The John Francome Novices' Chase at Newbury was named after him in 2017. Major wins Great Britain Cheltenham Gold Cup - Midnight Court (1978) Sun Alliance Chase - Pengrail (1975), Brown Chamberlin (1982) Stayers Hurdle - Derring Rose (1981) Champion Hurdle - Sea Pigeon (1981) King George VI Chase - Wayward Lad (1982), Burrough Hill Lad (1984) Cheltenham Festival winners (5) Cheltenham Gold Cup - Midnight Court (1978) Sun Alliance Chase - Pengrail (1975), Brown Chamberlin (1982) Stayers Hurdle - Derring Rose (1981) Champion Hurdle - Sea Pigeon (1981) Controversies Francome had several controversial moments during his riding career. In 1978 he was suspended for 35 days for passing information to bookmaker, John Banks. He once famously referred to the racing stewards as "Cabbage Patch Dolls". Career after racing Writer In 1986, Francome published his first fictional novel Eavesdropper. He went on to write a further 24 books. His most recent novel was Storm Rider published in 2010. His autobiography Born Lucky was published in 1985. Bibliography Francome's fictional books: Francome's non fiction books: Broadcaster Francome was a member of the Channel 4 Racing television broadcast team. He appeared on the weekly show The Morning Line and also on race day broadcasts. In 2012, when Channel 4 Racing changed production companies from Highflyer to IMG, Francome left his role. Injured Jockeys Fund Between 2012 and 2016, Francome was the President of The Injured Jockeys Fund. From 2017, he became a Vice Patron alongside fellow jockeys AP McCoy and Frankie Dettori. Personal life Francome was born in Swindon, Wiltshire. In 1976 he married Miriam Stringer. The couple divorced in 1990. Sam Ricketts, the former professional footballer for Wales is his nephew. In 1986, Francome was awarded an MBE for services to horse racing. Francome built and owns Beechdown Farm in Lambourn, a stableyard and training facility that can house 96 horses. Clive Cox is currently the resident racing trainer. References 1952 births English jockeys Living people Members of the Order of the British Empire People from Lambourn Sportspeople from Swindon British horse racing writers and broadcasters British Champion jumps jockeys English_male_novelists Autobiographers British_sports_broadcasters