Jockey turned author Dick Francis dies aged 89

Francis penned more than 40 novels after retiring as a successful jockey and was acclaimed as one of the world's greatest thriller writers.

The author's son Felix, with whom he co-wrote his final books, said he was devastated as he paid tribute to his "extraordinary" father. who died at his home on the Cayman Islands.

Originally from Oxfordshire, Francis was one of the most successful post-war National Hunt jockeys, winning more than 350 races.

But he remained haunted by the memory of his most famous ride, on Devon Loch in the 1956 Grand National. The horse looked certain to win when leading with less than 50 yards to go, but inexplicably fell near the winning post and was beaten.

Francis also had a distinguished military career, serving in the RAF during the Second World War. He retired from racing in 1957 and took up writing. The last of his 42 novels were Even Money, written with Felix, published in September 2009 and Crossfire, which will be published this autumn.

Felix Francis said yesterday: "My brother Merrick and I are, of course, devastated by the loss of our father, but we rejoice in having been the sons of such an extraordinary man. We share in the joy that he brought to so many over such a long life."

Francis's wife, Mary, to whom he was married for 53 years, died in 2000. He also had five grandchildren and one great grandson.

There will be a small funeral in Grand Cayman followed by a memorial service in London in due course, his spokesman said, stating Francis had died from "old age".

Buckingham Palace said the Queen was saddened by news of the death, which took place early yesterday.

The racing fraternity also paid tribute, with former BBC commentator Sir Peter O'Sullevan describing Francis as one of the people's champions.

Former jockey John Francome added: "He was a lovely person who always had a sparkle in his eye, and a wicked sense of humour. We used to laugh out loud about the old times. He did say to me he would have happily given up all he achieved as an author to have won the National on Devon Loch."