Dick Francis

Date of Birth: October 31, 1920

Zodiac Sign: Scorpio

Date of Death: February 14, 2010

Biography

Dick Francis was a British author and former jockey, renowned for his mystery novels set in the world of horse racing. Born Richard Stanley Francis, he emerged as a prominent jockey in the 1940s and 1950s, riding for the British Royal Family. His career as a jockey was highlighted by winning over 350 races. However, his career was abruptly cut short following a serious fall during a race. After retiring from racing, Francis transitioned to writing. He initially worked as a racing correspondent for The Sunday Express, a role he held for 16 years. His debut novel, “Dead Cert,” was published in 1962 and established him as a significant figure in crime fiction. Over the following decades, Francis wrote more than 40 best-selling novels, often featuring themes of mystery and suspense intertwined with the racing world. Francis’s novels have been translated into multiple languages and have earned numerous awards, including the Edgar Award for Best Novel three times. He was made a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in recognition of his contributions to literature.

5 Interesting Facts about Dick Francis

1. Dick Francis served as a pilot in the Royal Air Force during World War II.

2. His first novel, “Dead Cert,” was inspired by his own experiences as a jockey.

3. Francis’s wife, Mary, significantly contributed to his writing, often helping with research and editing.

4. He won the prestigious Cartier Diamond Dagger award for lifetime achievement in 1989.

5. Despite his success as a writer, Francis never owned a computer and wrote all his books by hand.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Dick Francis

1. “Life is risk.”

2. “A racehorse is an animal that can take several thousand people for a ride at the same time.”

3. “I wondered if sometimes the difference between a psychopath in Broadmoor and a successful member of society was simply one of environment and opportunity.”

4. “Pain is a part of life. It can be a form of self-punishment, a form of self-abuse, a form of knowledge, a form of insight, a form of power.”

5. “Success is a journey, not a destination.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At the peak of his career, Dick Francis’s net worth was estimated to be around $20 million.

Children

Dick Francis had two sons, Merrick and Felix. Felix Francis has followed in his father’s footsteps, co-authoring several novels with him and continuing the legacy of horse racing mysteries.