Dick Francis: a life in pictures

2006: Dick Francis at the stables at Carden, Cheshire
Photograph: Tom Jenkins

1956: The Queen, Princess Margaret and the Queen Mother talk to Devon Loch's jockey Dick Francis at Aintree
Photograph: Sunday Dispatch/Rex Features

1956: Dick Francis jumping Devon Loch over the feared Becher's Brook during the Grand National at Aintree
Photograph: PA

1956: Devon Loch is well clear of the field when he appears to jump a phantom fence 25 metres from the line and lands on his belly. The stricken horse gets back on his feet but is overtaken in the most dramatic final in the Grand National's history
Photograph: AP

1956: Jockey Dick Francis walks away in despair after Devon Loch's Grand National collapse
Photograph: AP

1969: Dick Francis writing at his home
Photograph: Terrence Spencer/Time & Life Pictures/Getty Images

1969: Former jockey turned author Dick Francis watches a race
Photograph: Terrence Spencer/Time & Life Pictures/Getty Images

1976: Dick Francis with copies of his books
Photograph: Chris Capstick/Rex Features

1998: Dick Francis signing copies of Field of 13
Photograph: Rui Vieira/PA

1998: Dick Francis writing at his home in Grand Cayman
Photograph: Graham Harrison/Rex Features

2000: Dick Francis and his wife, Mary, after he received his CBE at Buckingham Palace
Photograph: John Stillwell/PA

Dick Francis in 2004
Photograph: Martin Argles