John Williams was born on August 14, 1932. He served his apprenticeship on the Flat with Epsom trainer Walter Nightingall, but it was over jumps that he ride all seven of his winners.
Going to scale at 9 stone, he was retained by Jim Wibberley, who trained at Bellinzona Stables, Dymchurch, Romey Marsh, in Kent. He finished second on his first ride, when Fireworks II was beaten a length and a half by Bill Woods on Queen’s Terrace in the Heathfield Handicap Chase at Plumpton on March 28, 1959.
He rode his first winner on 5-1 favourite El Griego II, trained by Doug Marks, in the Emblem Handicap Chase at Kempton Park on February 26, 1960, making all to beat the grey K.E., partnered by Chris McCormack, by 10 lengths.
Jim Wibberley trained all John’s other six winners, the last of them on Hindu Legend in the Tonbridge Handicap Hurdle at Wye on October 2, 1961, beating Clever Cobbler, the mount of Rodney Boult (who would later become trainer David Elsworth’s right-hand man and Desert Orchid’s regular partner on the home gallops), by six lengths.
Hindu Legend was also John’s final ride, finishing second, beaten two lengths by Glenborne, ridden by Joe Coates, in the September Handicap Hurdle at Plumpton on September 29, 1963. An objection to the winner on grounds of crossing after the last flight of hurdles was overruled.
John Williams’ winners were, in chronological order: