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John Francome: 'If it hadn't been for him, I'd be cleaning cars or in prison or doing something completely different'

The legendary rider talks to racing writer of the year Chris Cook in our weekly series

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Chris CookRacing Writer of the Year
John Francome in Lambourn 22.11.22 Pic: Edward Whitaker
John Francome was fourth-choice rider for Fred Winter before getting on the horse who would change his destinyCredit: Edward Whitaker

John Francome gives me a line to set the mind racing: "There was only one horse that made me.”

Just one horse from that great career! Does he mean Burrough Hill Lad or Wayward Lad, Sea Pigeon maybe?

No, those came towards the end of his time in the saddle, it would have to be something earlier. Bula or Lanzarote perhaps? I've got it; he must mean Pengrail, his Sun Alliance Chase winner from 1975, the season before he first became champion jockey?

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Published on 14 February 2024inThe Horses Who Made Me

Last updated 18:00, 14 February 2024

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