'The standard isn't good enough' - John Francome blasts modern-day jockeys

John Francome has criticised the standard of modern-day jockeys in a new Racing Post video interview.

Speaking to Maddy Playle for her new video series Maddy Meets, which is available to view now exclusively on the Racing Post YouTube channel, Francome confessed many riders "drove him mad".

The seven-time champion jockey said: "I watch the racing mostly with the sound off and I watch lads go around, they're getting paid nearly £200 a ride now, they come back in and I just think, 'What do you think you're doing?'

"They go around, following like sheep, they've got the whip in the wrong hand and I just don't think the standard of riding is good enough. There are one or two who are very good but I think many are coming from a pony racing background as opposed to a hunting background.

"A lot of the lads come from pony racing where they're probably going too fast too early, they don't know the basics of riding and their balance isn't good."

Francome also discussed what is keeping him busy as he approaches his 70th birthday – including his own horse who he rides out every day – the whip, the Bryony Frost and Robbie Dunne case, and media coverage of the sport. He also revealed who he admires most in the industry and a wild idea he has about keeping horses.

Watch more from this series: 

Maddy Meets: Fergal O'Brien

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John Francome: 'The clip shouldn't have even gone out as I was only keeping the lads amused'

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