cookiesinheaven

Sunday, February 14, 2010

R.I.P. - Dick Francis

A truly remarkable and talented man, both on the back of a horse and writing about the horse racing world, has reached the final finish line.

Dick Francis, the prolific bestselling author and former professional jockey, has died aged 89, his family announced today.

Best known for his thrillers set in the racing world – he was the author of 42 novels – francis was also one of the most successful postwar national hunt jockeys.

The winner of more than 350 races, he was champion jockey in 1953/54 and rode for the Queen and the Queen Mother.

On the racetrack Francis was best known for riding the Queen Mother's horse, Devon Loch when it fell just short of the winning line in the 1956 Grand National. To "do a Devon Loch" is still synonymous with losing a race from an unassailable position. - the Times

God speed, Richard. Thanks for the spills and chills of your life and livelihood. There will not be another quite like you, of that I am "Dead Cert."