Having ridden over 100 times without getting a winner, Jack Berry's apprentice William Hollick quit riding in Britain and, leaving his roots in Hemel Hempstead, crossed to America.
His final memory of riding in Britain was of fracturing a leg in a racefall and spending six weeks in hospital.
After the move, William's luck changed for the better: not only did he enjoy successful summers at Delaware Park - he also rode to no little effect in Florida in the winters.
Then he was approached by moviemaker Chris McCarron who was on the look-out for stunt riders and doubles for his forthcoming film, Seabiscuit. It entailed getting pushed off a horse at 35 mph.
William had actually read the book and stated the film was better.
He briefly returned to Britain in 1996 when he met his future wife, Lucy.