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United Kingdom John Francome MBE, a decorated seven-time British Champion Jump Jockey, has transitioned from a highly successful racing career to an acclaimed author and respected broadcaster, offering valuable insights into dedication and peak performance.
John Francome became an apprentice under trainer Fred Winter in 1969, a partnership that led to 575 winners, including early successes like Osceola and Osbaldeston (17 victories). This collaboration established Francome's career in National Hunt racing.
Francome partnered with trainer Jenny Pitman, riding her horse Burrough Hill Lad to victories in the Welsh Grand National, Hennessy Gold Cup, and King George VI Chase. This collaboration was highly successful in major chases.
Aside from his retainer with Fred Winter, Francome also achieved success riding for trainer Michael Dickinson, including a win on Wayward Lad in the 1982 King George VI Chase, and also on Silver Buck, Bregawn and Flatterer.
After retiring from racing, Francome joined the Channel 4 Racing television broadcast team as a pundit. He appeared on "The Morning Line" and race day broadcasts, providing commentary and analysis. He left his role in 2012 when production companies changed.
Francome served as the President of The Injured Jockeys Fund from 2012 to 2016, and subsequently became a Vice Patron. In these roles, he has been involved in supporting former and current jockeys who have sustained injuries.
John Francome was born in Swindon, Wiltshire, on December 13, 1952. His journey in equestrian sports began early, with his first pony, Black Beauty, at age six. He achieved initial success as a showjumper, contributing to Great Britain’s win at the European Junior Show Jumping Championship. In October 1969, Francome became an apprentice to trainer Fred Winter, a pivotal step in his National Hunt racing career. His first race win occurred in December 1970 at Worcester, riding Multigrey. The partnership with Fred Winter proved highly successful, yielding 575 winners, including Osceola at Towcester in February 1971 and Osbaldeston with 17 victories. Francome’s talent and consistent performance led him to secure his first British Champion Jump Jockey title in the 1975/76 season. That same year, he earned his first Grade 1 victory in the Sun Alliance Chase with Pengrail at Cheltenham. His dominance continued, culminating in seven British Champion Jump Jockey titles throughout his career, including a shared title with Peter Scudamore in 1982 after Francome ceased riding once he drew level upon Scudamore’s injury.
His career was marked by significant achievements in major races. In 1978, he won the Cheltenham Gold Cup on Midnight Court. He added the Stayers’ Hurdle in 1981 with Derring Rose and the Champion Hurdle the same year on Sea Pigeon. Francome formed successful partnerships with notable horses and trainers, including Burrough Hill Lad under Jenny Pitman, with whom he won the Welsh Grand National, Hennessy Gold Cup, and King George VI Chase. He also achieved victories with Michael Dickinson’s horses like Wayward Lad (1982 King George VI Chase), Silver Buck, Bregawn, and Flatterer. A significant milestone occurred in May 1984 when he surpassed Stan Mellor’s record of 1035 wins on Don’t Touch at Fontwell. By his retirement in 1985, Francome had accumulated an impressive 1,138 winners over jumps in Britain. For his contributions to National Hunt Racing, he was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the 1986 New Year Honours. The John Francome Novices’ Chase at Newbury was named in his honor in 2017.
Following his retirement from racing, Francome transitioned into other roles within the equestrian world and beyond. He spent 18 months as a racing trainer before joining the Channel 4 Racing television broadcast team, where he became a well-known racing pundit, appearing on “The Morning Line” and race day broadcasts. In 2004, he received the RTS Best Sports Pundit award. Additionally, Francome embarked on a successful writing career, publishing his autobiography, “Born Lucky,” in 1985, and 25 fictional novels, starting with “Eavesdropper” in 1986 and concluding with “Storm Rider” in 2010. His commitment to the racing community extended to his role as President of The Injured Jockeys Fund from 2012 to 2016, and subsequently as a Vice Patron, working alongside AP McCoy and Frankie Dettori. He also owns Beechdown Farm in Lambourn, a large training facility.
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