Ode to the Great Horse Mystery Author; DICK FRANCIS

A brilliant, beloved author and horseman passed away on February 14, 2010, at the age of 89. I cannot remember when I read my first Dick Francis novel, but I know that for decades, his clever, spellbinding tales have been enjoyable escapes in my preciously few “leisure moments.” 

As a former steeplechase jockey who rode horses for Queen Elizabeth, Francis wrote with authority of all things related to the world of horse racing. His intensely descriptive style allowed readers to feel the cool mist on their faces as his protagonists returned from the downs on a clammy Newmarket morning. His tales are unorthodox, but wholly believable, and keep the reader guessing until nearly the last page every time. His plots are twisty and involved, but not overly technical or dry (I’ve heard that even non-horse people enjoy them too). As a matter of fact, in some of his novels, his main character is not even directly involved in racing, but somewhere on the periphery, and creatively dragged into the world of breeding, betting, training, etc. – and the dark sides of human nature brought on in nearly every pursuit when greed or over-ambition take the reins. 

One of the hallmarks of any Dick Francis novel is the unerring details of any profession, business, town, or racecourse mentioned in his books. I recently picked up Dead Heat, one of his later works, published in 2007. The protagonist here is a chef, and Francis accurately describes the preparation of many complex dishes throughout the book. As usual, he also brings into play some pretty detailed equine physiology, as well as the ins-and-outs of international horse trafficking. And, in the end, we are left in awe of another simple, brilliant title with loads of innuendo (the other hallmark of this man’s 40+ bestsellers). 

I was pleased to learn that in later years, Francis’ son Felix became his business manager, researcher, and then co-author (after his own successful career as a top-level Physics instructor… obviously brilliance does run in the family). Felix inspired the lead character in Twice Shy (1981). The other Francis son, Merrick, ended up in the horse transport business, upon which the 1992 novel, Driving Force, was based.

Dick Francis novels are easy to stumble upon… as many date back to the ‘80s and ‘90s. They are a great vacation read, or sick-day pastime, and they are perfect for sharing and gifting to all of your horsey friends. Long live the memory of the man who has given us so much pleasure and insight into the romantic, mysterious, and sometimes sinister world of horse racing. -JP