Book description
From former top trainer Charlie Brooks comes a thriller of horseracing,
dirty dealing, big business and a test of loyalty under extreme pressure…
General Shalakov, brutal Russian oligarch, has business interests across
many continents. Yet he craves prestige in the West. His ambition is to
corner the thoroughbred stallion market in Europe. Massively rich, he is
prepared to bribe, torture and murder to achieve his goal.
Tipper O'Reilly, apprentice jockey, learns the hard way that survival is
as much about what happens off the track as in the saddle. And he's
about to be drawn into a whole different world.
Coerced into working at Shalakov's state-of-the-art training complex
miles from Moscow, Tipper has no concept of what's really going on
behind the efficient facade. There'll be only one survivor of the final
race. 'Move over Dick Francis, here comes Charlie Brooks.' Daily Mirror
'Engrossing and ingenious… Brooks keeps his readers guessing right up to
the finishing post.' Mail on Sunday
'The great Dick Francis did it, then John Francome followed - now
Charlie Brooks has taken up the genre with a book full of fascinating
insider detail and dodgy characters… The set piece races are terrific.'
Daily Mail
'Black Beauty meets the black market… Brooks' equine expertise ensures
this tale of flat racing's sleazy extremities goes the distance.' GQ
'Superbly paced and even has 007 twists. It will keep you guessing right
until the final page.' News of the World
'Sex, intrigue and horses are the perfect ingredients for a smashing
read that will be devoured and enjoyed by all.' Sun Charlie Brooks
left Eton to become a stable lad for racing legend Fred Winter. After
riding in the Grand National, and winning the Cheltenham Festival as an
amateur jockey, he became the youngest racehorse trainer in England. He
has broadcast for Radio Five and Bloomberg TV and hosted his own sports
programme, 'The Charlie Brooks Show'. He is a columnist for the Daily
Telegraph and lives on his farm in the Cotswolds. His autobiography,
Crossing the Line, was widely acclaimed.
