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I always thought the purpose of a proper biography was to tell the subjects life story warts and all – it sounds to me as though Sir Henry is somehow expecting a North Korean style fawning tome.
The trouble is too many biographies are just fawning PR tomes and, consequently, are not worth the paper they are written on.
Prospective authors do not need permission to write someone’s biography. What they seek from the subject is co-operation; permission to talk to current staff, access to the stables, horses and gallops, recommendations from the subject to his friends and former employees to speak with the author. If the author does not get all this the book is likely to be bare and uninteresting. If the author says one thing to get these permissions and recommendations, but then does something else with the book, then the unhappiness begins.
I received my copy last Saturday. It is much like any other trainer’s biography, but with the obvious addition of the personal problems that so interested the newspapers at the time. That section is called “The Depths”, some 29 pages in a book of 324 pages. The production values of the book are not good; the Racing Post did not do a good job on that side; the black and white pictures mingled in with the text are woeful, the quality of the paper and printing is not the best. The actual text is quite ordinary, there is not much new, and I felt it did not do justice to the achievements and personality of the man himself.
I find the Racing Post’s books shoddy. Having said that I have never read a trainer’s biography that wasn’t boring. I was sent to sleep by the one of Barry Hills, although it was worth it to hear such a towering figure allege the game was basically bent.
I have to say that as much as I want Sir Henry to be a hero, whenever I see him on TV he appears icy and arsy. However, he is not a well man and I dare say that is connected.
I have to say that as much as I want Sir Henry to be a hero, whenever I see him on TV he appears icy and arsy. However, he is not a well man and I dare say that is connected.
Do you have any examples?
"this perfect mix of poetry and destruction, this glory of rhythm, power and majesty: the undisputed champion of the world!!!"
. . . he also allegedly gets annoyed if anyone asks him for a tip. WHY?
Allegedly? Really? Any examples?
He is actually the opposite "professor". I saw him at Newbury a few years ago after Light Shift had won a conditions race and Phoenix Tower had won a handicap. As he was passing me I said "well done Henry". He stopped and turned to me and said "thank you very much. If you have any money left have a look at Tempelstern in the last. We are not here for the beer you know!" He finished 2nd!
Shortly after I had a small share in a horse than he trained. I saw him several times on the gallops and he was friendly, witty and charming. He showed a brilliant sense of humour and loved holding court with all the members of the syndicate. Those were special days and ones I won’t forget.
"Icy and arsy" – mmm. You couldn’t be more wrong although yes perhaps when one is doing ones best not to die one is not always on ones best form.
"this perfect mix of poetry and destruction, this glory of rhythm, power and majesty: the undisputed champion of the world!!!"
. . . he also allegedly gets annoyed if anyone asks him for a tip. WHY?
Allegedly? Really? Any examples?
He is actually the opposite "professor". I saw him at Newbury a few years ago after Light Shift had won a conditions race and Phoenix Tower had won a handicap. As he was passing me I said "well done Henry". He stopped and turned to me and said "thank you very much. If you have any money left have a look at Tempelstern in the last. We are not here for the beer you know!" He finished 2nd!
Shortly after I had a small share in a horse than he trained. I saw him several times on the gallops and he was friendly, witty and charming. He showed a brilliant sense of humour and loved holding court with all the members of the syndicate. Those were special days and ones I won’t forget.
"Icy and arsy" – mmm. You couldn’t be more wrong although yes perhaps when one is doing ones best not to die one is not always on ones best form.
Well said Joni just as I would have imagined he would be, what a lovely story.
Things turn out best for those who make the best of how things turn out.... . . he also allegedly gets annoyed if anyone asks him for a tip. WHY?
Allegedly? Really? Any examples?
He is actually the opposite "professor". I saw him at Newbury a few years ago after Light Shift had won a conditions race and Phoenix Tower had won a handicap. As he was passing me I said "well done Henry". He stopped and turned to me and said "thank you very much. If you have any money left have a look at Tempelstern in the last. We are not here for the beer you know!" He finished 2nd!
