Colin Williams
Born on December 30, 1946, apprentice Colin Noel Williams rode George Brummell, trained by Jack Leader, to victory at Newmarket on Saturday, August 9, 1963.
Born on December 30, 1946, apprentice Colin Noel Williams rode George Brummell, trained by Jack Leader, to victory at Newmarket on Saturday, August 9, 1963.
The son of a Welsh miner, it was Colin's first-ever ride in public.
The son of a Welsh miner, it was Colin's first-ever ride in public.
Colin, who came from Cascade, near Cardiff, said - years later - 'Racing has given me a wonderful life.
Colin, who came from Cascade, near Cardiff, said - years later - 'Racing has given me a wonderful life.
In 2009, then aged 63, Colin recalled his ride on Sir Peter O'Sullevan's horse Be Friendly.
In 2009, then aged 63, Colin recalled his ride on Sir Peter O'Sullevan's horse Be Friendly.
When Sir Peter told Be Friendly’s trainer Cyril Mitchell that he was thinking of putting Colin up, his reply was: “Never bloody heard of him.”
When Sir Peter told Be Friendly’s trainer Cyril Mitchell that he was thinking of putting Colin up, his reply was: “Never bloody heard of him.”
However, Colin maintains that it was thanks to the legendary Lester Piggott that he got the ride.
However, Colin maintains that it was thanks to the legendary Lester Piggott that he got the ride.
Sir Peter, in his fascinating autobiography, Calling the Horses, tells how he sought the opinion of Piggott, who replied: “Colin’s alright.”
Sir Peter, in his fascinating autobiography, Calling the Horses, tells how he sought the opinion of Piggott, who replied: “Colin’s alright.”
Sir Peter wrote: “A reincarnation of Fred Archer could not have received higher praise, and when I met Greville Starkey he unhesitatingly plumped for young Williams.”
Sir Peter wrote: “A reincarnation of Fred Archer could not have received higher praise, and when I met Greville Starkey he unhesitatingly plumped for young Williams.”
On the morning of the race, Colin walked the course with Sir Peter’s friend, the professional gambler Alex Bird and, because the going was far better on the stand side of the track, the bold decision of crossing the course was made, even though the ploy might cost one-and-a-half lengths. The final decision was left to Colin, who was told there would be no comebacks if he decided to ride the course the orthodox way.
On the morning of the race, Colin walked the course with Sir Peter’s friend, the professional gambler Alex Bird and, because the going was far better on the stand side of the track, the bold decision of crossing the course was made, even though the ploy might cost one-and-a-half lengths. The final decision was left to Colin, who was told there would be no comebacks if he decided to ride the course the orthodox way.
“No way I’ll do that sir,” answered a confident Colin. “The ground is far better on the grandstand side. I must come over.”
“No way I’ll do that sir,” answered a confident Colin. “The ground is far better on the grandstand side. I must come over.”
Sir Peter, who was commentating on the race, told television viewers not to be surprised if Be Friendly ran wide at the turn to the straight and crossed over to the other side of the track – and that is what happened. Colin carried out the manoeuvre perfectly to gain a famous victory.
Sir Peter, who was commentating on the race, told television viewers not to be surprised if Be Friendly ran wide at the turn to the straight and crossed over to the other side of the track – and that is what happened. Colin carried out the manoeuvre perfectly to gain a famous victory.
Colin turned to training after hanging up his saddle.
Colin turned to training after hanging up his saddle.
Big winners:
Big winners:
1966: Totalisator Spring Handicap – Christmas Review
1966: Totalisator Spring Handicap – Christmas Review
1966: Vernons Sprint Cup – Be Friendly
1966: Vernons Sprint Cup – Be Friendly
In Ireland
In Ireland
1968: Irish Lincoln Handicap – Little Hawk
1968: Irish Lincoln Handicap – Little Hawk