Paul Presents Meets John Francome

John Francome, the legendary jockey and TV presenter, wasn’t born into the racing world – his dad was a railway fireman!

In Paul Presents Meets John Francome John tells the story of how John’s first pony was called Black Beauty, and he started out as a successful show jumper before becoming National Hunt racing’s greatest horseman, with 7 championship titles and 1138 wins.

After retiring, John was awarded an MBE for his services to racing.

One of his biggest wins was on Burrough Hill Lad, a horse trained by Jenny Pitman, in the Hennessy Gold Cup.

John also had success with Michael Dickinson, riding Wayward Lad to victory in the King George VI Chase.

When he wasn’t racing, John wrote thrilling novels, including his autobiography Born Lucky.

Today, he owns Beechdown Farm in Lambourn, a stableyard with room for 96 horses, and Clive Cox is the resident racing trainer.