Gerry Wilson
Gerry Wilson, the brother-in-law of that great trainer Fred Rimell, was a hard, but happy, character who became Champion Jockey seven times
Gerry Wilson, the brother-in-law of that great trainer Fred Rimell, was a hard, but happy, character who became Champion Jockey seven times
Born on October 12, 1903, the son of a dealer in Whaddon Chase, Bucks., Gerry was apprenticed to Frank Hartigan at Weymill and rode many of Sonny Hall’s horses. He rode his first winner on Abbots Wood at Huntingdon on October 15, 1921.
Born on October 12, 1903, the son of a dealer in Whaddon Chase, Bucks., Gerry was apprenticed to Frank Hartigan at Weymill and rode many of Sonny Hall’s horses. He rode his first winner on Abbots Wood at Huntingdon on October 15, 1921.
Gerry’s cheerful demeanour belied an inner steely determination to succeed. He rode his first big winner when dead-heating for the 1931 Champion Chase on Coup de Chateau. The following year he won the Welsh Grand National on Miss Gaynus.
Gerry’s cheerful demeanour belied an inner steely determination to succeed. He rode his first big winner when dead-heating for the 1931 Champion Chase on Coup de Chateau. The following year he won the Welsh Grand National on Miss Gaynus.
However, his standout year was in 1934, when he won all three of jump racing’s greatest prizes, the Grand National and the Cheltenham Gold Cup on the immortal Golden Miller, ranked second to Arkle in many lists of all-time champions, and the Champion Hurdle on Lion Courage.
However, his standout year was in 1934, when he won all three of jump racing’s greatest prizes, the Grand National and the Cheltenham Gold Cup on the immortal Golden Miller, ranked second to Arkle in many lists of all-time champions, and the Champion Hurdle on Lion Courage.
He won the Cheltenham Gold Cup for a second time on Golden Miller in 1935. When Flamenco won the first leg of that year’s Spring Double, such were the bookies’ liabilities on Golden Miller in the second leg, the Grand National, that Gerry was offered substantial bribes to stop the horse. With characteristic honesty, he immediately informed the owner, the trainer and the Stewards.
He won the Cheltenham Gold Cup for a second time on Golden Miller in 1935. When Flamenco won the first leg of that year’s Spring Double, such were the bookies’ liabilities on Golden Miller in the second leg, the Grand National, that Gerry was offered substantial bribes to stop the horse. With characteristic honesty, he immediately informed the owner, the trainer and the Stewards.
In the race, Golden Miller baulked at a fence, giving Gerry no chance to stay in the saddle. This was borne out by on-the-spot witnesses and filmed evidence, yet many accused him of deliberately jumping off.
In the race, Golden Miller baulked at a fence, giving Gerry no chance to stay in the saddle. This was borne out by on-the-spot witnesses and filmed evidence, yet many accused him of deliberately jumping off.
Gerry’s other major victories included the Imperial Cup twice on Lion Courage (1935) and Mange Tout (1939). He rode a total of 570 winners, his best season being in 1934-35 when he partnered 73 winners.
Gerry’s other major victories included the Imperial Cup twice on Lion Courage (1935) and Mange Tout (1939). He rode a total of 570 winners, his best season being in 1934-35 when he partnered 73 winners.
On his retirement from the saddle he became a trainer and sent out Brains Trust, ridden by Fred Rimell, to win the 1945 Champion Hurdle. Gerry Wilson gave up training in 1956 and ran a pub at Brightwalton, near Lambourn.
On his retirement from the saddle he became a trainer and sent out Brains Trust, ridden by Fred Rimell, to win the 1945 Champion Hurdle. Gerry Wilson gave up training in 1956 and ran a pub at Brightwalton, near Lambourn.
Aged 65, Gerry Wilson died at his Newbury home on Sunday, December 29, 1968.
Aged 65, Gerry Wilson died at his Newbury home on Sunday, December 29, 1968.
Best wins:
Best wins:
1931: Champion Chase - Coup de Chateau (deadheat)
1931: Champion Chase - Coup de Chateau (deadheat)
1932: Welsh Grand National - Miss Gaynus
1932: Welsh Grand National - Miss Gaynus
1934: Grand National - Golden Miller
1934: Grand National - Golden Miller
1934: Cheltenham Gold Cup - Golden Miller
1934: Cheltenham Gold Cup - Golden Miller
1934: Champion Hurdle - Lion Courage
1934: Champion Hurdle - Lion Courage
1935: Imperial Cup - Lion Courage
1935: Imperial Cup - Lion Courage
1935: Cheltenham Gold Cup - Golden Miller
1935: Cheltenham Gold Cup - Golden Miller
1939: Imperial Cup - Mange Tout
1939: Imperial Cup - Mange Tout
