Tommy Corrigan (Killed, Steeplechasing at Flemin
This work is a biographical account of a jockey's life and career. The narrative focuses on his rise to prominence in the world of steeplechasing, culminating in a fatal accident at Flemington. The story explores themes of ambition, risk-taking, and the consequences of pushing oneself beyond physical limits. Through the protagonist's experiences, the work examines the culture of competitive sports and the human cost of striving for excellence. The narrative is characterized by a straightforward, matter-of-fact style that conveys the harsh realities of the protagonist's world without sentimentality or embellishment.
By Andrew Barton Paterson · First published 1908 · Genre: Biography, Sports, History · 464 words
First lines
You talk of riders on the flat, of nerve and pluck and pace, Not one in fifty has the nerve to ride a steeplechase. It's right enough while horses pull and take their fences strong, To rush a flier to the front and bring the field along; But what about the last half-mile, with horses blown and beat -- When every jump means all you know to keep him on his feet?
What this Textopian page supports
Tommy Corrigan (Killed, Steeplechasing at Flemington.) is listed on Textopian as a poem by Andrew Barton Paterson, dated 1908 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Andrew Barton Paterson
- Date: 1908 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Biography, Sports, History, Drama
- Length: 464 words
- Structure: 1 section, 5 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Tommy Corrigan (Killed, Steeplechasing at Flemington.) by Andrew Barton Paterson
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Tommy Corrigan (Killed, Steeplechasing at Flemington.)?
- How does this poem by Andrew Barton Paterson fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Biography first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- The Poets Doom by Ambrose Bierce
- A Disqualified Jockeys Story by Andrew Barton Paterson
- Two Statesmen by Ambrose Bierce
- The Patriot And The Banker by Ambrose Bierce
- The Massacre by Ambrose Bierce
- Only A Jockey by Andrew Barton Paterson
Genres
- Biography — The book title suggests it covers the life and the tragic event of Tommy Corrigan, making the biography genre the most relevant.
- Sports — Clearly, the 'Steeplechasing at Fleming' reference implicates the sports genre, specifically horse racing.
- History — Recounting the life and events of a historical figure implies a historical context and facts.
- Drama — The tragic event of being killed suggests dramatic elements in the storyline.
Tags
horse racing · steeplechasing · Flemington · Australia · Victoria · 19th century · historical fiction · novella · short story · tragedy · death · sports