The sporting chance

"The Sporting Chance" by Alice Askew is a story about a young man named Mostyn Clithero who feels stuck between his dad's rigid rules and his own wish for a thrilling, sports-filled life, mostly focused on horse racing. Set during the lively Derby, Mostyn's personal journey plays out amidst the dazzling and exciting world of racing. We meet important people like Sir Roderick Macphane, or "Old Rory," who really wants to win the Derby with his horse, Hipponous. Mostyn, with his friend Pierce Trelawny, is thrilled but also knows he doesn't know much about horse racing. As they head to the Derby, Mostyn struggles with being made fun of for not knowing enough, especially by Captain Armitage and the scornful Rada Armitage. After a day full of excitement and the thrill of the races, Mostyn bravely declares that he will win a Derby, which leads to problems with his father and shapes his own goals in the racing world.