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Bill Palmer
Bill Palmer
William Palmer, always known as Bill, was born in Mary Tavy, Devon, on February 27, 1933, the son of a farmer. He began riding at a very early age and soon graduated to gymkhanas. In 1948 he became apprenticed to Gerald Balding.
William Palmer, always known as Bill, was born in Mary Tavy, Devon, on February 27, 1933, the son of a farmer. He began riding at a very early age and soon graduated to gymkhanas. In 1948 he became apprenticed to Gerald Balding.
He had his first ride in at Leicester on January 8, 1952, finishing fourth on Old Kentucky in the Rugby Handicap Chase for novice riders. He rode his first winner on Paricutin, owned by Lord Stavordale and trained by Gerald Balding, in the Pendennis Handicap Chase at Buckfastleigh on August 9, 1952.
He had his first ride in at Leicester on January 8, 1952, finishing fourth on Old Kentucky in the Rugby Handicap Chase for novice riders. He rode his first winner on Paricutin, owned by Lord Stavordale and trained by Gerald Balding, in the Pendennis Handicap Chase at Buckfastleigh on August 9, 1952.
Shortly after that first success, aged 19, he was called up for National Service, spending two years in the RAF. He resumed his riding career in the 1955/56 season.
Shortly after that first success, aged 19, he was called up for National Service, spending two years in the RAF. He resumed his riding career in the 1955/56 season.
When Gerald Balding died suddenly in 1957, his son Toby took over as trainer. Bill stayed with him. During the 1960s he shared the stable’s rides with Owen McNally, with Bill mainly riding the hurdlers while Owen rode the chasers.
When Gerald Balding died suddenly in 1957, his son Toby took over as trainer. Bill stayed with him. During the 1960s he shared the stable’s rides with Owen McNally, with Bill mainly riding the hurdlers while Owen rode the chasers.
Bill won the Princess Royal Hurdle on Green Light in March 1960, although it was known in that year simply as the Doncaster Handicap Hurdle. He enjoyed his most successful season in 1960/61 with 16 wins, six of them courtesy of Green Light. That was the only occasion he achieved a double figure score for a season, his next best being nine.
Bill won the Princess Royal Hurdle on Green Light in March 1960, although it was known in that year simply as the Doncaster Handicap Hurdle. He enjoyed his most successful season in 1960/61 with 16 wins, six of them courtesy of Green Light. That was the only occasion he achieved a double figure score for a season, his next best being nine.
His last winner was Tudor Legend, trained by Toby Balding, in the Melody Man Cup Hurdle at Taunton on May 1, 1969. He retired from riding at the end of that season, having ridden a total of 76 winners, and became head lad to Ian Balding at Kingsclere.
His last winner was Tudor Legend, trained by Toby Balding, in the Melody Man Cup Hurdle at Taunton on May 1, 1969. He retired from riding at the end of that season, having ridden a total of 76 winners, and became head lad to Ian Balding at Kingsclere.
He became an integral part of Ian Balding’s training operation. It was he who applied the bandages to Mill Reef’s leg when the horse broke it on the gallops.
He became an integral part of Ian Balding’s training operation. It was he who applied the bandages to Mill Reef’s leg when the horse broke it on the gallops.
Bill retired in 1998.
Bill retired in 1998.
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