, including the Champion Hurdle, equalling the record for winning four times.
He announced his retirement in July 2020, leaving the sport as the fourth most successful British and Irish jump jockey in history with 1920 winners.
He lives in Skryne, Co Meath with his wife Paula and three children.