Lester: The Official Biography

... Show More
Chronicles the life and times of a sports legend, whose racing career spanned almost four decades of valor and victory, controversy, pain, disgrace, and vindication

352 pages, Paperback

First published March 24,1986

About the author

... Show More
Dick Francis, CBE, FRSL (born Richard Stanley Francis) was a popular British horse racing crime writer and retired jockey.

Dick Francis worked on his books with his wife, Mary, before her death. Dick considered his wife to be his co-writer - as he is quoted in the book, "The Dick Francis Companion", released in 2003:
"Mary and I worked as a team. ... I have often said that I would have been happy to have both our names on the cover. Mary's family always called me Richard due to having another Dick in the family. I am Richard, Mary was Mary, and Dick Francis was the two of us together."

Praise for Dick Francis: 'As a jockey, Dick Francis was unbeatable when he got into his stride. The same is true of his crime writing' Daily Mirror '

Dick Francis's fiction has a secret ingredient - his inimitable knack of grabbing the reader's attention on page one and holding it tight until the very end' Sunday Telegraph '

Dick Francis was one of the most successful post-war National Hunt jockeys. The winner of over 350 races, he was champion jockey in 1953/1954 and rode for HM Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother, most famously on Devon Loch in the 1956 Grand National.

On his retirement from the saddle, he published his autobiography, The Sport of Queens, before going on to write forty-three bestselling novels, a volume of short stories (Field of 13), and the biography of Lester Piggott.

During his lifetime Dick Francis received many awards, amongst them the prestigious Crime Writers' Association's Cartier Diamond Dagger for his outstanding contribution to the genre, and three 'best novel' Edgar Allan Poe awards from The Mystery Writers of America. In 1996 he was named by them as Grand Master for a lifetime's achievement. In 1998 he was elected a fellow of the Royal Society of Literature, and was awarded a CBE in the Queen's Birthday Honours List of 2000. Dick Francis died in February 2010, at the age of eighty-nine, but he remains one of the greatest thriller writers of all time.

Series:
* Sid Halley Mystery
* Kit Fielding Mystery

Community Reviews

Rating(4 / 5.0, 4 votes)
5 stars
1(25%)
4 stars
2(50%)
3 stars
1(25%)
2 stars
0(0%)
1 stars
0(0%)
4 reviews All reviews
July 14,2025
... Show More

Horse racing has long been renowned as the sport of kings, attracting the attention and admiration of people from all walks of life. It is a demanding and thrilling sport that requires not only magnificent horses but also tough, wiry men to compete as jockeys. Lester Piggott was undoubtedly one of these remarkable individuals, and his career is a story filled with excitement, achievement, and controversy.



Lester Piggott began his racing career at a young age and quickly made a name for himself with his natural talent and determination. He had an uncanny ability to ride horses to victory, winning numerous races and championships throughout his career. His success was not without its challenges, however, as he faced several setbacks and difficulties along the way.



Despite the obstacles, Lester Piggott remained a dominant force in the world of horse racing, retiring as one of the most successful jockeys of all time. His story is an inspiration to aspiring jockeys and horse racing enthusiasts alike, a testament to the power of hard work, perseverance, and a love for the sport.

July 14,2025
... Show More
I'm an absolute Dick Francis junkie. I firmly believe that I have read all of his mysteries in sequential order. I can still vividly remember that feeling of being at loose ends for a short while after I completed the very last one. Years later, I accidentally stumbled upon this particular work and I must say, I quite enjoyed it.

My daughter happens to be a horsewoman, although she strongly deplores thoroughbred racing. Due to this, I have made an effort to do some reading within this category. I would most definitely recommend this book for any Dick Francis fan. In fact, it would also be a great read for anyone who simply wants to know a little more about the fascinating world of racing. It offers unique insights and engaging stories that are sure to captivate the reader's attention.

Whether you're a die-hard fan of Francis or just someone with a passing interest in racing, this book is well worth checking out. It provides an entertaining and informative look into a world that many people find both exciting and mysterious. So, if you're looking for a good read, give this one a try. You won't be disappointed.
July 14,2025
... Show More
Yes, I truly relished Francis' writing to such an extent that I delved into his biography of a jokey whom I had never previously heard of.

As I began to read, I was immediately drawn in by the vivid descriptions and engaging narrative that Francis had crafted.

The story of the jokey unfolded in a captivating manner, filled with details that brought the character to life.

I found myself becoming increasingly invested in the jokey's experiences, his triumphs and his setbacks.

Despite my initial lack of familiarity with the subject matter, Francis' writing made it easy for me to understand and appreciate the world of horse racing and the life of a jokey.

By the time I reached the end of the biography, I not only had a newfound knowledge of this particular jokey but also a greater admiration for Francis' talent as a writer.

Overall, it was a thoroughly enjoyable read that left me eager to explore more of Francis' work.
July 14,2025
... Show More
Dick Francis has crafted a truly excellent biography.

It is evident that he had an in-depth knowledge of Lester Piggot.

The book offers a wealth of information that I was previously unaware of regarding Lester.

There are some wonderfully detailed passages about the horses that Lester rode and was familiar with.

If you have an interest in either the man himself or the sport of horse racing, then this biography comes highly recommended.

It provides a fascinating insight into the life and career of Lester Piggot, filled with engaging stories and interesting details.

Whether you are a die-hard fan of horse racing or simply curious about the life of a famous jockey, this book is sure to captivate you.

It is a must-read for anyone interested in learning more about Lester Piggot and the world of horse racing.

Leave a Review
You must be logged in to rate and post a review. Register an account to get started.