Horsey memories remind us of the ties that bind

The Ride of My Life: Memoirs of a Sporting Editor by Michael Clayton
£20, published by Merlin Unwin Books – merlinunwin.co.uk

Don't judge a book by its cover. We all know it's as well worn a cliche as 'the grass is always greener' and 'love is blind'. As Valentine's Day approaches we can make individual judgements on the latter, but when it comes to The Ride of My Life the former is most definitely true.

Don't be fooled into thinking this is simply a collection of recollections from the hunting field – a niche sector of a niche industry, surely of no interest to anyone other than the bowler-hatted Hooray Henrys who have the luxuries of time and disposable income to spend their days galloping carefree across verdant pastures owned by other landed gentry.