William Fisher Hunter Carson, OBE (born 16 November 1942) is a retired jockey in

thoroughbred horse racing Thoroughbred racing is a sport and industry involving the racing of Thoroughbred horses. It is governed by different national bodies. There are two forms of the sport – flat racing and jump racing, the latter known as National Hunt racing in ...

Life and career

Best known as "Willie", Carson was born in

Stirling Stirling (; sco, Stirlin; gd, Sruighlea ) is a city in central Scotland, northeast of Glasgow and north-west of Edinburgh. The market town, surrounded by rich farmland, grew up connecting the royal citadel, the medieval old town with its me ...

Scotland Scotland (, ) is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. Covering the northern third of the island of Great Britain, mainland Scotland has a border with England to the southeast and is otherwise surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean to ...

in 1942. He was apprenticed to Captain Gerald Armstrong at his stables at Tupgill, North Yorkshire. His first winner in Britain was Pinker's Pond in a seven-furlong apprentice handicap at

Catterick Bridge Racecourse Catterick Racecourse, sometimes known as Catterick Bridge Racecourse, is a thoroughbred horse racing venue one mile north west of Catterick in North Yorkshire, England, near the hamlet of Catterick Bridge. The first racing at Catterick was h ...

on 19 July 1962. He was British Champion Jockey five times (1972, 1973, 1978, 1980 and 1983), won 17

British Classic Races The British Classics are five long-standing Group 1 horse races run during the traditional flat racing season. They are restricted to three-year-old horses and traditionally represent the pinnacle of achievement for racehorses against their o ...

, and passed 100 winners in a season 23 times for a total of 3,828 wins, making him the fourth most successful jockey in Great Britain. Willie Carson's best season as a jockey came in 1990 when he rode 187 winners. This included riding six winners at Newcastle Racecourse on 30 June, making Carson one of only four jockeys to ride six winners at one meeting during the 20th century. However, he came second in the 1990 jockeys' championship to Pat Eddery (who rode 209 winners). Carson had a long association with trainer Major

Dick Hern William Richard Hern (20 January 1921 – 22 May 2002) was an English Thoroughbred racehorse trainer and winner of sixteen British Classic Races between 1962 and 1995, and was Champion Trainer on four occasions. Following his early career ...

for whom he rode his first three Derby winners. Five feet tall and riding at an easily maintained weight of Carson was much in demand as a jockey up to his retirement in 1996 at the age of 54. In 1980, he took over the Minster House Stud at Ampney Crucis near

Cirencester Cirencester (, ; see below for more variations) is a market town in Gloucestershire, England, west of London. Cirencester lies on the River Churn, a tributary of the River Thames, and is the largest town in the Cotswolds. It is the home of ...

and he and his wife Elaine have developed it into a state of the art stud complex. He is almost certainly the only jockey in the 20th century to have ridden a horse that he bred, ''Minster Son'', to victory in one of the Classic races, the St. Leger Stakes 1988. He and his ex-wife Carol had three sons Anthony, Neil, and Ross. In 1983, Willie Carson was made an Officer of the

Order of the British Empire The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire is a British order of chivalry, rewarding contributions to the arts and sciences, work with charitable and welfare organisations, and public service outside the civil service. It was established ...

for his services to horse racing. From 1982 to 1983 Carson joined Bill Beaumont as one of the team captains for '' A Question of Sport''. With

Clare Balding Clare Victoria Balding (born 29 January 1971) is an English broadcaster, journalist, and author. She currently presents for BBC Sport, Channel 4, BT Sport, is the current president of the Rugby Football League (RFL) and formerly presented the ...

, Carson co-presented BBC horse racing on BBC1 until the BBC ended their racing coverage at the end of the 2012 season. He was chairman of

Swindon Town FC Swindon Town Football Club is a professional Association football, football club based in Swindon, Wiltshire, England. The team currently competes in , the fourth tier of the English football league system. The club has played home matches at ...

from 2001 until August 2007 when, following a takeover of the club by Best Holdings SGPS S.A, he was replaced by Jim Little. In November 2010, he was awarded an honorary doctorate by

University of Chester , mottoeng = "He that teacheth, on teaching" , former_names = , established = (gained university status in 2005) , type = Public , endowment = £395,000 (2018) , budget = £118.3 million , chancellor = Gyles Brandreth , vice_chancel ...

