Willie Carson’s Unforgettable Wins: Racing’s True Legend

Step into the world of one of Britain’s greatest jockeys as we relive the career of Willie Carson, a true legend of horse racing. From humble beginnings in Stirling, Scotland, Carson’s journey took him from a council flat to the winner’s enclosure at racing’s biggest events. This video showcases his most iconic victories, interviews, legendary partnerships, and the horses that defined his legacy.

Featured Horses & Races:

High Top – Carson’s first Classic winner in the 1972 2,000 Guineas, marking his rise among Britain’s elite jockeys.

Dunfermline – Triumphs in the 1977 Oaks and St Leger for Her Majesty The Queen during her Silver Jubilee year.

Troy – A dominant 1979 campaign, winning the Epsom Derby, Irish Derby, King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes, and Benson & Hedges Gold Cup.

Ela-Mana-Mou – Group 1 glory in 1980 with victories in the Prince of Wales’s Stakes, Eclipse Stakes, and King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes, after moving from Guy Harwood to Dick Hern.

Henbit – Back-to-back Derby glory in 1980, overcoming adversity to win at Epsom.

Sun Princess – A remarkable filly, winning the 1983 Oaks, Yorkshire Oaks, and St Leger.

Habibti – Sprinting sensation crowned Europe’s Horse of the Year in 1983, with victories in the July Cup, Nunthorpe Stakes, Haydock Sprint Cup, and Prix de l’Abbaye.

Don’t Forget Me – Achieved the rare English and Irish 2,000 Guineas double in 1987, trained by Richard Hannon Sr.

Nashwan – Historic four-timer in 1989: 2,000 Guineas, Epsom Derby, Eclipse Stakes, and King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes, all with Carson in the saddle.

Salsabil – Trailblazing filly in 1990, winning the 1,000 Guineas, Epsom Oaks, and becoming the first filly in 90 years to win the Irish Derby.

Dayjur – Europe’s sprint king in 1990, victorious in the Temple Stakes, King’s Stand Stakes, Nunthorpe Stakes (course record), Haydock Sprint Cup, and Prix de l’Abbaye, with his legendary Breeders’ Cup Sprint “shadow jump.”

Erhaab – Carson’s fourth Derby winner in 1994, showcasing his longevity and tactical brilliance.

Shadayid – Classic-winning filly, taking the 1,000 Guineas in 1991.

About Willie Carson:
With 3,828 winners in the UK, five Champion Jockey titles, and 17 British Classic victories, Willie Carson’s fearless riding, tactical genius, and big-race temperament made him a legend of the turf. His partnerships with trainers like Major Dick Hern and John Dunlop, and his unforgettable rides on racing’s greatest horses, have inspired generations.