Dick Francis, the best-selling British thriller writer and former champion jockey, died Sunday in his home in the Cayman Islands. He was 89.
A successful steeplechase jockey, Francis turned to writing after he retired from racing in 1957. He penned 42 novels, many of which featured racing as a theme.
Francis’ spokeswoman Ruth Cairns said the writer had died from natural causes, but did not elaborate.
During his writing career, Francis won three Edgar Allen Poe awards given by The Mystery Writers of America for his novels “Forfeit” (1968), “Whip Hand” (1979) and “Come to Grief” (1995).
He also was awarded a Cartier Diamond Dagger from the Crime Writers’ Association for his outstanding contribution to the genre. The association made him a Grand Master in 1996 for a lifetime’s achievement.
Aside from novels, Francis also authored a volume of short stories, as well as a biography of British jockey Lester Piggot.
In recent years Francis wrote novels jointly with his son Felix, including “Silks” (2008) and “Even Money” (2009). A new novel by the two, “Crossfire,” will be published later this year.
Richard Francis was born Oct. 31, 1920, as the younger son of a horse breeder in Tenby, South Wales. During World War II he joined the Royal Air Force in 1940 and was stationed in the Egyptian desert before being commissioned as a bomber pilot in 1943, flying Spitfires, Wellingtons and Lancasters.
A few years later he returned to his father’s stables and became a steeplechase trainer’s assistant. Later, as a professional jockey, he won 345 of the more than 2,300 races he rode in between 1948 and 1957, taking the title of Champion Jockey for the 1953-54 season.
His most famous moment in racing came just a few months before he retired, when, riding for Queen Elizabeth, his horse collapsed inexplicably within sight of certain victory in the 1956 Grand National.
Francis’ first book, published in 1957, was his autobiography, titled “The Sport of Queens.” His first novel, “Dead Cert,” came out in 1962 and was followed by a new title every year since.
Doug Fieger, leader of the power pop band The Knack who sang on the 1979 hit “My Sharona,” died Sunday of cancer at his home in Woodland Hills.
The band’s manager Jake Hooker says Fieger died Sunday at his home in Woodland Hills near Los Angeles after battling cancer.
Detroit-area native Fieger, 57, formed The Knack in 1978.
He co-wrote and sang lead vocals on “My Sharona,” which held the No. 1 spot for six weeks. Fieger said the song was inspired by a former girlfriend.
The Knack’s albums include “Get the Knack” and “… But the Little Girls Understand.”
In 2006, Fieger underwent surgery to remove two tumors from his brain.
Associated Press
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
