Norman Williamson factfile

Name: Norman Williamson

Born: January 16, 1969, in County Cork.

Apprenticeship: Amateur rider with Dermot Weld. Seven months with PP Hogan.

First winner: Jack 'n' Jill at Clonmel in 1987.

Main trainers rode for: John Edwards, Kim Bailey, Venetia Williams, Edward O'Grady.

Cheltenham Gold Cup winner: Master Oats in 1995.

Champion Hurdle winner: Alderbrook in 1995.

Other big winners: Back In Front (Supreme Novices' Hurdle and Irish Champion Novice Hurdle 2003), Commanche Court (Triumph Hurdle 1997), Direct Route (Melling Chase 1999 and 2000, Tingle Creek Chase 1999), Kadi (Mildmay of Flete Chase 1995), Lady Rebecca (Cleeve Hurdle 1999, 2000, 2001), Lucky Lane (Midlands National 1995), Master Oats (Welsh National 1994), Monsieur Le Cure (Pendil Novices' Chase 1994), Mudahim (Cleeve Hurdle 1995), Multum In Parvo (Mackeson Gold Cup 1990), Ned Kelly (Irish Champion Hurdle 2002), Putty Road (Sun Alliance Novices' Hurdle 1995), Silver Wedge (Tolworth Hurdle 1995), Teeton Mill (Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup, King George VI Chase 1998, Ascot Chase 1999), The Outback Way (Murphy's Gold Cup 1999).

Best Grand National placing: 2nd on Mely Moss 2000.

Leading Cheltenham Festival rider: 1995 with four wins.

Other information: Three-times champion pony rider in Ireland, once rode 65 winers in a single season.