Charles Bilham

Norwich-based National Hunt jockey Charles Norman Bilham was born on April 21, 1951. He was retained by Wymondham, Norfolk trainer Jack Bloom, with whom he served a three-year apprenticeship (1966-69). 

He rode the first winner of his career on 20-1 outsider Midnight Moss, owned and trained by Jack Bloom, in the Sheffield Seling Handicap Hurdle at Wetherby on December 3, 1968, beating top jockey Ron Barry on the 4-1 joint-favourite Prince Lightfoot by three lengths.

Charles subsequently joined Peter Random, who trained at Wigmore, near Leominster. He rode just one more winner, Rienzi, trained by Ransom, in division two of the Brimfield Novices’ Hurdle at Ludlow on October 4, 1972.

Later that same month, Rienzi was also his final ride in public when finishing second, beaten five lengths, in division one of the Nether Wallop Three-Year-Old Hurdle at Wincanton on October 26.

According to Ruff’s Guide to the Turf, Charles Bilham relinquished his licence on February 15, 1973 and renewed it on April 12. He held a licence for the 1973/74 season, although he does not appear to have had any rides.