Sacrifice, Oisin Murphy
Sacrifice, Oisin Murphy
List: $15.75 | Sale: $11.03
Club: $7.87

Sacrifice
A Year in the Life of a Champion Jockey

Author: Oisin Murphy

Narrator: Oisin Murphy

Unabridged: 6 hr 44 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Published: 10/23/2025


Synopsis

Brought to you by Penguin.

A GRIPPING AND SEARINGLY HONEST ACCOUNT OF A YEAR IN THE TURBULENT LIFE OF A PROFESSIONAL JOCKEY, 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 has required a high-wire dance that continues to push his body and mind to their breaking point. Despite four champion jockey crowns, alcohol addiction lurks beneath the surface, and a string of misdemeanours have overshadowed his racing.

Fast paced and searingly honest, Sacrifice lays bare Oisin’s personal struggles and immerses readers in the daily life of a jockey throughout an entire season. From the countless unseen hours of horse work to the psychological turmoil of racing, the private agony of wasting, and the vital community of the weighing room, it pulls back the curtain and examines the fine line between elite performance and personal destruction in a sport that demands nothing less than total obsession.

© Oisin Murphy 2025 (P) Penguin Audio 2025

Reviews

Goodreads review by Claire on November 04, 2025

Audiobook review- ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ A must read/listen for a racing fans. It’s a real eye opening account of what jockeys put themselves through day after day. Oisin is very open about his mental health and addiction struggles and these conversations are so important......more

Goodreads review by Mark on November 22, 2025

Fascinating behind the scenes look at what it takes to be a champion jockey, the sacrifices , the obsession , the work ethic , the wasting , incredible what these elite sportsmen put themselves through to achieve things.Very honestly written book , really enjoyed it, highly recommended.......more


Quotes

A gripping and incredibly honest insight into our sport, from one of racing’s most exciting talents. Frankie Dettori

An astonishingly honest account of what it's like being a professional jockey. Daily Telegraph

Racing’s answer to George Best. Daily Telegraph

Blunt and engaging. Irish Times

An unsparing account of the all-consuming demands jockeys face. The Guardian

One of the best books I've read all year; utterly compelling. Brendan O'Connor