'Even the title John Oaksey chose for his autobiography confirms Mince Pie For Starters as the imperative read for racing fans this christmas' -- The Times 20031213 'Fantastic news for anyone who has even a passing interest in horses and horseracing ... [a] very enjoyable book' -- J.A.McGrath, Daily Telegraph 20031030 'John Oaksey is the archetypal English gentleman. He is a sweetheart, a star, the bravest of the brave, funny and kind...I loved this charming book: old fashioned the standards may be, modest to an almost ridiculous degree the style, but shining through it all is a man in love with life, with sport, tradition and competition. How lucky the sport of racing has been to have him as its leading writer and advocate for so many years' -- Stoker Hartington, Spectator 20031115 '[a] delightful and often hilarious autobiography...splendid memoir' -- Country Life 20031002 'The imperative read for racing fans this Christmas' -- Chris McGrath, The Times 20031213 'Hilarious anecdotes ... Oaksey is a gripping storyteller. Not only is this one of the best racing books that has ever been written but it also reveals an honest and generous character' -- Chris Goulding, Sunday Express 20031214 'One of the most remarkable feats of sportswriting I have witnessed was by a mud-splattered jockey who had just been narrowly beaten in the 1963 Grand National. Within minutes he was crouched in a noisy, sweltering, overcrowded Press room penning 1,200 words on the emotions of losing in the last few yards to a 66-1 outsider, Ayala, to catch the first edition of a Sunday newspaper. If I have ever seen ultimate professionalism that was it' -- Ian Wooldridge, Daily Mail 20031115
