How to Start Reading A.P. McCoy's Books
Sir Anthony Peter McCoy, widely known as A.P. McCoy, is a legend in National Hunt horse racing. Winning 20 consecutive Champion Jockey titles and recording 4,358 wins, he brought the same grit and intensity from the racetrack to the page. If you are looking to read his work, where you start depends entirely on whether you want fictional horse racing thrillers or raw, real-life sports memoirs.
For Fiction Fans: Duncan Claymore Series
If you love high-stakes thrillers with an insider's view of the jockey lifestyle, start with Taking the Fall (2013). This is the first book in his Duncan Claymore fiction series and introduces readers to a young jockey navigating the cutthroat world of professional horse racing.
For Sports Memoir Fans: The Main Autobiography
If you prefer non-fiction, the best place to begin is My Autobiography (also published as Sacrifice: My Autobiography in 2011). It offers the most comprehensive look at his career near its absolute peak, showing the sheer physical and mental toll of staying at the top of a dangerous sport.
Duncan Claymore Fiction Series in Publication Order
McCoy brought his deep knowledge of stable politics, jockey rivalries, and the intense pressure of the race to a fictional mystery series. The series follows Duncan Claymore, a rider struggling with the legacy of his father and the dark underbelly of the sporting world. It should be read in order:
- Taking the Fall (2013) – Duncan Claymore is an up-and-coming jockey trying to establish himself while dealing with family history and the intense pressures of the turf. When a scandal threatens his career, he has to fight to clear his name.
- Narrowing the Field (2016) – Now a successful champion jockey, Duncan finds himself haunted by the mysterious death of an arch-rival. As he investigates, he gets caught up in a dangerous web of corruption and secrets.
A.P. McCoy's Memoirs and Non-Fiction
McCoy has documented his racing life across different stages of his legendary career. Reading these books in order shows his evolution from a rising star to a retired legend looking back on his achievements.
- The Real McCoy: My Life So Far (1999) – Written during the early years of his dominance, this book captures the raw ambition of a young rider establishing his legendary streak.
- McCoy: The Autobiography (2002) – Co-authored with Steve Dennis, this book reflects on his early records, including breaking Sir Gordon Richards' long-standing record for the most winners in a single season.
- My Autobiography (2011) – A definitive account of his career, providing details on his over 700 career injuries, his legendary drive, and his long-awaited 2010 Grand National victory on Don't Push It.
- Winner: My Racing Life (2015) – Published around his retirement, this book serves as a valedictory lap, looking back on the emotional and physical reality of his two-decade reign at the top.
Anthologies and Companion Works
For readers who want to explore his impact within the broader Irish sporting landscape, McCoy is featured in the following anthology:
- Legends: Stories from Ireland's Sporting Greats (2022) – Edited by Patricia Scanlan as part of the Open Door literacy initiative, this collection features plain-English stories of Irish sports icons, including a section dedicated to McCoy's journey alongside other stars like Katie Taylor and Rachael Blackmore.
What to Know Before You Start
Before diving into McCoy's books, it is helpful to keep a few details in mind to enjoy the experience fully:
- Collaborative Writing: As is common with sports memoirs, McCoy worked closely with ghostwriters and racing journalists (such as Steve Dennis) to translate his experiences to the page. His fiction also benefits from collaborative polishing to ensure the pacing matches standard thriller conventions.
- Gritty Realism: McCoy does not sugarcoat the sport. Both his memoirs and fiction explore the dark sides of racing, including heavy weight-loss regimens, severe physical injuries, and the tragic loss of horses.
- Standalone vs. Series: While the Duncan Claymore books share a main character, each contains a self-contained mystery. However, reading them in order is highly recommended to understand Duncan's personal growth and changing status in the sport.