Brian Williamson

Brian Williamson

Article by Alan Trout

New Zealand jump jockey Brian James Williamson rode in Britain for a couple of seasons in the early 1970s. He had less than 20 rides all told but won six races. He was based during his time in Britain with Epsom trainer Ron Smyth, who provided him with all of his wins. 

Brian was able to claim a 3lb allowance, meaning that he must have ridden at least 15 winners in his native country. He had his first British ride at Windsor on November 14, 1970, when General Imp finished third in the Player’s No. 6 National Hunt Championship qualifier, having been hampered at the first flight. 

He enjoyed his first success at Plumpton on February 8, 1971, when Kyrios romped to victory in the Crowhurst Handicap Hurdle, beating Ashiq by six lengths. Brian kept the ride and the partnership struck again at Newbury on New Year’s Eve when landing the Abingdon Opportunity Handicap Hurdle, this time by five lengths. 

Following an unplaced effort at Ascot in January, they came good again back at Plumpton on February 21 in the Mark Lane Handicap Hurdle, getting up near the line to beat Royal Rudolf by a neck. 

Brian recorded a more comfortable victory at Windsor on March 6, when the six-year-old Hey Ho won the Spring Handicap Hurdle (Division 1) by five lengths. Then it was back to another win on Kyrios, beating The Buck by a length and a half in the Long Distance Handicap Hurdle at Plumpton on March 22.  

Five days later, Hey Ho gave Brian his final British success when landing the Tonbridge Handicap Hurdle at Wye by ten lengths. His last ride in Britain was on Blue Fire, a faller in the Hailsham Novices’ Hurdle (Division 2) at Plumpton on Easter Monday, April 3, 1972.

Brian Williamson’s British wins were, in chronological order:

1. Kyrios, Plumpton, February 8, 1971

2. Kyrios, Newbury, December 31, 1971

3. Kyrios, Plumpton, February 21, 1971

4. Hey Ho, Windsor, March 6, 1972

5. Kyrios, Plumpton, March 22, 1972

6. Hey Ho, Wye, March 27, 1972