Reading Between the Lines: The Biography of 'Cockney' Cliff Lines 70 years in Horseracing

by Bellingham, David

• ISBN13: 9781839501081
• ISBN10: 1839501081
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2023-02-01
• Publisher: Racing Post Books

Summary

This is the story of ‘ Cockney’ Cliff Lines and his memories of 70 years spent in horseracing. Knowing nothing about racing or even how to ride, Cliff started as a 14-year-old apprentice to Noel Murless, and the book details his life, from riding a winner for the Queen, trying to make it as a jockey, through being a work rider/head lad to Michael Stoute, pre-training and eventually training himself. It covers the trials and tribulations he endured: apprentice accommodation, bullying, doping scandals, the stable lads’ strike and his own health issues including a brain tumour. The stories of famous horses he worked with, such as JO TOBIN, SHERGAR and SONIC LADY, and those he nurtured in their early years, including PILSUDSKI and FUJIYAMA CREST, the last runner in Frankie Dettori’ s Magnificent Seven, are all covered, as are his travels with horses around the world by boat and plane from 1954 to the present day. And despite all the ups and downs, Cliff genuinely has no regrets about his lifetime in the Thoroughbred racing industry.

Author Biography

Amanda grew up near Frome in Somerset. A family run book printing business instilled in her a love of both the written word and the smell of printing ink! She discovered the thrill of horseracing by chance when she landed the role of secretary to Michael Stoute which is where she met Cliff Lines. Amanda worked for there for over 15 years and has since remained in the racing industry in ancillary roles. This is her first book.