Claude Francois
Article by Chris Pitt
Article by Chris Pitt
It was a red-letter day at Windsor on Thursday, May 24, 1962, when 28-year-old French-born Claude Francois rode his first British winner on Livin’ Doll for Newmarket trainer David Thom in the Summer Selling Handicap.
It was a red-letter day at Windsor on Thursday, May 24, 1962, when 28-year-old French-born Claude Francois rode his first British winner on Livin’ Doll for Newmarket trainer David Thom in the Summer Selling Handicap.
Claude Gilbert Antoine Francois was born on September 28, 1934, and had been a jockey for 12 years but had had few opportunities to prove himself, mustering only about 50 mounts during that time.
Claude Gilbert Antoine Francois was born on September 28, 1934, and had been a jockey for 12 years but had had few opportunities to prove himself, mustering only about 50 mounts during that time.
He had served part of his apprenticeship with Major John Perry at Eastleach, in Gloucestershire, but later had his indentures transferred to Frank Cundell, and then joined Tommy Carey before heading to David Thom’s small but highly successful stable in September 1961.
He had served part of his apprenticeship with Major John Perry at Eastleach, in Gloucestershire, but later had his indentures transferred to Frank Cundell, and then joined Tommy Carey before heading to David Thom’s small but highly successful stable in September 1961.
Livin’ Doll, who had run 20 times before, including three over hurdles, without winning, was given a fine ride. Claude always had the filly nicely placed behind pacemaking Fantastic Command. Entering the last furlong it looked as if Fantastic Command would retain his lead, but Claude rode a strong finish and forced Livin’ Doll up close home to win by a head.
Livin’ Doll, who had run 20 times before, including three over hurdles, without winning, was given a fine ride. Claude always had the filly nicely placed behind pacemaking Fantastic Command. Entering the last furlong it looked as if Fantastic Command would retain his lead, but Claude rode a strong finish and forced Livin’ Doll up close home to win by a head.
“I am most grateful to Mr. Thom for giving me an opportunity to prove myself,” said Claude after the race.
“I am most grateful to Mr. Thom for giving me an opportunity to prove myself,” said Claude after the race.
He relinquished his licence after 1962 but re-emerged in the early 1970s, albeit only with occasional mounts, mostly at minor meetings. However, at Warwick on Bank Holiday Monday, May 4, 1981, 19 years after his sole success on Livin’ Doll, Claude Francois doubled his career total by winning a one-mile three-year-old maiden race on 20-1 shot The Friend, trained at Newmarket by Harry Thomson Jones.
He relinquished his licence after 1962 but re-emerged in the early 1970s, albeit only with occasional mounts, mostly at minor meetings. However, at Warwick on Bank Holiday Monday, May 4, 1981, 19 years after his sole success on Livin’ Doll, Claude Francois doubled his career total by winning a one-mile three-year-old maiden race on 20-1 shot The Friend, trained at Newmarket by Harry Thomson Jones.
The following month, at Haydock on Friday, June 5, he rode another three-year-old maiden winner, 7-1 shot Ramannnolie, also trained by Thomson Jones.
The following month, at Haydock on Friday, June 5, he rode another three-year-old maiden winner, 7-1 shot Ramannnolie, also trained by Thomson Jones.
He continued to ride until 1984 but, alas, no more winners came his way, leaving Claude Francois with a score of three during a career spanning over 30 years.
He continued to ride until 1984 but, alas, no more winners came his way, leaving Claude Francois with a score of three during a career spanning over 30 years.