The chance of a lifetime - in a place he doesn't want to be.
In the wake of World War II, amidst the vibrant world of New Zealand's horse racing scene in 1947, sixteen year old Sid Everett, a determined young jockey, finds himself sent to the prestigious Ridgeway Racing Stables in Christchurch. Initially heralded as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, Sid knows the ulterior motive behind his placement - to keep him away from his boss's daughter.
Assigned the most formidable horse in the Ridgeway stable, Sid grapples not only with the challenge of winning the animal's trust but also with the antagonism of his fellow jockeys, who make their disdain for him abundantly clear. Amidst the pressures of the impending New Zealand racing calendar's top event, Sid finds himself entangled in a compelling mystery and a distracting potential romance.
As he strives to navigate the labyrinth of prejudice and competition, Sid must keep his head, and prove his mettle on the track. With unexpected allies in his corner, he endeavours to fulfil his ambitious dream of triumph and glory in the face of adversity.
Set against the evocative backdrop of a post-war era, this gripping coming-of-age narrative weaves together the timeless themes of resilience, camaraderie, and the profound bond between man and horse. A compelling tale of mystery, romance, and the electrifying drama of the racetrack, this novel captures the essence of a defining era in New Zealand's racing history.