Shortly after I had a small share in a horse than he trained. I saw him several times on the gallops and he was friendly, witty and charming. He showed a brilliant sense of humour and loved holding court with all the members of the syndicate. Those were special days and ones I won’t forget.
"Icy and arsy" – mmm. You couldn’t be more wrong although yes perhaps when one is doing ones best not to die one is not always on ones best form.
I did say he is not a well man and that may account for it. You did not need to make the point again as if it was an original thought.
I have seen him be a frosty on the BBC a few times in recent years. You have personal experience and I am happy to be corrected on the matter.
I read somewhere he chewed someone out who asked for a tip. Perhaps it’s the asking.Sir Henry is a charming, entertaining but ultimately flawed personality and he would be the first to admit the latter. Scott has dined out on people like this for too long with his annoying writing style the ego behind which often overshadows the subject, something I am guessing has occurred here.
There was always an air of mystery about Sir Henry which added to the allure, but with the onset of ill health and the intense media glare that Frankel attracted, he let his guard down and has suffered at the hands of a hack whose best years are behind him.
The mere fact that only one dedicated book, On The Level, has ever been published about Sir Henry tells you all you need to know about this very private and ultimately shy genius. Scott has clearly betrayed the trust bestowed upon him by a vulnerable man preoccupied with remaining alive. Shame on him.
. . . he also allegedly gets annoyed if anyone asks him for a tip. WHY?
Allegedly? Really? Any examples?
He is actually the opposite "professor". I saw him at Newbury a few years ago after Light Shift had won a conditions race and Phoenix Tower had won a handicap. As he was passing me I said "well done Henry". He stopped and turned to me and said "thank you very much. If you have any money left have a look at Tempelstern in the last. We are not here for the beer you know!" He finished 2nd!
Shortly after I had a small share in a horse than he trained. I saw him several times on the gallops and he was friendly, witty and charming. He showed a brilliant sense of humour and loved holding court with all the members of the syndicate. Those were special days and ones I won’t forget.
"Icy and arsy" – mmm. You couldn’t be more wrong although yes perhaps when one is doing ones best not to die one is not always on ones best form.
My old man has a very similar tale to tell of Sir Henry as yours Joni. Without asking Sit Henry marked his card re: Thomas Chippendale a couple of years ago, telling him very specifically not to back him on debut because York wouldnt suit. Sir Henry loathes media types, you know, the parasitcal wannabes who have live off the talented people who make the sport of racing what it is. He is infinitely more comfortable in the company of eccentric multi millionaores or the common man than any cynical journalist who will shaft hom in the name of inflated book sales.
Anybody claiming that Sir Henry is anything other than a nice man simply cannot have met him.
I’ve mentioned before how on a couple of occasions, when as a scruffy unemployed youngster (At the hands of a certain sudden pop icon.
) I would be walking up the Warren Hill to visit my mate -who’s dad worked for Sir Henry and lived at Warren Place- the great man has pulled over in his Mercedes to give me a lift. He would chat freely and always took the time to ask how we were and what we’d been up to.Obviously I’m not going to mention names but there are one or two ex members of his staff who would probably be serving long sentences in gaol if it wasn’t for his intervention. One particular lad who now holds a prominent position within the racing circuit was accompanied to court on more than one occasion and given a character reference by Sir Henry. Try telling him that the man is cool or stand-offish!
Despite being in a frightening state of health when I sent him my Frankel pictures recently he took the trouble to sign them without hesitation. How many other people finding themselves in the same poor health would even entertain the idea of such a trifling matter? I doubt I would if I’m honest.
You’d have to go some distance to find a nicer or more down to earth Knight of the realm. A true ‘man of the people’.
Sorry to anyone who’s met the man, but…
For anyone to think they know someone just because they’ve met/spoken to him/her once or twice – is nonsense. None of us know what was agreed between Sir Henry and Brough Scott.I don’t know much at all about Sir Henry’s private life, neither do I want to know for "knowing’s sake". All I am interested in is what makes him a great trainer. However, it may well be Brough Scott could not ignore Sir Henry’s troubles, as it possibly had everything to do with the career slump. ie It might have been impossible to write a "tribute" without a
small
chapter on less savoury aspects.
