(October 31, 1920- )
Born in Lawrenny, Wales, United Kingdom
Former jockey
Won over 350 races
Wrote the autobiography 'The Sport of Queens' (1957)
Wrote over 40 mysteries set in the world of horse racing
Titles include 'Dead Cert' (1962), 'Nerve' (1964), 'Forfeit' (1968), 'Whip Hand' (1979), 'Come to Grief' (1995), 'Under Orders' (2006) and 'Even Money' (2009)

He dropped out of school to become a jockey.
He broke his collar bone 11 times during his racing career.
Despite his many wins, his most famous race was his loss in the 1956 Grand National when his horse inexplicably fell only fifty yards from the finish line and victory.
An unauthorized biography by Graham Lord alleged that his mysteries were actually written by his wife Mary and were credited to him solely to take advantage of his already famous name.

He was an RAF fighter pilot during World War II.
He was married to Mary Benchley for 53 years until her death.
He always acknowledged Mary's role as a researcher and editor for his novels and said he offered to list her as a co-author, but she declined to avoid publicity.
He was the first author to win the Mystery Writers of America's Edgar Award for best novel three times.

Credit: C. Fishel

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