Debut biography
OUR HONEST CHARLIE WOOD
by Josephine Carr
The true story of Charles Wood. A runaway from the slums of Hull who rose to become Champion Jockey. A triumph that nearly destroyed him.
“A great book to read, give or receive.” John Berry, Newmarket
JEREMY IRONS
“If, like me, you enjoy a beautifully written tale about a person in history you knew nothing about, then this is for you. Especially if you enjoy horses and horse racing. A real page turner.”
“What do we know of Charles Wood? Won all the Classics? Champion Jockey 1887? Rider of St Simon? That’s only fraction of story. His biography, superbly researched & written by [Josephine Carr] tells the fascinating tale brilliantly. Xmas coming - a great book to read, give or receive.”
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“I enjoyed every page. It’s a great book.”
“[Charles Wood’s] story is told beautifully by the author, who has that priceless gift of being able to effortlessly paint pictures with words, making this delightful book a gripping read for both the racing enthusiast and anyone who loves a good old fashioned story... Brilliant ”
“Amazon ***** A great read! I could not put this down, finishing it in less than a day. You do not have to enjoy racing to be enthralled by the story of Charles Wood. ”
During the reign of Queen Victoria the aristocrats owned everyone and everything to do with racing. Until Charles Wood dared to break free and become a wealthy master in his own right, part of a revolution in the way horses were trained and ridden.
In a brutal attempt to wrest back control, the Jockey Club singled him out and dragged him into a scandal. They set out to strike his name and his victories from the records.
His reputation was all but destroyed. But had they picked on the wrong man?
Determined to defy his enemies, after nine years in exile, Charles Wood launched his comeback. Not in a small way but in the biggest race in England. Everything hung on that one race. Winning meant redemption. Losing would finish him as a jockey forever.