‘Like every jockey, I was battered. I broke my collarbone eight times, my back, my skull, legs, arms, ankles – you name it, I broke it’

definite I’d spend the afternoon at Flemington Racecourse for the Melbourne Cup and in the evening my kids – Michael, 31, and Henrietta, 27 – would join us on a beach in Tahiti for a fish barbecue and champagne. I’d end the day at home in article Newmarket with a glass of brandy. We ask a celebrity a set of devilishly The crime you would commit knowing probing questions – and only accept you could get away with it... I’d steal a Ferrari and zoom along the A14 to THE definitive answer. This week it’s Newmarket without getting a ticket. The song that means most to you... winner Bob Champion Sailing by Rod Stewart. It always The prized possession you value above The misapprehension about yourself puts me in a good frame of mind. all others... My award, you wish you could erase...… That I The happiest moment you will cherish which I got at the BBC Sports Person- only won one race! I rode forever... Winning the National at my ality Of The Year awards in 2011 for 500-plus winners. ninth attempt was an amazing sensation. my charity work. The Bob Champion The pet hate that Cancer Trust has raised more than The saddest time that shook your makes your hack- ­£14 million since 1983 and that award world... Losing both parents to cancer les rise... Litter. meant more to me than anything. – my dad Bob in 1985 aged 75 and my I’d like to see The treasured The poem that touches your soul... mum Phyllis in 2010 aged 90 – was The biggest regret you wish you could prisoners clear- item you lost Home-Thoughts, From Abroad by Rob- very sad. They meant the world to me. amend... Not winning the Cheltenham ing it up so they’re and wish you could ert Browning. It’s a beautiful poem Gold Cup. After the Grand National, not sitting around all day. have again... I’d like to have about England in spring. The order of service at your funeral... it’s the jewel all jockeys want to win. I’d be brought into the church to the The figure from history for whom good knees again! I’m 68 and arthri- The event that altered the course of theme music from Champions, the The temptation you wish you could you’d most like to buy a pie and a pint... tis and old injuries hurt. Like every your life and character... Being diag- film about my life with John Hurt, resist... Fry’s Turkish Delight. I eat I’d like to be in Muhammad Ali’s cor- jockey, I was battered. I broke my col- nosed with cancer and given four or and taken out to We Are The Cham- pretty healthily, but I have a sweet ner when he fought George Foreman larbone eight times, and had breaks in five months to live was a shock. I was pions by Queen. I want my ashes tooth and I find them too moreish. in The Rumble in the Jungle in 1974. I my back, shoulders, skull, legs, arms, offered a new type of chemo with only scattered with my mum and dad’s. saw him at the Sports Personality Of ankles. You name it, I broke it! The book that holds an everlasting a 30 per cent chance of success. I The Year once and I’ve never wit- The way you want to be remem- ­resonance... I love ’s The film you can watch time and time wasn’t sure what to do, but then the nessed such a powerful aura. bered... A nice fella and a decent thrillers in general, but the again... The Magnificent Seven. I saw it doctor said, ‘If you were given a 6-4 jockey whose charity helped find a racing world isn’t as glam- The piece of wisdom you would pass four times at the cinema as a kid. I liked shot to ride, you’d give it a go, wouldn’t breakthrough to cure cancer. orous as he makes out. on to a child... Always give yourself Yul Brynner best as he was so hard. you?’ The chemo was brutal, but it a goal. When I was diagnosed with worked. I still have yearly check-ups. The Plug... Please support The Bob The priority activity if The unfulfilled ambition that continues testicular cancer in 1979 my dream Champion Cancer Trust by donating you were the Invisible to haunt you... Winning the Monaco The way you would spend your fantasy was to be well enough to ride again. via www.bobchampion.org.uk. n Man for a day... I’d listen Grand Prix for Ferrari would be fun, 24 hours, with no travel restrictions... I’m certain that helped me As told to Rob McGibbon to David Cameron but a bit unlikely now! I’d spend all day with my pull through. talking to his The philosophy that underpins your partner Jeanette. We’d have closest friends The person who has life... You’re only as good as your last a big platter of tropical fruit to find out what influenced you race has always been my mantra. for breakfast on a beach in he really thinks most... The trainer Hawaii, then I’d do a bit of The unlikely interest that engages about Boris Josh Gifford. We bodyboarding. After that your curiosity... Fashion! You might Johnson and won the Grand we’d go for a long walk up not think that, seeing the way I dress,

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ett Next week k, g c PS... l Vicky McClure takes us o st r Mark Rylance is Roald Dahl’s BFG in the new film – in cinemas backstage on her new thriller utte h s l x/ The Secret Agent Delicious e from Friday. Beverley Knight stars in The Bodyguard at London’s r/r

ve summer dishes in part three Dominion Theatre from Thursday. And the Pet Shop Boys of our Elizabeth David gro: paul s h recipe series l PLUS ap

ogr play four nights at the Royal Opera House from Wednesday t Britain’s best TV guide ho p

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