Writer Dick Francis Dead at 89

Famous mystery writer Dick Francis died of natural causes at his Cayman Island home yesterday as reported in the San Francisco Chronicle. Who was Dick Francis? Why was he so special?

If you have ever read a Dick Francis novel you would know why he was so special. His books were very realistic of the British racing scene. His stories were full of racing lore and trivia. Who better to write this type of novel then a former champion steeplechase jockey born in Wales? Mr. Francis did what every writer should do and that's write about what you know.

Early Years of Dick Francis

Mr. Francis was born Richard Stanley Francis on October 31, 1920 in Lawrenny, South Wales. His father was a stable manager and former jockey. He left school at the age of 15 to become a jockey. He first became a horse trainer in 1938. He worked that job until serving in the Royal Air Force during World War II. He was a fighter and a bomber pilot who went back to horse racing in 1946 just before he married in 1947.

Dick Francis Champion Steeplechase Jockey

After leaving the RAF in 1946 Mr. Francis started his career as a jockey in the British National Hunt racing league. He won 350 races and rode for the Queen Mother, Queen Elizabeth. He was riding her horse Devon Loch in the 1956 Grand Nationals when closing to winning the horse went down un-expectantly.

Mr. Francis retired from horse racing in 1957 after a serious fall. He was named Champion Jockey by the British National Hunt racing league in the 1953-54 racing season.

Dick Francis Best-Selling Mystery Author

As a young man leaving college I started reading for enjoyment Mr. Francis's mystery novels and was intrigued by the authenticity and excitement of his style. His stories were very un-predictable and his endings always surprising. I would literarily struggle to put them down.

Mr. Francis wrote 42 novels mostly surrounding the British racing scene. He was the only writer to win three Edgar Awards for Best Novel from the Mystery Writers of America, first for Forfeit in 1970, Whip Hand in 1981 and Come to Grief in 1996.

After winning many awards Mr. Francis was awarded Commander of the British Empire in 2000.

Dick Francis will be missed but he leaves a legacy of great mystery books that I hope you will read.

Sources:
San Francisco Chronicle ( www.sfgate.com Feb.15, 2010)
Wikipedia (www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dick_Francis/)