William Palmer - born 1933
William Palmer was born in Mary Tavy, Devon, on February 27, 1933.
William Palmer was born in Mary Tavy, Devon, on February 27, 1933.
From 1948, he was apprenticed to Gerald Balding.
From 1948, he was apprenticed to Gerald Balding.
He had his first ride, Old Kentucky, at Leicester on January 8, 1952, and his first winner, Paricutin, at Buckfastleigh on August 9, 1952.
He had his first ride, Old Kentucky, at Leicester on January 8, 1952, and his first winner, Paricutin, at Buckfastleigh on August 9, 1952.
His last winner was Tudor Legend, trained by Toby Balding, in the Melody Man Cup at Taunton on 1 May 1969.
His last winner was Tudor Legend, trained by Toby Balding, in the Melody Man Cup at Taunton on 1 May 1969.
Aged 19, he did his National Service, spending two years in the RAF.
Aged 19, he did his National Service, spending two years in the RAF.
Back on the racecourse he won the Princess Royal Hurdle on Green Light.
Back on the racecourse he won the Princess Royal Hurdle on Green Light.
William rode a total of 76 winners.
William rode a total of 76 winners.
He retired in 1969 and became head lad to Ian Balding.
He retired in 1969 and became head lad to Ian Balding.
He and his wife, Anne, and their three children, moved into Troutbeck bungalow from which William operated.
He and his wife, Anne, and their three children, moved into Troutbeck bungalow from which William operated.
It was he who applied the bandages to Mill Reef's leg when the horse broke it on the gallops.
It was he who applied the bandages to Mill Reef's leg when the horse broke it on the gallops.
He retired in 1998.
He retired in 1998.