Lambourn Personalities – Johnny Francome

John Francome was born on 13 December 1952 in Swindon, Wiltshire, and grew up in modest surroundings. His father was a railway fireman and hairdresser, while his mother kept chickens at home. His first equestrian memory was riding “Black Beauty,” his father’s pony, bareback for a year. Unlike many of his contemporaries, Francome had no family background in racing, but his natural balance and feel for a horse soon marked him out as gifted.

Although he was a talented showjumper, winning gold with the British team at the European Junior Show Jumping Championships, his life’s direction changed when he joined Lambourn trainer Fred Winter as an apprentice at the age of sixteen. That move not only launched his racing career but also created a lifelong bond with Lambourn, the Valley of the Racehorse, which has remained central to his story ever since.

Lambourn was where Francome developed under the tutelage of Winter, honing the skills that would make him one of the finest National Hunt jockeys of all time. His first winners were ridden from Winter’s yard, and he would go on to ride more than 500 winners for his mentor. The close relationship between horsemen and community in Lambourn shaped his outlook, grounding him in an environment where racing was a way of life. Even after retirement, Francome never lost touch with the village, and he has continued to be a prominent presence in its life and charities.

His career on the track was glittering. He became Champion Jump Jockey seven times, with famous victories including the Cheltenham Gold Cup on Midnight Court, the Champion Hurdle on Sea Pigeon, and the King George VI Chase on both Wayward Lad and Burrough Hill Lad. At the time of his retirement in 1985, he held the record for most winners ever ridden over jumps in Britain with 1,138. He was admired as much for his flair and tactical intelligence as for his courage.

Francome was also known for his rebellious streak and sense of humour. With his long hair, wit, and blunt honesty, he brought a refreshing touch of character to racing. His cool, balanced style of riding helped change the way jockeys approached their craft, and his role in championing safety measures such as the use of body protectors helped improve the sport for future generations.

After leaving the saddle he became a familiar television presence as a commentator and pundit on Channel 4 Racing, where his sharp observations and dry humour made him a household name. He also became a successful author, writing more than twenty racing thrillers as well as his autobiography Born Lucky.

Lambourn has remained at the heart of Francome’s post-riding life. He has been a leading figure in the Injured Jockeys Fund, taking over as President in 2012 after the death of Lord Oaksey. Under his leadership, Oaksey House was created in the village, a state-of-the-art rehabilitation centre that supports injured riders with physiotherapy, fitness, and housing. Oaksey House stands as a testament both to the charitable spirit of Lambourn and to Francome’s commitment to giving back to the sport and the community that shaped him.

His connection to Lambourn is celebrated every day. He is regarded not just as one of Britain’s greatest jockeys but also as one of the village’s most distinguished residents, someone who has never lost touch with his roots and who continues to inspire new generations of horsemen and women. The annual John Francome Novices’ Chase at Newbury is a racing tribute to his achievements, but for the people of Lambourn his legacy is even more personal, woven into the history of the village itself.

John Francome’s story is therefore not only the tale of a champion jockey but also the story of Lambourn. It is a story of a young apprentice who grew into a sporting legend, who carried the village’s name to the highest stages of racing, and who returned that success by investing in its people, its horses, and its future. He remains, above all, a son of Lambourn.