. In 2011, he came 5th in the eleventh series of ITV1's reality television show '' I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here!''

Major wins

1,000 Guineas The 1000 Guineas Stakes is a Group 1 flat horse race in Great Britain open to three-year-old fillies. It is run on the Rowley Mile at Newmarket over a distance of 1 mile (1,609 ...

– (2) – '' Salsabil (1990),

Shadayid Shadayid (10 April 1988 – April 2002) was an American-bred, British-trained Thoroughbred racehorse and broodmare. In a racing career which lasted from June 1990 to November 1991 she ran eleven times winning five races and being placed five ...

(1993)'' *

2,000 Guineas The 2000 Guineas Stakes is a Group 1 flat race in Great Britain open to three-year-old thoroughbred colts and fillies. It is run on the Rowley Mile at Newmarket over a distance of 1 mile (1,609 metres) and scheduled to take place each year ...

– (4) – '' High Top (1972),

Known Fact Known Fact (17 March 1977 – 12 July 2000) was a Kentucky-bred British-trained racehorse and sire. He was the leading British miler of 1980, being awarded the 2000 Guineas on the disqualification of Nureyev and defeating Kris to win the Queen ...

(1980), Don't Forget Me (1987), Nashwan (1989)'' *

Ascot Gold Cup The Gold Cup is a Group 1 flat horse race in Great Britain open to horses aged four years or older. It is run at Ascot over a distance of 2 miles 3 furlongs and 210 yards (4,01 ...

– (3) – ''

Little Wolf Little Wolf (''Cheyenne'': ''Ó'kôhómôxháahketa'', sometimes transcribed ''Ohcumgache'' or ''Ohkomhakit'', more correctly translated Little Coyote, 18201904) was a Northern Só'taeo'o Chief and Sweet Medicine Chief of the Northern Cheyenne. ...

(1983), Longboat (1986),

Sadeem Sadeem (foaled 1983) was an American-bred, British-trained Thoroughbred racehorse and sire. A specialist stayer, he won consecutive runnings of the Ascot Gold Cup in 1988 and 1989. His other victories included the Sagaro Stakes, Goodwood Cup, ...

(1989)'' *

Champion Stakes The Champion Stakes is a Group 1 flat horse race in Great Britain open to thoroughbreds aged three years or older. It is run at Ascot over a distance of 1 mile and 2 furlo ...

– (1) – '' Rose Bowl (1975)'' * Cork and Orrery Stakes (Diamond Jubilee Stakes) – (5) – ''Parsimony (1972), Swingtime (1975), Dafayna (1985), Danehill (1989), Atraf (1996)'' *

Derby Derby ( ) is a city and unitary authority area in Derbyshire, England. It lies on the banks of the River Derwent in the south of Derbyshire, which is in the East Midlands Region. It was traditionally the county town of Derbyshire. Derby g ...

– (4) – ''

Troy Troy ( el, Τροία and Latin: Troia, Hittite: 𒋫𒊒𒄿𒊭 ''Truwiša'') or Ilion ( el, Ίλιον and Latin: Ilium, Hittite: 𒃾𒇻𒊭 ''Wiluša'') was an ancient city located at Hisarlik in present-day Turkey, south-west of Ç ...

(1979), Henbit (1980), Nashwan (1989), Erhaab (1994)'' *

Dewhurst Stakes The Dewhurst Stakes is a Group 1 flat horse race in Great Britain open to two-year-old colts and fillies. It is run on the Rowley Mile at Newmarket over a distance of 7 furlongs (1,408 metres ...

– (3) – ''Prince of Dance (1988, dead heat), Dr Devious (1991), Alhaarth (1995)'' *

Eclipse Stakes The Eclipse Stakes is a Group 1 flat horse race in Great Britain open to horses aged three years or older. It is run at Sandown Park over a distance of 1 mile, 1 furl ...