Value Is EverythingSorry to anyone who’s met the man, but…
For anyone to think they know someone just because they’ve met/spoken to him/her once or twice – is nonsense. None of us know what was agreed between Sir Henry and Brough Scott.I don’t know much at all about Sir Henry’s private life, neither do I want to know for "knowing’s sake". All I am interested in is what makes him a great trainer. However, it may well be Brough Scott could not ignore Sir Henry’s troubles, as it possibly had everything to do with the career slump. ie It might have been impossible to write a "tribute" without a
small
chapter on less savoury aspects.
Once or twice?? Get your facts right Ginger! I’ve been bumping into him around the town since I was ten years old and met him countless times over the years, most often in and around Warren Place. I’ve also known literally dozens of his staff and their families over the years, many of who have been close friends. I’ve yet to meet anyone outside of a few disgruntled punters who have met or known him and had a bad word to say about him.
I do know of many instances of his kindness and humanitarian spirit, but hey, let’s not let those facts bar a parasitic journo from playing up to the Kyle-watching element of society eh?
I’m one of those who’s only met Sir Henry about once a year,never at Nottingham races incredibly,one of his personal fav Courses for educating his 2yo’s but Henry knows Joe Public want to read a ‘Warts n all’ type of biography rather than a painting by numbers sort of book where everything is conveniently placed to paint the picture he wants us to portray him as.Anyone who’s been gifted a life of riley would have lived their life just like Sir Henry,he’s benefitted himself by using his title whether it be attracting Owners,purchasing Horses or booking a table at The Ivy,Henry has played his cards his way,he’s a man that has come across as Real and whether lifes been good to him,like the days of Lord Howard,Louis Freedman and the St Georges or whether times are hard like when Sheikh Mohammed removed his horses and the bottom fell out of his training career and his crediblity,Henry has risen from those Ashes like a Genie,a Genius! From the days of
Oath
,
Wince
and his last classic winner
Love divine
,Henry waited for near on 7 years for
Light Shift
to put him back on the big stage,incidentally owned by one of the few loyal owners to have stood by him in the Niarchos Family,along with Prince Khaled these two have been with Sir Henry for over 30 years,that in itself tells us something.The Real Henry Cecil knows that we accept his ‘Colourful’ past,he also knows those closest to him dont mention it for fear of reprisal as he rules with a tongue as sharp as the thorns on those famous Roses of his.Henry Cecil will go down as my all time fav Racehorse Trainer,he’s not my all time fav person as he’s always suffered from an aire of arrogance,he’s not conducted himself particularly well in interviews as he answers a question with a question and has an awkwardness about him,not uncommon for those brought up with privelidged upbringings.Poor Brough who struggles to string a sentance together at the best of times and who mumbled and stumbled through many an interview on C4 racing will feel the wrath of Sir Henry over this book,it shows neither man in particularly good light but as the saying goes ‘You live by the sword,you die by the sword’ that appropriately sums up both characters of this novel.
Sorry to anyone who’s met the man, but…
For anyone to think they know someone just because they’ve met/spoken to him/her once or twice – is nonsense. None of us know what was agreed between Sir Henry and Brough Scott.I don’t know much at all about Sir Henry’s private life, neither do I want to know for "knowing’s sake". All I am interested in is what makes him a great trainer. However, it may well be Brough Scott could not ignore Sir Henry’s troubles, as it possibly had everything to do with the career slump. ie It might have been impossible to write a "tribute" without a
small
chapter on less savoury aspects.
Once or twice?? Get your facts right Ginger! I’ve been bumping into him around the town since I was ten years old and met him countless times over the years, most often in and around Warren Place. I’ve also known literally dozens of his staff and their families over the years, many of who have been close friends. I’ve yet to meet anyone outside of a few disgruntled punters who have met or known him and had a bad word to say about him.
I do know of many instances of his kindness and humanitarian spirit, but hey, let’s not let those facts bar a parasitic journo from playing up to the Kyle-watching element of society eh?
Hammy,
I am not in any way running Sir Henry Cecil down, he is probably a very nice guy. All I am saying is – people who’ve metanyone
for five minutes at a time have no way of
truly
knowing the person concerned. Am sure Sir Henry is loved by most, if not all who come in to contact with him, friends, family, staff and aquaintences.
