Mick Clegg: The Man Behind the Greatest Horse Racing Story Ever Told

For 20 years Mick Clegg was the most famous jockey in Britain, riding the mighty Lester Piggott's horses to victory after victory. But behind the public persona of the flamboyant and fearless rider lay a complex and troubled man. Now, for the first time, Clegg tells his full story in The Power and the Glory, a gripping memoir that lifts the lid on the highs and lows of a life lived at breakneck speed.

Mick Clegg: The Power and the Glory

by Steve Bartram

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2312 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	274 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

Clegg was born into a working-class family in the north of England in 1939. He left school at the age of 14 to work as a stable boy, and within a few years he was riding winners on the flat and over jumps. In 1966, he was approached by Lester Piggott, who was looking for a new stable jockey. Clegg jumped at the chance, and the pair went on to form one of the most successful partnerships in the history of horse racing.

Together, Clegg and Piggott won countless races, including the Epsom Derby, the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, and the Breeders' Cup Classic. Clegg was also a key member of the British team that won the inaugural Shergar Cup.

But behind the glamour and the glory, Clegg was struggling with personal demons. He was a heavy drinker and a gambler, and his marriage was on the rocks. In 1983, he was arrested for possession of cocaine, and his career was almost destroyed. However, with the help of Piggott and his wife, he managed to turn his life around.

Clegg retired from riding in 1987, but he remained involved in the sport as a trainer and a television commentator. He has also written several books about horse racing, including his autobiography, The Power and the Glory.

In his book, Clegg gives a warts-and-all account of his life. He writes about his triumphs and his failures, his addictions and his recovery. He also provides a fascinating insight into the world of horse racing, from the glamour of the big races to the day-to-day grind of training and riding.

The Power and the Glory is a gripping and moving memoir that tells the story of a man who lived life to the full. It is a must-read for anyone who loves horse racing, or for anyone who is interested in the human condition.

Here are some of the key themes that emerge from Clegg's book:

• The power of dreams: Clegg's story is a reminder that anything is possible if you have a dream and are willing to work hard to achieve it.
• The importance of friendship: Clegg's relationship with Lester Piggott was one of the most important in his life. Piggott was a mentor and a friend who helped Clegg through some of the toughest times in his life.
• The dangers of addiction: Clegg's struggles with alcohol and gambling almost cost him his career and his life. His story is a warning about the dangers of addiction and the importance of seeking help.
• The power of redemption: Despite his struggles, Clegg managed to turn his life around. He is now a successful trainer and commentator, and he is a role model for others who are struggling with addiction.

The Power and the Glory is a powerful and inspiring memoir that will stay with you long after you finish reading it. It is a story about the highs and lows of life, the power of dreams, and the importance of friendship. It is a story that will resonate with anyone who has ever dreamed of achieving something great.

Mick Clegg, born John Michael Clegg on 19 December, 1939 is an English flat racing Jockey and trainer. He is known for being a courageous jockey who was known for his strength and nerve.

Clegg was born in Doncaster, the son of John and Mary Clegg. His father was a miner, and his mother was a cleaner. Clegg left school at the age of fifteen and began working as a stable boy for trainer Jack Jarvis, at his yard in Ripon, North Yorkshire.

Clegg began his flat racing career in 1954. He rode his first winner in 1958, at Ripon. He then became stable jockey for trainer Len Johnson, in Middleham, North Yorkshire, in 1961. Johnson helped to improve Clegg's riding skills and, in 1963, he won his first major race, the Stewards' Cup, at Goodwood.

In 1966, Clegg became stable jockey for trainer Lester Piggott, at his yard in Newmarket, Suffolk. Piggott was the most successful flat racing jockey in Britain at the time, and Clegg quickly became one of his most trusted riders. Clegg rode numerous winners for Piggott, including Piggott's first Epsom Derby winner, Nijinsky, in 1970. He also won the 2,000 Guineas, the 1,000 Guineas, and the St Leger on Piggott's horses.

Clegg retired from flat racing in 1987. He then became a trainer, and he has trained numerous winners, including several Group 1 winners. In recent years, he has worked as a television racing commentator.

Mick Clegg: The Power and the Glory

by Steve Bartram

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2312 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	274 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE