John Francome

John Francome
MBE
Occupation
Born (1952-12-13) 13 December 1952 (age 71)
Swindon, England
Career wins1,138
Major racing wins
Cheltenham Gold Cup, Stayers' Hurdle, Champion Hurdle, King George VI Chase, Sun Alliance Chase
Honours

John Francome MBE (born 13 December 1952) is a retired seven-time British Champion jump jockey. He was previously a racing trainer and broadcaster with Channel 4, and is an author.

Racing career

Francome first rode a pony called Black Beauty at the age of six. His first riding successes came as a showjumper, and was a member of the team that won the European Junior Show Jumping Championship for Great Britain.

Francome's father secured a meeting with trainer Fred Winter and he became an apprentice in October 1969. His first race ride came at Worcester in December 1970, a race he won riding Multigrey trained by Godfrey Burr. In February 1971, Francome rode his first of 575 winners for trainer Winter on Osceola at Towcester. Osbaldeston was an early success story for the Francome/Winter partnership, notching up 17 victories.

Francome won his first British Champion Jump Jockey title in the 1975/76 season. The same year he secured his first Grade 1 victory in the Sun Alliance Chase at Cheltenham with Pengrail. On his way to the 1977/78 British Champion Jump Jockey title, he won the Cheltenham Gold Cup on Midnight Court. In 1981, he won the Stayers Hurdle on Derring Rose by 30 lengths again for Winter.

One of Francome's most successful horses was Burrough Hill Lad, trained by Jenny Pitman. Francome took victories in the Welsh Grand National, Hennessy Gold Cup and King George VI Chase. At the 1984 Gold Cup, Francome could not ride Burrough Hill Lad due to his retainer with Winter, and finished second with Brown Chamberlin - a horse he had won both the Sun Alliance Chase and Hennessy Gold Cup on. Alongside riding for Pitman, Francome had success riding for Michael Dickinson, successes on Wayward Lad in the 1982 King George VI Chase and also on Silver Buck, Bregawn and Flatterer.

Whilst many top successes came in Chases, Francome had success over hurdles with Sea Pigeon winning the 1981 Champion Hurdle.

During the 1982 season, Francome stopped riding once he drew level with competitor, Peter Scudamore, in the Jump Jockeys Championship as Scudamore was injured. The two shared the title.[1] Francome broke Stan Mellor's record of 1035 wins on Don't Touch at Fontwell in May 1984.[2]

In 1985, Francome retired and had ridden 1,138 winners over jumps in Britain and a total of seven British Champion Jump Jockey Titles.[3][4][5][6]

The John Francome Novices' Chase at Newbury was named after him in 2017.[7]

Major wins

United Kingdom Great Britain

Cheltenham Festival winners (5)

Controversies

Francome had several controversial moments during his riding career. In 1978 he was suspended for 35 days for passing information to bookmaker, John Banks.[8] He once famously referred to the racing stewards as "Cabbage Patch Dolls".[6]

Career after racing

Writer

In 1986, Francome published his first fictional novel Eavesdropper. He went on to write a further 24 books. His most recent novel was Storm Rider published in 2010.[9] His autobiography Born Lucky was published in 1985.[10]

Bibliography

Francome's fictional books:

Title Publication Date ISBN
Eavesdropper 1986 0-356-12744-3
Riding High 1987 0-356-14558-1
Declared Dead 1988 0-7472-0087-4
Blood Stock 1989 0-7472-0129-3
Stone Cold 1990 0-7472-0227-3
Stud Poker 1991 0-7472-0390-3
Rough Ride 1992 0-7472-0566-3
Outsider 1993 0-7472-0749-6
Break Neck 1994 0-7472-1032-2
Dead Ringer 1995 0-7472-1264-3
False Start 1996 0-7472-1653-3
High Flyer 1997 0-7472-1896-X
Safe Bet 1998 0-7472-2133-2
Tip Off 1999 0-7472-2134-0
Lifeline 2000 0-7472-7239-5
Dead Weight 2001 0-7472-7241-7
Inside Track 2002 0-7553-0060-2
Stalking Horse 2003 0-7553-0668-6
Back Hander 2004 0-7553-0681-3
Cover Up 2005 0-7553-2690-3
Winner Takes All 2006 0-7553-2948-1
Dark Horse 2007 978-0-7553-4703-2
Final Breath 2008 978-0-7553-3728-6
Deadly Finish 2009 978-0-7553-4990-6
Storm Rider 2010 978-0-7394-3069-9

Francome's non fiction books:

Title Publication Date ISBN
Born Lucky 1986 978-0-5521-3070-7
Twice Lucky 1988 978-0-7472-3382-4

Broadcaster

Francome was a member of the Channel 4 Racing television broadcast team. He appeared on the weekly show The Morning Line and also on race day broadcasts. In 2012, when Channel 4 Racing changed production companies from Highflyer to IMG, Francome left his role.[11][12]

Injured Jockeys Fund

Between 2012 and 2016, Francome was the President of The Injured Jockeys Fund. From 2017, he became a Vice Patron alongside fellow jockeys AP McCoy and Frankie Dettori.[13][14]

Personal life

Francome was born in Swindon, Wiltshire. In 1976 he married Miriam Strigner. The couple divorced in 1990.[15] Sam Ricketts, the former professional footballer for Wales is his nephew.[16]

In the 1986 New Year Honours, Francome was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) "for services to National Hunt Racing."[17][18]

Francome built and owns Beechdown Farm in Lambourn, a stableyard and training facility that can house 96 horses. Clive Cox is currently the resident racing trainer.[19][20]

References

  1. ^ "Francomes visit to Dundalk track in 1984 is recalled". Irish Independent. Retrieved 27 June 2022.
  2. ^ "Stan Mellor Obituary". The Times. Retrieved 27 June 2022.
  3. ^ "A pleasure to behold in the saddle, he proved the greatest of his time". The Free Library by Racing Post. Retrieved 27 June 2022.
  4. ^ "John Francome". Swindonweb. Retrieved 27 June 2022.
  5. ^ "John Francome". championsofracing.com. Retrieved 27 June 2022.
  6. ^ a b "Legends of the sport: Seven-time champion National Hunt jockey John Francome". Horse & Hound. Retrieved 27 June 2022.
  7. ^ "Jump Pattern Book Blog 2017/18". BHA. 11 October 2017. Retrieved 21 October 2017.
  8. ^ "Bradley ban 'unforgivable'". The Guardian. Retrieved 27 June 2022.
  9. ^ "JOHN FRANCOME BOOKS IN ORDER". bookseriesinorder.com. Retrieved 27 June 2022.
  10. ^ "Born Lucky". Retrieved 27 June 2022.
  11. ^ "Thanks for all the great memories Channel 4". Irish Examiner. Retrieved 27 June 2022.
  12. ^ "ITV wins terrestrial rights to show racing from 2017 as Channel 4 exits". The Guardian. Retrieved 27 June 2022.
  13. ^ "Patrons, Presidents & Trustees". The Injured Jockeys Fund. Retrieved 27 June 2022.
  14. ^ "IJF president John Francome the charity is here to help riders get back on track". Horse & Hound. Retrieved 27 June 2022.
  15. ^ "Francome, John 1952–". Encyclopedia.com. Retrieved 27 June 2022.
  16. ^ "Sam Ricketts: My journey from the stable door to Bolton Wanderers". The Guardian. Retrieved 27 June 2022.
  17. ^ UK list: "No. 50361". The London Gazette (Supplement). 31 December 1985. p. 13.
  18. ^ "Lambourn Personalities – Johnny Francome". lambourn.org. Retrieved 27 June 2022.
  19. ^ "Rodney Masters speaks to John Francome about his time with Fred Winter". Racing Post. Retrieved 27 June 2022.
  20. ^ "Beechdown Stables". Clive Cox Racing. Retrieved 27 June 2022.
Awards
Preceded by RTS Television Sport Awards
Best Sports Pundit
2004 		Succeeded by

Read other articles:

Riemann–Siegel theta function

In mathematics, the Riemann–Siegel theta function is defined in terms of the gamma function as θ ( t ) = arg ⁡ ( Γ ( 1 4 + i t 2 ) ) − log ⁡ π 2 t {\displaystyle \theta (t)=\arg \left(\Gamma \left({\frac {1}{4}}+{\frac {it}{2}}\right)\right)-{\frac {\log \pi }{2}}t} for real values of t. Here the argument is chosen in such a way that a continuous function is obtained and θ ( 0 ) = 0 {\displaystyle \theta (0)=0} holds, i.e., in the same w...

 

 

Forlimpopoli Calcio 1928

ASD Forlimpopoli Calcio 1928Calcio Segni distintivi Uniformi di gara Casa Trasferta Colori sociali Bianco, azzurro Simboli Gallo Dati societari Città Forlimpopoli Nazione  Italia Confederazione UEFA Federazione FIGC Campionato Promozione Emilia-Romagna Fondazione 1928 Rifondazione1950 Stadio Stadio G. Filippi(800 posti) Sito web www.forlimpopolicalcio.com Palmarès Si invita a seguire il modello di voce L'A.S.D. Forlimpopoli Calcio 1928, meglio conosciuto come Forlimpopoli, è una ...

 

 

Greenway Wing (Supreme Court of New South Wales)

Heritage-listed courthouse in Sydney, Australia This article is about the building. For the court, see Supreme Court of New South Wales. Greenway Wing (Supreme Court of New South Wales)Greenway Wing on King StreetLocationCorner of King and Elizabeth, Sydney, City of Sydney, New South Wales, AustraliaCoordinates33°52′11″S 151°12′38″E / 33.8698°S 151.2106°E / -33.8698; 151.2106Built1820–1828ArchitectFrancis GreenwayStandish Lawrence HarrisJames BarnetArchit...

James J. Andrews

American Union Army espionage agent during the American Civil War This article is about the Civil War raider. For the mathematician, see James J. Andrews (mathematician). James J. AndrewsEngraving of Andrews from 1887Bornc. 1829Holiday's Cove, Virginia, US (now Weirton, West Virginia)DiedJune 7, 1862 (aged 32–33)Atlanta, Georgia, USBuriedChattanooga National CemeteryAllegiance United StatesService/branchUnion ArmyRankCivilianBattles/warsAmerican Civil War Great Locomotive Chas...

 

 

Folklor

Supay dalam tarian diablada. Supay merupakan dewa atau iblis kematian dalam cerita rakyat Inka. Folklor atau budaya rakyat (serapan dari Belanda: folklorecode: nl is deprecated ) dapat meliputi cerita rakyat, legenda, musik, sejarah lisan, pepatah, lelucon, takhayul, dongeng, dan kebiasaan yang menjadi tradisi dalam suatu budaya, subbudaya, atau kelompok. Folklor juga merupakan salah satu sarana dalam penyebaran berbagai tradisi budaya. Bidang studi yang mempelajari folklor disebut folklorist...

 

 

Bilangan 6

Halaman ini berisi artikel tentang pasal 6 Kitab Bilangan dalam Alkitab Kristen atau Ibrani. Untuk bilangan dalam arti angka 6, lihat 6 (angka). Bilangan 6Kitab Bilangan lengkap pada Kodeks Leningrad, dibuat tahun 1008.KitabKitab BilanganKategoriTauratBagian Alkitab KristenPerjanjian LamaUrutan dalamKitab Kristen4← pasal 5 pasal 7 → Bilangan 6 (disingkat Bil 6) adalah pasal keenam Kitab Bilangan dalam Alkitab Ibrani dan Perjanjian Lama di Alkitab Kristen. Termasuk dalam kumpulan k...

Royal Wessex Yeomanry

Royal Wessex YeomanryCap badge of The Royal Wessex YeomanryActive1 April 1971 – presentAllegiance United KingdomBranch British ArmyTypeYeomanryRoleArmoured ReinforcementSizeOne regimentPart ofRoyal Armoured CorpsHeadquartersAllenby Barracks, Bovington Camp, Dorset, EnglandNickname(s)Wessex WarriorsMarchSlow: Scimitar Hill ( Sherborne) Quick: God Bless the Prince of WalesMascot(s)Ramrod Darcy III, Dorset RamCommandersCurrentcommanderLt Col Anthony SharmanRoyal Honorary Colonel...

 

 

ソー (オー＝ド＝セーヌ県)

Sceaux 行政国 フランス地域圏 (Région) イル＝ド＝フランス地域圏県 (département) オー＝ド＝セーヌ県郡 (arrondissement) アントニー郡小郡 (canton) 小郡庁所在地INSEEコード 92071郵便番号 92330市長（任期） フィリップ・ローラン（2008年-2014年）自治体間連合 (fr) メトロポール・デュ・グラン・パリ人口動態人口 19,679人（2007年）人口密度 5466人/km2住民の呼称 Scéens地理座標 北緯48度4...

 

 

2005–06 LSU Tigers basketball team

American college basketball season 2005–06 LSU Tigers basketballSEC regular season championsNCAA tournament, Final FourConferenceSoutheastern ConferenceRankingCoachesNo. 3APNo. 19Record27–9 (14–2 SEC)Head coachJohn Brady (9th season)Home arenaPete Maravich Assembly CenterSeasons← 2004–052006–07 → 2005–06 Southeastern Conference men's basketball standings vte Conf Overall Team W   L   PCT W   L   PCT East No. 18 ...

مدرسة طب كلية لندن الجامعية

مدرسة طب كلية لندن الجامعية معلومات التأسيس 1746  الموقع الجغرافي إحداثيات 51°31′18″N 0°08′05″W / 51.5218°N 0.1348°W / 51.5218; -0.1348   المكان لندن  البلد المملكة المتحدة  إحصاءات الموقع الموقع الرسمي  تعديل مصدري - تعديل   مدرسة طب كلية لندن الجامعية (بالإنجليزية: ...

 

 

منتخب جمهورية أيرلندا لكأس ديفيز

يفتقر محتوى هذه المقالة إلى الاستشهاد بمصادر. فضلاً، ساهم في تطوير هذه المقالة من خلال إضافة مصادر موثوق بها. أي معلومات غير موثقة يمكن التشكيك بها وإزالتها. (يوليو 2019) منتخب جمهورية أيرلندا لكأس ديفيز البلد جمهورية أيرلندا المملكة المتحدة  الكابتن كونور نيلاند تصنيف ITF 9...

 

 

Burgstall (Börde)

Pour les articles homonymes, voir Burgstall. Burgstall Armoiries Administration Pays Allemagne Land Saxe-Anhalt Arrondissement(Landkreis) Arrondissement de la Börde Nombre de quartiers(Ortsteile) 5 Bourgmestre(Bürgermeister) Sigurd Heimann Code postal 39517 Code communal(Gemeindeschlüssel) 15 0 83 120 Indicatif téléphonique 039364 Immatriculation BK, BÖ, HDL, OC, OK, WMS, WZL Démographie Population 1 516 hab. (2022) Densité 13 hab./km2 Géographie Coordonnées 52°...

Lorenzo Hervás

Spanish Jesuit and famous philologist This article includes a list of general references, but it lacks sufficient corresponding inline citations. Please help to improve this article by introducing more precise citations. (May 2014) (Learn how and when to remove this message) Lorenzo Hervas (1794), by Angelica Kauffmann Part of a series onConservatism in Spain Ideologies Alfonsism Carlism Carloctavismo Carlo-francoism Francoism National Catholicism Integrism Maurism Mellismo Noucentisme Politi...

 

 

Marcus Licinius Crassus

Roman general and statesman (115 – 53 BC) This article is about the triumvir. For other uses, see Marcus Licinius Crassus (disambiguation) and Crassus (disambiguation). Marcus Licinius CrassusBust found in the Licinian Tombs in Rome, traditionally identified as Crassus.[1][2][3]Born115 BC[4]DiedJune 53 BC (aged 61–62)Near Carrhae (modern-day Harran, Şanlıurfa, Turkey)Cause of deathKilled in actionNationalityRomanOccupation(s)Military commander and po...

 

 

Fermat's principle

Principle of least time For other theorems named after Pierre de Fermat, see Fermat's theorem. Fig. 1: Fermat's principle in the case of refraction of light at a flat surface between (say) air and water. Given an object-point A in the air, and an observation point B in the water, the refraction point P is that which minimizes the time taken by the light to travel the path APB. If we seek the required value of x, we find that the angles α and β satisfy Snell's law. Fermat's p...

Dawki

Town in Meghalaya, IndiaDawki DaukitownUmngot river & Dawki Bridge in DawkiDawkiLocation in Meghalaya, IndiaShow map of MeghalayaDawkiDawki (India)Show map of IndiaCoordinates: 25°11′0″N 92°1′0″E / 25.18333°N 92.01667°E / 25.18333; 92.01667Country IndiaStateMeghalayaDistrictWest Jaintia HillsLanguages • OfficialWar, Khasi, EnglishTime zoneUTC+5:30 (IST)PIN793109Vehicle registrationMLNearest cityShillong, Jowai, Silchar Dawki or Dauki i...

 

 

Preston Gómez

Cuban baseball player and manager (1923-2009) Baseball player Preston GómezAs manager of the Spokane IndiansInfielder / ManagerBorn: (1923-04-20)April 20, 1923Central Preston, Oriente Province, CubaDied: January 13, 2009(2009-01-13) (aged 85)Fullerton, California, U.S.Batted: RightThrew: RightMLB debutMay 5, 1944, for the Washington SenatorsLast MLB appearanceAugust 12, 1944, for the Washington SenatorsMLB statisticsBatting average.286Home runs0Runs batted ...

 

 

Pappus d'Alexandrie

Pour les articles homonymes, voir Pappus. Pappus d'AlexandrieBiographieNaissance Vers 290Alexandrie (Empire romain)Décès Vers 350Nom dans la langue maternelle Πάππος ὁ ἈλεξανδρεύςNom de naissance ΠάπποςActivités Mathématicien, astronomePériode d'activité IIIe siècle-IVe siècleŒuvres principales Théorème de Clairaut, théorème de Pappus, Pappus configuration (d), Chaîne de Pappus, graphe de Pappusmodifier - modifier le code - modifier Wikidata Mathematic...

真性半導体

真性半導体（しんせいはんどうたい、英: intrinsic semiconductor）とは、添加物を混ぜていない純粋な半導体のことを指す。しかし、実際には不純物などの欠陥は固体中に必ず存在するため、欠陥の影響を無視できるような半導体を真性半導体と見なすことになる[1]。価電子帯の電子が熱や光によって伝導帯に励起することで、伝導帯には伝導電子が、価電子帯には�...

 

 

Machine

Powered mechanical device This article is about devices designed to perform tasks. For other uses, see Machine (disambiguation). Machinery redirects here. For other uses, see Machinery (disambiguation). Assorted worker-operated machinery at the Láng Machine Factory in Budapest, Hungary in 1977 A machine is a physical system that uses power to apply forces and control movement to perform an action. The term is commonly applied to artificial devices, such as those employing engines or motors, ...