Dick Francis to be guest at Levin

Press, 21 November 1986, Page 21

Dick Francis to be guest at Levin

PA Levin British author Dick Francis, whose novels are based on the thoroughbred racing scene, will be a guest of the Levin Racing Club at its Bayer Classic meeting next Wednesday.

Francis was born in South Wales in 1920. He became a child star at horse shows and after six years service in the R.A.F., during the second world war, he made his entry into racing as an amateur rider. In 1948 he became a professional

national hunt jockey. He later rode for the Queen Mother and in the 1953-54 season was champion jockey. In 1957 Francis retired and became racing correspondent for the “Sunday Express” and also published his first book, The Sport Of Queens, an autobiography. This was followed by a number of award winning thrillers.

“Forfeit” won the Edgar Allan Poe mystery prize for the best crime story of 1969 in America.

“Whip Hand” won the 1980 Crime Writers Association gold dagger award and “Reflex” was awarded the Edgar Allan Poe mystery prize for 1981.

Francis will be a guest at the Bayer cocktail party on Tuesday evening and will also attend the champagne brunch on the Wednesday morning prior to the races. Master of ceremonies at the brunch will be radio racing show host Paddy O’Donnell who will be joined by Justin Du Fresne and Bill McArthur.