Willie Carson: From “stable lad” to five-times Champion Jockey - a journey to stardom

An in-depth conversation reflecting on a trailblazing career

This week is our ‘Special Guest’ episode, where host Chris Wright brings you intimate one-to-one interviews with key people in media, business, politics and beyond. In this episode, Chris is joined by Willie Carson, one of the most successful jockeys in Britain’s history.

In his 34-year riding career, he was crowned Champion Jockey five times, riding 3,828 winners, which included 17 British Classics, 11 Irish Classics, and four Derby Stakes. Following a distinguished career on the racecourse, Willie became a successful TV broadcaster and commentator, a reality television star and chairman of Swindon Town Football Club.

In this conversation, he reflects on his childhood and how years of perseverance enabled him to climb the ladder – from an apprentice at the Captain Gerald Armstrong stables in North Yorkshire, to a champion. He describes riding his first Classic winner on ‘High Top’ in the 1972 2000 Guineas, as well as being the only jockey in Britain to win a Classic on a horse that he bred himself.

The discussion moves on to a “day to remember,” as Willie recalls winning the Oaks on the Queen’s filly in the year of her Silver Jubilee. He shares how his relationship with the monarch developed as an owner, and emphasizes her unwavering passion for thoroughbred breeding and racing.

Together they also discuss some of the downtimes and life-threatening injuries that Willie has faced over the years, and exchange views on a variety of other topics including weighing room etiquette, boosting prize money and taking part in the ‘I’m a Celebrity, Get Me Out Of Here’ TV show.

Created & produced by Podcast Partners: www.podcastpartners.com