But have you met Brough Scott and know him well enough to describe as a "parasitic journo" Hammy?
None of us know what was agreed and I am
not
taking sides.
Value Is EverythingSorry to anyone who’s met the man, but…
For anyone to think they know someone just because they’ve met/spoken to him/her once or twice – is nonsense. None of us know what was agreed between Sir Henry and Brough Scott.I don’t know much at all about Sir Henry’s private life, neither do I want to know for "knowing’s sake". All I am interested in is what makes him a great trainer. However, it may well be Brough Scott could not ignore Sir Henry’s troubles, as it possibly had everything to do with the career slump. ie It might have been impossible to write a "tribute" without a
small
chapter on less savoury aspects.
Once or twice?? Get your facts right Ginger! I’ve been bumping into him around the town since I was ten years old and met him countless times over the years, most often in and around Warren Place. I’ve also known literally dozens of his staff and their families over the years, many of who have been close friends. I’ve yet to meet anyone outside of a few disgruntled punters who have met or known him and had a bad word to say about him.
I do know of many instances of his kindness and humanitarian spirit, but hey, let’s not let those facts bar a parasitic journo from playing up to the Kyle-watching element of society eh?
Hammy,
I am not in any way running Sir Henry Cecil down, he is probably a very nice guy. All I am saying is – people who’ve metanyone
for five minutes at a time have no way of
truly
knowing the person concerned. Am sure Sir Henry is loved by most, if not all who come in to contact with him, friends, family, staff and aquaintences.
But have you met Brough Scott and know him well enough to describe as a "parasitic journo" Hammy?
None of us know what was agreed and I am
not
taking sides.
No, I haven’t. I take your point and that’s fair comment Ginger. I suppose my contention was made in the heat of the moment. Actually I’ve always thought Brough Scott to be a decent bloke truth be told. However if he has deliberately betrayed Sir Henry in order to capatalize on sensationalism then as far as I am concerned my comment will stand.
The rest is true though, and Sir Henry is, in my experience, both a gentleman and an egalitarian.
And I maintain that the voyeur like modernistic malaise of wanting to pry into the intimate parts of people’s private lives has nothing whatsoever to do with the Sir Henry story. A story about arguably the greatest English flat trainer of all time. Speaking personally I have no desire at all to read about his ‘warts’, and Scott has lost at least one sale already.
No, I haven’t. I take your point and that’s fair comment Ginger. I suppose my contention was made in the heat of the moment. Actually I’ve always thought Brough Scott to be a decent bloke truth be told. However if he has deliberately betrayed Sir Henry in order to capatalize on sensationalism then as far as I am concerned my comment will stand.
The rest is true though, and Sir Henry is, in my experience, both a gentleman and an egalitarian.
And I maintain that the voyeur like modernistic malaise of wanting to pry into the intimate parts of people’s private lives has nothing whatsoever to do with the Sir Henry story. A story about arguably the greatest English flat trainer of all time. Speaking personally I have no desire at all to read about his ‘warts’, and Scott has lost at least one sale already.
Am a great fan myself Hammy, if asked to nominate my favourite trainer of all time it would be Sir Henry Cecil; even find his foppish character charming. Coming from a priveledged background or working class, makes no difference to me whatsoever; and neither does his private life.
Is it possible Brough did not want to write a chapter about the man’s problems Hammy?
How do you write a
truthful
"tribute" to the great man, without explaining possible reasons for the dip in form? Should Brough have invented reasons for the wilderness years? Or should he tell (what he sees as) the truth.
I haven’t read the book Hammy, but if Sir Henry’s problems are confined to one chapter, then can’t the book still be seen as a "tribute"?
May be Sir Henry is vindicated believing he’s been betrayed, we don’t know.
Value Is Everything
) I would be walking up the Warren Hill to visit my mate -who’s dad worked for Sir Henry and lived at Warren Place- the great man has pulled over in his Mercedes to give me a lift. He would chat freely and always took the time to ask how we were and what we’d been up to.
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