Taken from Dick Francis' 1971 novel Bonecrack, this audio work is a highly enjoyable radio play put out by the BBC. It is performed with a significant cast of actors with distinctive voices, along with sound effects (including horse and horse racing sounds). Rendered in 90 minutes, it presents a full, satisfying plot with exciting moments.

Neil Griffon has taken over the supervision of his father's stables of race horses while his father is hospitalized. Neil is kidnapped by crime czar Enso Rivera, and forced to take Rivera's son 18 year old Alessandro and teach him to be a jockey. Alessandro is at first arrogant, demanding, and disrespectful, and turning him into a jockey is quite a challenge. However, under Neil's tutelage, he becomes a skillful jockey and the bond he forms with Neil arouses his father's anger and jealousy.

In the audio version, the plot is compelling, the action riveting, and the ending fully satisfying. I highly, highly recommend it, ( )