THE Kerry-based journalist Stephen Fernane has written a book about the 1910 Derby-winning jockey Bernard Dillon.

Born in 1887, the boy from Tralee grew up to be the most famous flat jockey in Edwardian England. The journey of Bernard from riding ponies in the quiet fields near his home to horseracing’s most prestigious venues is a tale of success and human hardship.

While the highlight of Bernard’s career came in 1910 when winning the Derby, it would mark a tragic decline in fortunes as he turned to alcohol, gambling, and a tempestuous love affair with the famous music-hall artiste, Marie Lloyd.

Between the occasional glimpses of colour, love, and gaiety from Edwardian England’s most famous couple, their life together often exposed a dark and violent side to Bernard Dillon that eroded his reputation as a celebrity jockey.

For the first time since his death in 1941, Bernard’s story is told in full with all its raw intensity and human frailties.

The Life and Times of Bernard Dillon: The Narie that won the Derby will be launched next Thursday (June 6th) at the Kerins O’Rahilly’s GAA Club in Tralee at 7pm.

The book is priced at €15.

Web: buythebook.ie/bernarddillon