April 21st, 2017 | 
Author: Richard Dunwoody is an admired, and now retired, British jockey chiefly remembered for his extraordinary…
Jockey Profile: Willie Carson
Introduction
A thoroughbread horse racing jockey of some repute, Willie Carson was born in Stirling, Scotland. He was known for an energetic personality and an incredibly long career that seen him take to the course until he was the age of 54, retiring in 1996. An apprentice to Captain Gerald Armstrong, he became the British Champion Jockey an impressive five times between 1972 and 1983, and won an outstanding 17 British Classics. With 100 winners per season for 23 years, he totalled way over 3,800 wins by the end.
Career Summary
A career that seen Carson become the fourth-most successful winner in GB racing history is one well worth remembering. His best season arguably came in 1990, when he won close to 190 winners across the season. Indeed, he is one of just a mere four jockeys who managed to ride an impressive six winners in one sitting.
Sadly, he came 2nd in the year when he done so to Pat Eddery, who won with an unbelievable 209 winners. The majority of his main successes as a rider came under the tutelage and partnership with Dick Hern, who helped him train his horses. He rode his three Derby winners at this point in his career.
A career after racing seen him enter into everything from the Ampney Crucis Minister House Stud program to being a part of A Question of Sport, right through to co-hosting BBC horse racing with Clare Balding until 2012.He was also a pundit for the BBC, correctly tipping Camelot to win the Epsom Derby. For more free horse racing tips take a look here!
Achievements & Highlights
With trophy wins in 5 major nations, Carson has one of the most impressive trophy hauls in the history of the sport. With 5 Championships, 17 Classics, 23 Centuries and 3,838 winners in total, it’s safe to say that Carson has earned his reputation as a true legend of his sport.
Major Wins – 1,000 Guineas (1990, 1991), 2,000 Guineas (1972, 1980, 1987, 1989), Derby (1979, 1980, 1989, 1994), Oaks (1977, 1980, 1983, 1990), St. Leger (1977, 1983, 1988)
Associations – Cpt. Gerald Armstrong, Sam Armstrong, Bernard van Custem, Clive Brittain, Dick Hern. Bireme, Dunfermline, Sun Princess, Minster Son, Nashwan, Don’t Forget Me, Known Fact, High Top.