While Dick Francis set the bar when it came to writing Grade 1 racing thrillers, few have managed to reach that same level, though many have tried. A racing fan and participant, David Lipsey knows a thing or two about racing but his effort here is not much better than plating class.

He will win few Irish fans with his depiction of the Cheltenham visitors from these shores. “The Irish may not have made up a majority of the crowd but they certainly made most of the noise. The air was thick with the craic, all Jameson’s breath and tales of betting derring-do.”

That apart, the story involves a fairly typical set of stereotypes and an unlikely tale involving a former champion jockey. It gallops along and has a few moments. It is the type of book to take on a short break away, and then leave it behind. It reminds me of some fast food outlets – you quite enjoy the food while you are having it, but afterwards question why.

Counter Coup by David Lipsey is published by Hay Press.

Price: £9.99 in paperback

Web: haypress.co.uk