John Francome

JUST occasionally, in the self-perpetuating world of horse racing, a shimmering talent emerges from beyond the sport’s perimeters. Since it does not emanate from familial succession, it is unencumbered by conventional wisdom.

“I’ve seen people try to copy his style, but nobody can – when he rode he became part of the horse”
PETER SCUDAMORE ON FRANCOME

This novel force will redefine the art of the possible. André Fabre, the son of a diplomat, is one such talent. Fabre has been champion trainer in France no less than 30 times. His equivalent in Britain is Martin Pipe, the son of a bookmaker who was champion jumps trainer 15 times in 17 seasons, starting from 1988-89.

Then there was John Francome MBE, the son of a fireman/builder who was raised in a Swindon council house. Michael Dickinson, whose mastery of training jumpers was amplified when he saddled the first five home in the 1983 Cheltenham Gold Cup, would say of Francome: “He is the best jockey I have ever seen.”

Francome changed everything during his 15-year reign, when he was champion jockey seven times before his retirement in 1985. His riding style was unique: a fusion of the demands of race-riding and a prowess at showjumping