Crime writer Dick Francis, who drew on his own experience as a successful steeplechase jockey for his racing thrillers, has died at the age of 89.
Dick was a champion jockey in the 1950s – his most memorable racing moment coming when he rode the Queen Mother’s horse Devon Loch in Britain’s prestigious Grand National race. The horse belly-flopped 50m from the winning post, without reason, losing Dick the race.
Racing commentator John ocCririck says, “He will forever be remembered for that moment of defeat in the Grand National and the dignity that he showed. Can you imagine losing that great prize in such a traumatic event?”
Dick suffered a fall soon after this, with the injury forcing him to take up writing at a national newspaper in 1957 as a racing correspondent. He took to the career like a duck to water, penning more than 40 novels, many of which became international bestsellers.
His award-winning books were so popular that the Queen herself was an avid reader and often requested a first edition.
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