– (3) – '' Ela-Mana-Mou (1980), Nashwan (1989), Elmaamul (1990)'' * Falmouth Stakes – (2) – ''Cistus (1978), Rose Above (1979)'' *

Fillies' Mile The Fillies' Mile is a Group 1 flat horse race in Great Britain open to two-year-old fillies. It is run on the Rowley Mile at Newmarket over a distance of 1 mile (1,609 metres), and it is sched ...

– (2) – ''Quick As Lightning (1979), Aqaarid (1994)'' *

Haydock Sprint Cup The Sprint Cup is a Group 1 flat horse race in Great Britain open to thoroughbreds aged three years or older. It is run at Haydock Park over a distance of 6 furlongs (1,207 metres), an ...

– (3) – ''Boldboy (1977),

Habibti Habibti (foaled 1980) was an Irish-bred, British-trained Thoroughbred racehorse and broodmare who was one of the highest-rated sprinters in European racing history. Habibti was unbeaten as a two-year-old, winning the Group Two Lowther Stakes ...

(1983), Dayjur (1990)'' *

International Stakes The International Stakes is a Group 1 flat horse race in Great Britain open to horses aged three years or older. It is run at York over a distance of 1 mile, 2 furlongs and 56 yards (2, ...

– (3) – ''Relkino (1977), Troy (1979), Shady Heights (1988)'' *

July Cup The July Cup is a Group 1 flat horse race in Great Britain open to horses aged three years or older. It is run on the July Course at Newmarket over a distance of 6 furlongs (1,207 metres ...

– (2) – ''Habibti (1983), Hamas (1993)'' *

King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes The King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes is a Group 1 flat horse race in Great Britain open to horses aged three years or older. It is run at Ascot o ...

– (4) – ''Troy (1979), Ela-Mana-Mou (1980), Petoski (1985), Nashwan (1989)'' * King's Stand Stakes – (3) – ''Habibti (1984), Chilibang (1988), Dayjur (1990)'' * Lockinge Stakes – (2) – ''Relkino (1977), Wassl (1984, dead heat)'' * Middle Park Stakes – (4) – ''Sharpen Up (1971), Known Fact (1979),

Rodrigo de Triano Rodrigo de Triano (foaled 27 May 1989 – 5 August 2014) was an English Thoroughbred Champion racehorse. Background Foaled in Kentucky, and bred and raced by leading British horseman, Robert Sangster, he was out of the mare Hot Princess and s ...

(1991), Fard (1994)'' * Nassau Stakes – (1) – ''Cistus (1978)'' * Nunthorpe Stakes – (3) – ''Bay Express (1975), Habibti (1983), Dayjur (1990)'' * Oaks – (4) – ''

Dunfermline Dunfermline (; sco, Dunfaurlin, gd, Dùn Phàrlain) is a city, parish and former Royal Burgh, in Fife, Scotland, on high ground from the northern shore of the Firth of Forth. The city currently has an estimated population of 58,508. Acco ...

(1977), Bireme (1980), Sun Princess (1983), Salsabil (1990)'' *

Prince of Wales's Stakes The Prince of Wales's Stakes is a Group 1 flat horse race in Great Britain open to horses aged four years or older. It is run at Ascot over a distance of 1 mile 1 furlong and 212 yards (2,004 ...

– (4) – ''Ela-Mana-Mou (1980), Morcon (1984), Muhtarram (1994 & 1995)'' * Queen Anne Stakes – (1) – ''Lahib (1992)'' * Queen Elizabeth II Stakes – (8) – ''Rose Bowl (1975 & 1976), Trusted (1977), Homing (1978), Known Fact (1980), Teleprompter (1984), Lahib (1992),

Bahri Bahri ( ar, بحري) is a masculine Arabic given name, Bahri is also a surname in Punjabi Khatri families of India. Given name * Huseyin Bahri Alptekin (1957-2007), Turkish artist * Bahri Tanrıkulu (born 1980), Turkish taekwondo athlete Surnam ...

