Form: My Autobiography

by Kieren Fallon

The Irish Times bestseller and award-winning autobiography from one of the world’s greatest and most controversial horseracing jockeys, Kieren Fallon.

Kieren Fallon is one of the world’s greatest jockeys, but in addition to his many achievements, his career was marked with controversy.

A British Champion Jockey six times, Kieren Fallon won more than 2,250 races—including the Derby three times, and the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe twice, and quickly became one of racing’s biggest stars. He was also accused of race fixing, resulting in a trial for which he was completely cleared.

No one questioned his ability in the saddle. Few, if any, have ever been as good at coaxing horses to victory. But his extraordinary rapport with horses was not matched in his dealings with humans—particularly not those in authority with whom he’s had a career-long battle.

In Form, Fallon recounts his rise from a rural Irish family with no racing connections, and his frequent run-ins with the media as well as many others involved in the sport. With wit and searing honesty, he describes the huge pressures of being a jockey in the spotlight—and how his dazzling riding career was marred and then brought to a premature halt by campaigns of lies and innuendo.

Entertaining, revealing, and powerful, this is a unique sports memoir from a horse racing legend.

Genres: Biography, Autobiography, Biography Memoir

320 pages, Paperback

Published April 23, 2019

Reviews

[Richard Murphy]

This was a decent read and whilst not being a fan of Fallon, I knew enough about him to remember many of the stories he reflected on in his book.

All the way through reading the book I always felt on most chapters, particularly around some of the more controversial aspects of his life, that there may have been the odd bit missing. That is not to say I did not believe the outcomes, but I always felt there was maybe a little more to be told that he did not want to reveal.

All that said, it is a decent sports autobiography and certainly reveals Fallon as a driven, shy character but I think it fails to leave you with a more rounded picture of who he is, and what he has done in his careers other thank picking out the good bits he wants to relay and giving you an overview of some of his troubles.

[Andrew Hartshorn]

I really enjoyed reading about somebody who once gave me a scary glare at Newmarket after I forgot to knock off my flash as I took a photo of the great man himself aboard yet another winner. Fallon is a man who has clearly battled with his demons all his life. He is also a man much maligned. This insight into how he saw the events in his life and career helped me form a much more understanding to his personality and character.
It also helped me get to know someone who has clearly been driven to his calling as a gifted horseman and a gutsy driven winner. This is clearly the story of a man with a temper who has always pointed his anger at the winning post. It didn't include every flashpoint I have ever read about but I now have a greater understanding about a man clearly driven by his addiction to winning.

[Ron Hardwick]

This is a searingly honest autobiography by another tortured soul. It seems the more one is driven to succeed at something, the more unpleasant one has to become. Having absolutely no knowledge of, or love for, racing, I learned a lot from reading this book, especially the part in which Fallon describes how jockeys eat a meal and then vomit it up again directly afterwards to make sure they don't put on weight. His hatred for the racing establishment is quite clear and he does seem to have been badly served by them, but how reliable is he as a narrator? The trouble with autobiographies such as these is that one never learns the truth. At least now, in retirement, Fallon seems to have come to terms with his demons, and is living quietly and peacefully with his family.

[PAUL]

I thoroughly enjoyed this, although a previous reviewer was spot on by saying he thought the author had glossed over many issues and readers were not getting the full picture. He opened up about his alcohol problems but certainly didn't elaborate about his cocaine use that led to racing bans.
A deeply flawed and private man, Kieren Fallon was a top class jockey and I was never convinced he had ever tried to stop a horse for financial gain.
Whether he tupped Mrs Cecil is another matter entirely.

[Godowd]

Unfortunately there is very little new in this book that you could not get from reading a few interviews. He glosses over too many significant incidents and even the major court case near the end it is all around the place.

I was really hoping this would be a good warts and all read .. but not really. It feels like a book written quickly to get out in time for the Christmas gift book market. Should have waited and done it properly.

[Hannah MacIntosh]

An interesting read and snapshot into the life of one the most talented jockeys. Lacking a bit of soul I felt, leaving me with lots of moments where I wonder what he really thought! Having said that, some moving and heart wrenching moments but also quite a sad life .... Somehow not quite fulfiled is what I was left with.

[Mariana Santos]

Really enjoyable book, feels as if you’re talking to Kieren and he’s telling you his live story over a couple of drinks. Really liked it!

[Mr J.P Errington]

A story as good as Dick Francis, but this one is non fiction.

[Edward Stimpson]

Entertaining read, but you have to wonder about the veracity of some of it.