The Gauch

The official biography of Darren Gauci, THE GAUCH tells the story of one of Australia's most famous, most liked and most accomplished jockeys. From the first time he sat on a horse aged 12, Darren Gauci had what it took to be a high class rider. A natural athlete with an innate affinity with horses, he smashed records as an apprentice and has been in the headlines ever since.

Riding all around Australia and beyond for the best of trainers against the most talented of riders, Darren Gauci forged relationships with some great horses including the champions Super Impose and Lonhro.

At the height of his popularity supported by a fan club with over 3000 members, Darren Gauci is respected by racing people everywhere and is well known beyond the sport; newspapers and magazines keenly following his fortunes both on and off the track including his much reported marriage to Young Talent Time darling Karen Dunkerton.

THE GAUCH is the culmination of considerable research into the four decade long riding career of Darren Gauci. It is the third book - and first biography - written by racing journalist Kristen Manning whose first two books FIELDS OF OMAGH and PRINCE OF PENZANCE were also published by Melbourne Books.

... For three and a half decades Darren Gauci thrilled Australian racegoers with a riding style like no other. Beautifully balanced, adapting to suit the leading horses or coming from behind, timing his run to perfection. Slow horses went faster and out of form horses starting winning due to the style of D. Gauci.

Perhaps what made Darren Gauci a champion was his demeanour away from the racetrack. Unassuming, polite, respectful and gracious in defeat...

From the Foreword by Bryan Martin

About the Author

A journalist, specialising in thoroughbred racing and breeding, Kristen Manning has been involved in the world of horse racing since she was 15. She embarked on her racing career as a cadet journalist at Truth Newspaper and has subsequently written for a variety of publications including Winning Post, Turf Monthly, Racetrack, Thoroughbred Racing Commentary and Bluebloods. She also breeds and races her own horses.