<think>
Hmm, the user wants me to create a comprehensive information card for Dick Francis in Markdown format. They've provided specific source data about this English jockey and crime writer.
I need to extract all relevant information from the given Wikipedia extract and organize it into the exact sections they requested: Who/What, Background & History, Why Notable, In the News, Key Facts with subcategories, and Links.
For the "Who / What" section, I'll focus on clearly defining Francis as a British steeplechase jockey who wrote crime novels centered around horse racing. The description should be concise but informative, highlighting his dual identity that made him unique.
The "Background & History" section will cover his early life (born in 1920), post-war career shift to become a full-time jump-jockey with over 350 wins and becoming champion, and then the milestone event in 1956 riding for Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother. This gives us good chronological context.
For "Why Notable," I should emphasize his achievements as both a jockey and a writer - being named champion jockey of British National Hunt, his popularity with riders like Lester Piggott, and how he uniquely blended horse racing knowledge with crime fiction writing that brought the sport to life for readers.
The "In the News" section is interesting because there really aren't any recent developments since Francis died in 2010. I might need to note this absence or frame it as his legacy continuing through book clubs and reading groups discussions of his works today.
For Key Facts, I'll extract all relevant details from my knowledge base: he was a person, also known by various names including Dick Francis, born in 1920 in England, worked mainly with the British National Hunt organization, died in 2010, and operated primarily in England. The key dates section should include his birth year (1920) plus major career milestones.
Finally, I'll add a single Wikipedia link as requested by the user - [Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dick_Francis). This seems to be all they need for an information card that's factual and comprehensive while keeping it strictly in Markdown format with no preamble.
</think>
Who / What
Dick Francis was an Englishman known equally for his exceptional career as a jockey, particularly within the British National Hunt racing scene, where he won over 350 races including becoming champion jockey, and for being a successful crime novelist. His writing often featured settings closely tied to the horse racing world in England that he knew intimately from his own experiences.
Background & History
Richard Stanley Francis was born in London in October 1920. After serving with the RAF during World War II, he transitioned to become a full-time jump-jockey and achieved significant success before further gaining prominence in 1956 for riding Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother's horse, Devon Loch.
He famously fell when close to winning the Grand National on that same year, which heightened his public profile even as it underscored the inherent risks of the sport he excelled at.
Why Notable
Dick Francis was notable first and foremost as a highly skilled jockey who dominated the British National Hunt circuit with his numerous victories (over 350 races) and champion status. His unique identity also made him significant: he became a crime writer whose deep knowledge of horse racing, derived from decades of riding including famously falling at the 1956 Grand National, brought authenticity to stories set in that world.
His novels are still appreciated today for effectively capturing the atmosphere, characters, and excitement of English steeplechasing.
In the News
While Dick Francis is primarily remembered through his literary legacy and past achievements rather than recent news events, there continue to be discussions about him within horse racing communities and book clubs focusing on crime fiction. Readers interested in authors with real-life connections to their settings often explore his works.
Key Facts
* **Type:** person (Jockey and Writer)
* **Also known as:** Dick Francis, Richard Stanley Francis
* **Born:** 1920 (London), October 31.
* **Key dates:**
* Died: February 14, 2010 (aged 89-90).
* **Geography:** Primarily associated with England. Operated mainly in the British National Hunt racing scene and wrote novels set there.
* **Affiliation:** Associated with the sport of horse racing (British National Hunt) as a top-level jockey for many years.
Links
* [Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dick_Francis)