(1995)'' * Racing Post Trophy – (3) – '' High Top (1971), Emmson (1987), Al Hareb (1988)'' *

St. James's Palace Stakes The St James's Palace Stakes is a Group 1 flat horse race in Great Britain open to three-year-old colts. It is run at Ascot over a distance of 7 furlongs and 213 yards (1,603 metres). It is sched ...

– (2) – ''

Marju Marju (Chinese: 馬足; 12 March 1988 – 11 October 2016) was a Thoroughbred racehorse and sire. Background Marju was a dark bay or brown horse bred by Kilcarn Stud and owned by Hamdan Al Maktoum. He was sired by Last Tycoon out of Flame of ...

(1991), Bahri (1995)'' * St. Leger – (3) – ''Dunfermline (1977), Sun Princess (1983), Minster Son (1988)'' *

Sun Chariot Stakes The Sun Chariot Stakes is a Group 1 flat horse race in Great Britain open to fillies and mares aged three years or older. It is run on the Rowley Mile at Newmarket over a distance of 1 mile (1,609 ...

– (4) – ''Duboff (1975), Dusty Dollar (1986), Ristna (1991), Talented (1993)'' * Sussex Stakes – (1) – ''Distant Relative (1990)'' *

Yorkshire Oaks The Yorkshire Oaks is a Group 1 flat horse race in Great Britain open to fillies and mares aged three years or older. It is run at York over a distance of 1 mile ...

– (5) – ''Dibidale (1974), Sun Princess (1983), Circus Plume (1984), Roseate Tern (1989), Hellenic (1990)'' ---- France *

Poule d'Essai des Pouliches The Poule d'Essai des Pouliches is a Group 1 flat horse race in France open to three-year-old thoroughbred fillies. It is run over a distance of 1,600 metres (about 1 mile) at ...

– (1) – ''Ta Rib (1996)'' * Prix de l'Abbaye de Longchamp – (2) – ''Habibti (1983), Dayjur (1990)'' *

Prix de Diane The Prix de Diane, sometimes referred to as the French Oaks, is a Group 1 flat horse race in France open to three-year-old thoroughbred fillies. It is run at Chantilly over a distance of 2,100 met ...

– (1) – ''Rafha (1990)'' *

Prix de la Forêt The Prix de la Forêt is a Group 1 flat horse race in France open to thoroughbreds aged three years or older. It is run at Longchamp over a distance of 1,400 metres (about 7 furlongs), and it i ...

– (2) – ''Roan Star (1975), Salse (1988)'' * Prix du Jockey Club – (1) – ''Policeman (1980)'' * Prix Marcel Boussac – (3) – ''Ashayer (1987), Salsabil (1989), Shadayid (1990)'' * Prix Morny – (1) – ''Deep Roots (1982)'' *

Prix de l'Opéra The Prix de l'Opéra is a Group 1 flat horse race in France open to thoroughbred fillies and mares aged three years or older. It is run at Longchamp over a distance of 2,000 metres (about 1¼ miles), and it ...

– (2) – ''Cistus (1978), Dione (1982)'' * Prix Royal-Oak – (1) – ''Niniski (1979)'' *

Prix de la Salamandre The Prix de la Salamandre was a Group 1 flat horse race in France open to two-year-old thoroughbred colts and fillies. It was run at Longchamp over a distance of 1,400 metres (about 7 furlongs), and it was scheduled to take place each year in S ...

– (1) – ''Deep Roots (1982, dead heat)'' * Prix Vermeille – (1) – ''Salsabil (1990)'' ---- Germany *

Bayerisches Zuchtrennen The Bayerisches Zuchtrennen is a Group 1 flat horse race in Germany open to thoroughbreds aged three years or older. It is run at Munich over a distance of 2,000 metres (about 1¼ miles), and it is scheduled to take place each year on the last Su ...

– (2) – ''Highland Chieftain (1986), Shady Heights (1988)'' * Grosser Preis von Baden – (1) – ''Sharper (1976)'' * Grosser Preis von Berlin – (1) – ''First Lord (1978)'' * Preis von Europa – (1) – ''Prince Ippi (1972)'' ---- Ireland *

Irish 1,000 Guineas The Irish 1,000 Guineas is a Group 1 flat horse race in Ireland open to three-year-old thoroughbred fillies. It is run at the Curragh over a distance of 1 mile (1,609 metres), and it is schedule ...

