Whenever I'm traveling I read a Dick Francis mystery and during my holiday trip to San Antonio I read To the Hilt (1996), enjoying it immensely. As a jockey Francis is best known for losing the 1956 Grand National on Devon Loch when the horse unexpectedly slipped a few strides from the wire. Francis retired from writing in 2000 when his wife Mary died and has since started up again with his son Felix. Here is an interview with Dick and Felix Francis from last fall. Below is the '56 Grand National.