William Joseph Brennan, of Valentia Lodge, Great Connell, Newbridge, Co Kildare, was born on March 22, 1933, and, having started out as an amateur, was asked by the Irish Stewards to turn professional when enjoying a shade too many winners for their liking.
William did so and, riding between 9 st 7 lb (his lowest) and 9 st 12 lb (his normal), he continued to visit the winners' enclosure.
His first year as a professional was, in fact, his best: he rode 34 winners, but always maintained that the highlight of his career had been riding in the Grand National.
William's first winner, Illusive's Day had come at Downpatrick whilst serving a four-year apprenticeship with Paddy Sleator.
He later took up training and saddled Barney Curley's Yellow Sam to land a massive coup at Bellewstown in 1975. He also trained 1985 Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Forgive 'n Forget in the early days of the horse's career before he joined Jimmy FitzGerald. He died in Tallaght Hospital in Dublin on December 4, 2016, aged 83.
William's biggest win came in the 1958 County Hurdle at Cheltenham when partnering Friendly Boy.
On Jun 11, 1957, he married Valerie Nugent.
William often rode in Milan.
He listed his recreations as golf, tennis & shooting.
