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“It is strange that of all the myriad drug addictions the one with the biggest taboo is caused by the ‘legal high’ alcohol. Perhaps it is taboo because the majority (not a particularly big majority in truth) who use it do so sensibly without risking addiction and those that do become addicted think themselves weak, out of control and hence lesser mortals”
Absolutely agree, excellently put.
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Well without sounding morbid and because I’m a realist I honestly thought he’d killed himself
You’re quoting the wrong poster . It wasn’t me who said that .
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I think jockeys in general would be far more susceptible to alcoholism given their low body mass and the fact that they have to watch what they eat so carefully (what equates to pretty much drinking on an empty stomach). So from the start their tolerence is pretty non existent compared to most.
They are less likely to indulge in drinkint to any extent all the while they are still race riding as they are pretty much in a regimented routine of riding out in the early mornings, driving to the races, race riding throughout the day (and evening at times), driving home and then sleeping before repeating that process.
Once retired you have so many more unused hours to fill your day with and even if you stay within the industry (breeding, training, owning or re-training etc) nothing will compare to what you have been used to doing for (in some cases) 20+ years. In addition, you will be generally a lot younger than the normal person is at retirement age and you consequently will find yourself spending at lot more of your time in various social settings (be it with family or friends) and thus your access to alcohol is greatly increased.
To anyone battling this disease….keep fighting and don’t be afraid/ashamed/scared to reach out for help.
Apologies for swaying off the actual true topic of this thread….just thoughts that I needed to say.
Drone, I don’t know if it was because of weight problems, but W Carson said on 5 Live that Eddery ‘ate very little’, and he said that while discussing their old times riding together, so I’m assuming he was drinking during his riding days.
JMGrath on CH4 just now gave the impression that he got much worse after retirement.
I can testify from my own family experience, that alcoholism often consumes gentle men, as it seems Pat very much was. My brother is a long-term alcoholic, thankfully dry these past three years. But some of the stories he tells offer a terrifying insight into alcoholism, and taught me that it’s nothing anyone else should comment on as in the – ‘well just stop it’ type advice.
If ever ‘walk a mile in his shoes’ applies, it’s to this dreadful affliction.
Like many here, I knew about Pat’s demons; it’s fine to talk bout it but his brilliant riding career is the thing to concentrte on.
Eddery was already at the top of his game when I first became interested in racing, in the early-eighties. In my memory mostly associated with Vincent O’Brien. Took time for me to appreciate the jockey, so often on the best horse. eg El Gran Senor in the best quality 2000 Guineas of my racing life. Like TAPK, I was a Cauthen fan, but did learn to appreciate the Bouncing Bum’s brilliance. Two races that come to mind are: 1994 St Leger, getting rank outsider, moody Moonax to put his head in front…
…And 1998 Juddmonte International on the filly One So Wonderful in a three-way photo – where he made the difference between winning and losing.
Earnt the nick name Pollyfilla how he found the gaps.
RIP Pat
Value Is EverythingI have said it before and I’ll say it again – how the hell did Eddery get Reel Buddy to win the Sussex? I watched open mouthed with horror as I didn’t consider Trade Fair could possibly get beat until he auditioned for the Italian Army in the final furlong. I reckon Reel Buddy would have traded for a good few quid at 1000 in running nowadays.
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