Henry Willis
1929 - 2000
1929 - 2000
Henry Willis, better known as Harry Willis, was born in Winchester on October 24, 1929. He rode as a professional National Hunt jockey in Britain from 1952 to 1960 without ever riding a winner. He then rode in America from 1961 to 1963.
Henry Willis, better known as Harry Willis, was born in Winchester on October 24, 1929. He rode as a professional National Hunt jockey in Britain from 1952 to 1960 without ever riding a winner. He then rode in America from 1961 to 1963.
He returned to Britain in 1965 and began training at Morestead Farm Stables, Morestead, near Winchester. His best-known horse was Ross Du Van, who gave him his biggest training success when springing a 33/1 shock in the Wyld Court Tom Masson Trophy Handicap Hurdle at Newbury on October 24, 1975. Ross Du Van was owned by Jimmy De Mestre, who had ridden him to finish second in a Worcester novices’ hurdle the previous season.
He returned to Britain in 1965 and began training at Morestead Farm Stables, Morestead, near Winchester. His best-known horse was Ross Du Van, who gave him his biggest training success when springing a 33/1 shock in the Wyld Court Tom Masson Trophy Handicap Hurdle at Newbury on October 24, 1975. Ross Du Van was owned by Jimmy De Mestre, who had ridden him to finish second in a Worcester novices’ hurdle the previous season.
Harry also saddled several winners in Jersey. He gave up training in 1985.
Harry also saddled several winners in Jersey. He gave up training in 1985.
Henry (Harry) Willis died in February 2000, aged 70, at his home in Morestead and was cremated in Southampton.
Henry (Harry) Willis died in February 2000, aged 70, at his home in Morestead and was cremated in Southampton.