Bernard Williamson

Bernard Williamson

Article by Alan Trout

Bernard Eric Williamson rode just two winners under National Hunt rules in a career that started in 1949 and lasted until the mid-1960s, albeit there were at least four seasons when he did not hold a licence. 

His first ride was on Sailor’s Knot, a faller in the Caterham Novices’ Hurdle (Division 2) at Lingfield Park on December 10, 1949. His first success came on the last day of that season, at Towcester on Whit Monday, May 29, 1950, when Regional Control, owned and trained by permit holder Edgar Bennett at Andover, won the Hartwell Selling Hurdle, beating Sulphurous, the mount of Dave Dick, by a length.

Almost five years elapsed before Bernard scored again, but back at Towcester on Easter Monday, April 11, 1955, Industrious Lass won the Selling Handicap Hurdle. Bernard was riding the Jack O’Donoghue-trained 11-year-old for the first time and they beat Scotch Comfort, ridden by Philip Power, by a length. It was the mare’s last race. 

Bernard continued to ride for another decade but there were no more wins. He only rode intermittently, based mainly in the north. His final mount was on Master Cagire, owned and trained – and often ridden – by the sporting veteran Major Joe Pidcock – finishing unplaced in the 23-runner Nags Head Novices’ Hurdle (Division 2) at Sedgefield on December 11, 1965.