"On a fair day, the champion jockey Oisín Murphy says, there is a peculiar kind of peace to be found balancing on a racehorse, the balls of your feet the only part of you in contact with the mount as it surges forward at 40mph, while thousands of baying punters caterwaul around you and a dozen rivals jostle either side, followed − with steady, necessary menace − by an ambulance."
""Well you never think about the ambulance. The second you think about that, you have to stop," he corrects. "But yeah, things can really slow down when you're going at 40mph. It comes with practice. When things are going well, though... it can be very peaceful, very satisfying." He takes a long draw on his cigarillo before a slow exhale. "Doesn't always go well, though.""
A champion jockey can experience a peculiar peace while balancing on a racehorse, with only the balls of the feet contacting the mount as it surges at 40mph. Thousands of baying punters and a dozen rival riders create chaotic noise and close jostling, while an ambulance follows with steady menace. Focusing on riding prevents thoughts of the ambulance, because thinking about it would force a stop. Speed can produce a slowing sensation that comes with practice. When a race goes well the experience can feel peaceful and satisfying, though outcomes are not always favorable.
Read at Independent
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