A true fan of horse racing will instantly recognize the name, Willie Carson. But if you’ve never heard about him we will highlight some of the most important details about his private life and professional career and find out why is he relevant in the horse racing industry.
Despite his diminutive stature (he’s only 5 feet 2 inches tall), he was a giant in the sport, winning countless races and breaking records along the way. If you occasionally place horse bets, you will be familiar with his name.
From his humble beginnings in Stirling, Scotland, Carson has established himself as a household figure in the racing industry because of his many victories on the track.
So, let’s find out more about why his name is strongly embedded in horse racing.
| Willie Carson | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Quick Facts | |
| Real Name: | William Fisher Hunter Carson |
| Date of Birth: | November 16, 1942 |
| Place of Birth: | Stirling, United Kingdom |
| Nationality: | Scottish |
| Occupation: | Jockey |
| Parents: | N/A |
| Siblings: | N/A |
| Partner: | Carol Spares (m. 1963-1979). Elaine Carson (m. 1982) |
| Height: | 5 feet 2 in |
| Net Worth: | $10 million |
Early Days of His Career
Willie Carson has racing in his blood since he was born on November 16, 1942 in Stirling, Scotland. Willie learned to ride at an early age since his father was a jockey.
He began his career as a jockey apprentice in 1958, and by the beginning of the 1970s, he had made a name for himself. He won more than 17% of the races he entered throughout the course of his career, which is remarkable for a jockey.
Age and Height: Small but Mighty
Despite being 80 years old as of 2023, Willie Carson remains a fixture in the racing community. He may be short in stature, but his riding skills and tactical acumen more than make up for it. Plus, let’s face it, being small probably made it easier for him to fit on those nimble racehorses!
Parents and Partner: Racing Runs in the Family
Clearly, Carson’s father, a jockey himself, was the source of his passion for racing. And he handed the torch to his son Jamie, who also rose to prominence as a jockey.
Willie has been married to Elaine Burrell since 1982, and the two of them have two children together. It seems to sense that Willie was destined for success on the track with a family history like that!
This isn’t his first marriage. Willie Carson was also married to Carol Spares with whom he also had two children.
Net Worth
After a long and successful career, Willie Carson has amassed an impressive net worth. According to Celebrity Net Worth, he’s worth a cool $10 million. That’s a lot of hay!
Legacy
Few jockeys can compete with Willie Carson when it comes to horse racing. Willie is a real sports icon thanks to his triumphs in some of the world’s most famous events, including the Epsom Derby and the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe.
But his outstanding performance in the Ascot Gold Cup is what really skyrocketed his career. He has demonstrated time and time again that he is the king of the turf with more victories than you can shake a riding crop at.
He has won the British Champion Jockey five times in his career and won 17 British Classic Races and a total win of 3,828 making him the fourth most successful jockey in Great Britain. He was so in love with horse racing that he pursued his passion for the support until 1996 when he retired at 54 years old!
Only a few jockeys in the world can say that they had a 34-year riding career.
But it’s not just his wins that have made Willie such a beloved figure in the racing world. It’s his unflagging sportsmanship, his unwavering dedication to the sport, and his charisma that just won’t quit.
Whether he’s working with his horses or interacting with fans, he always brings his A-game.
Final Words
In conclusion, Willie Carson is a true racing icon. Despite his small figure which obviously helped him as a jockey, he was a giant in the sport, and his accomplishments continue to inspire and awe fans to this day.
So, here’s to you, Willie – thanks for the memories!
