Charlie Deutsch: 'Going to prison made me a better person'
Stuart Riley talks to a jockey who has put some dark days firmly behind him
If you don't want to be defined by something for the rest of your life you have two options: hope people forget or give them something else to remember. Charlie Deutsch has opted for the latter.
In winning last month's Ladbrokes Trophy on Cloudy Glen, the 25-year-old jockey has taken a significant step in rebuilding a career many assumed to be over when he pleaded guilty to dangerous driving while over the legal alcohol limit and escaping from police custody.
Had it not been documented by Gloucester Crown Court, the specifics would be hard to believe. In a sport full of 'you couldn't make it up' moments, it seemed pure fantasy.
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- 'I've never paid six figures for a horse and never will - I learned pretty quickly you're only one phone call away from f*** all'
- 'I’ve trained some fabulous horses, worked with some excellent riders - maybe I have brought a little bit of talent to the table as well'
- ‘When you’re in the moment and you’re starved, you’re ready to explode - everything built up and I just lost my s**t’
- 'He must have his breakfast earlier than Willie does' - Patrick Mullins goes behind enemy lines at Gordon Elliott's yard
- 'You can see why people end up struggling - when you're trying to pay the electric bill, losing one ride can be massive'
- 'I've never paid six figures for a horse and never will - I learned pretty quickly you're only one phone call away from f*** all'
- 'I’ve trained some fabulous horses, worked with some excellent riders - maybe I have brought a little bit of talent to the table as well'
- ‘When you’re in the moment and you’re starved, you’re ready to explode - everything built up and I just lost my s**t’
- 'He must have his breakfast earlier than Willie does' - Patrick Mullins goes behind enemy lines at Gordon Elliott's yard