– (2) – ''Mehthaaf (1994), Matiya (1996)'' * Irish 2,000 Guineas – (1) – ''Don't Forget Me (1987)'' * Irish Champion Stakes – (2) – ''Elmaamul (1990), Muhtarram (1993)'' *

Irish Derby The Irish Derby ( Irish: Dearbaí na hÉireann) is a Group 1 flat horse race in Ireland open to three-year-old thoroughbred colts and fillies. It is run at the Curragh over a distance of ...

– (2) – ''Troy (1979), Salsabil (1990)'' *

Irish Oaks The Irish Oaks is a Group 1 flat horse race in Ireland open to three-year-old thoroughbred fillies. It is run at the Curragh over a distance of 1 mile and 4 furlongs (2,414 metres), and it ...

– (4) – ''Dibidale (1974), Shoot A Line (1980), Swiftfoot (1982), Helen Street (1985)'' *

Irish St. Leger The Irish St Leger is a Group 1 flat horse race in Ireland open to thoroughbreds aged three years or older. It is run at the Curragh over a distance of 1 mile and 6 furlongs (2,816 metres), and it i ...

– (1) – ''Niniski (1979)'' * Matron Stakes – (1) – ''Llyn Gwynant (1988)'' *

Tattersalls Gold Cup The Tattersalls Gold Cup is a Group 1 flat horse race in Ireland open to thoroughbreds aged four years or older. It is run at the Curragh over a distance of 1 mile, 2 furlongs and 110 yards (2,112 ...

– (1) – ''Fair of the Furze (1986)'' ---- Italy *

Derby Italiano The Derby Italiano is a Group 2 flat horse race in Italy open to three-year-old thoroughbred colts and fillies. It is run at Capannelle over a distance of 2,200 metres (about 1 mile and 3 furlongs), and it is scheduled to take place each year i ...

– (2) – ''Red Arrow (1976), Tommy Way (1986)'' *

Gran Criterium The Gran Criterium is a Group 2 flat horse race in Italy open to two-year-old thoroughbred colts and fillies. It is run at Milan over a distance of 1,500 metres (about 1 mile), and it is scheduled to take place each year in October. The ev ...

– (1) – ''Sanam (1986)'' * Gran Premio di Milano – (2) – ''Tommy Way (1986), Alwuhush (1989)'' * Oaks d'Italia – (1) – ''Miss Gris (1985)'' *

Premio Lydia Tesio The Premio Lydia Tesio is a Group 2 flat horse race in Italy open to thoroughbred fillies and mares aged three years or older. It is run at Capannelle over a distance of 2,000 metres (about 1¼ miles), and it is scheduled to take place each yea ...

– (1) – ''Oumaldaaya (1992)'' * Premio Parioli – (1) – ''Alhijaz (1992)'' * Premio Presidente della Repubblica – (3) – ''Jalmood (1983), Alwuhush (1989), Muhtarram (1994)'' *

Premio Roma The Premio Roma is a Group 2 flat horse race in Italy open to thoroughbreds aged three years or older. It is run at Capannelle over a distance 2,000 metres (about 1¼ miles), and it is scheduled to take place each year in November. History The ...

– (2) – ''High Hawk (1983), Highland Chieftain (1989)'' * Premio Vittorio di Capua – (2) – ''Alhijaz (1992 & 1993)''

In popular culture

The British progressive rock band It Bites' song "Once Around The World" (from the album of the same name) contains the lyric "Willie Carson, done for arson, for burning up the track".

References

External links

Racingbase.com – Racing People: Willie Carson
{{DEFAULTSORT:Carson, Willie 1942 births Living people Sportspeople from Stirling Scottish jockeys Lester Award winners BBC sports presenters and reporters Officers of the Order of the British Empire British Champion flat jockeys Swindon Town F.C. directors and chairmen I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here! (British TV series) participants