Stormin’ Norman rolls back the years as Pallasator puts best foot forward

Norman Williamson and Pallasator swept to victory in the John Shortt Legends Challenge race at Punchestown with the former Gold Cup and Champion Hurdle winning jockey and Group 2 Flat winner powering home for an eight-and-a-half length victory.

The race, which involved many big-name riders of the past, was organised to raise funds for the family of John Shortt, the former jump jockey who lost his battle with cancer in February, aged 53.

After the race Williamson said: "That was fantastic. I really enjoyed it and Pallasator was very good. We’re all here for a very good reason – to raise money. John [Shortt] was a great pal if mine and a great fellow. He was also a very good horseman.

"Thanks to Gordon [Elliott] and Sheikh Fahad for letting me ride Pallasator. We came up with the plan a couple of weeks ago. As Gordon said, it put a little bit of buzz to the race with a real good horse in it. I know he won well but at least he ran in it. He gave me a terrific ride."

Elliott said: "Pallasator was the class horse in the race once he didn’t misbehave. But to be fair he has behaved well since we got him. Sir Mark [Prescott] did all the hard work with him and maybe it’s just the change of scenery that has helped the horse.

“He jumps hurdles very well and has done plenty of schooling. He’ll be starting off over hurdles in the next few weeks.”

Pallasator, who was sent off the 13-8 favourite for the 1m6f event, went to the front a furlong and a half out before forging clear.

The winner’s stablemate, Tiger Roll, finished second under Philip Dempsey, with Monksland (Paul Carberry) third and Air Supremacy (Mick Kinane) fourth.

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.

From the archives

Conquering heroes