Description
Book SynopsisMike Tucker was born into a life of farming and horses. His passion and hard work enabled him to progress from international groom to successful international event rider, top level Eventing official and television commentator. The pinnacle of Mike's career as a commentator was covering Nick Skelton's Gold Medal at the Rio Olympics in 2016 for the BBC. In `The Man Behind the Mike' we learn about Mike's family history and the connection with the Badminton Estate where his grandfather farmed; The Beaufort Pony Club, a huge influence in his life with many top level riders being members; a visit to Australia, staying with the Roycroft family, which proved to be a pivotal moment in his efforts to become a successful event rider; and about Mike's second place at Badminton, which laid the foundations of his credibility as a rider and commentator. The `voice behind the microphone' had the experience and knowledge to commentate with authority and to command respect from the listening public at venues of not just horse trials but also show jumping, dressage, and shows in general. The wealth of experience and lifetime involvement in the world of equestrian sport has enabled him to travel all over the world meeting many different people and sharing his expertise. We are told many funny, revealing, fascinating and sometimes sad anecdotes of his experiences of the successes and failures along the way and we are given a true insight into the real stories behind the headlines, and `The Man Behind the Mike'.
Trade ReviewJane Wallace has done a heroic job in completing this book and has thoroughly done justice to a quite irreplaceable man of great passion, kindness and, above all, humour.
-- Kate Green * Country Life *
A fantastic book which gives a tremendous insight of the late Mike Tucker.
The Man Behind the Mike should be on everyone's read list – a superb tribute to someone who gave so much to the sport. * British Showjumping *
Table of Contents
- Revisiting the Pinnacle
- To Be a Farmer's Boy
- Schooldays and Pony Club
- Eventing Begins in Earnest
- Antipodean Invasion
- The Mexico Olympics
- Return from Mexico
- New Life Together
- Dalwhinnie and Bugle
- Commentating – Mike on the Mike
- Official Roles
- Field Master and Steward
- Farming and Family Life
