A second chance

Johnny, a 16yo school-leaver, has soured on life, especially his life and his biker gang. Dunfermline, a steeplechaser, has soured on racing.
Much more in-depth than some current-day formulaic "young adult - meets - horses" novel, this story gets into the heads and hearts of all the major characters. It was published in the '60s but is also very up to date in the 21st century.
Also great for fans of Dick Francis and *National Velvet*.