New man in the Injured Jockeys Fund saddle

He succeeds the late IJF founding trustee Lord Oaksey, who died in September, aged 83.
Chairman of the IJF, Brough Scott, said: “John is not just a famous name.
“I’ve always been struck by how often he’s done things for other jockeys in ways that usually go unreported.
“I couldn’t be more thrilled that he is becoming president and I know Lord Oaksey would be, too.
“John is still worshipped by current jockeys and connects us to the future”.
Mr Francome, aged 59, was born in Swindon the son of a railway fireman.
His family had no connection with the horse racing world but at 16 years old he became apprentice to Lambourn trainer Fred Winter and so began his career as a jockey.
He rode a total of 1,138 winners, his last being in April 1985.
During the course of his career he was National Hunt Champion Jockey seven times.
After retiring, Mr Francome was appointed an MBE in 1986 for services to racing.
He was a trainer for 18 months before becoming a television presenter for Channel 4's horse racing broadcasts.
Like another former jockey, the late Dick Francis, Mr Francome has taken to writing works of fiction and his books have featured on the bestseller lists.
He said: “I am very honoured to take on this role, especially following in the footsteps of John Oaksey.
“I hope I can do it justice and carry on the great and essential work the Fund does - although, unlike the indomitable Lord Oaksey, I shan’t be standing out in the cold selling Christmas cards.”
Lord Oaksey founded the IJF in 1964 to deliver assistance to injured jockeys and their families with the minimum of fuss and delay.
As the IJF moves towards its 50th anniversary in 2014, around £20m has been expended in charitable assistance and more than 1,000 people have been helped in this way.
Mr Francome will lead the IJF into the 2014 50th anniversary celebrations and beyond.