Williamson forced to retire after Listowel fall

Article originally published October 21, 2003

Norman Williamson, one of the highest profile jump jockeys of the modern era, yesterday announced his immediate retirement from race riding on medical advice.

Announcing his decision to quit the sport, Williamson, 34, said: "I have had problems with the discs in my neck for some time and have been dealing with people in Harley Street for the past year.

"I had a fall at Downpatrick recently which aggravated the problem and after having another scan I was advised that retirement was my best option."

A subsequent appointment with Dr Walter Halley, the Turf Club's medical officer, resulted in a similar assessment.

"Another fall and things could have been very serious," said Williamson. "I've bitten the bullet and taken the sensible decision in the circumstances."

The winner of a total of 1,268 races, the Cork-born rider, known affectionately in jumps circles as 'Stormin' Norman', sparked some heartfelt send-offs from trainers and jockeys - but retirement was a hard decision to reach.

"I had a week to think about it and I'm retiring with very mixed feelings," Williamson added. "I had planned to keep going for this season and maybe next and was looking forward to continuing my association with Edward O'Grady, who has a very good team of horses.

"He has been very loyal and I was delighted to win the Supreme Novices' Hurdle for him on Back In Front last season."

Williamson revealed that only last week he learned that he would have had the ride on Hardy Eustace for Dessie Hughes this season.

Hardy Eustace won the Royal & SunAlliance Novices' Hurdle at Cheltenham in March, ridden by the late Kieran Kelly who died in August following a fall at Kilbeggan.

Williamson added: "I cannot complain. I've had a great career and I have been very, very lucky.

"Winning the Cheltenham Gold Cup on Master Oats and the Champion Hurdle on Alderbrook in 1995 was very special and other big race wins that stand out include the King George, the Welsh National and the Peter Marsh Chase at Haydock three years in a row.

"Teeton Mill was up there with the very best horses I rode. I was lucky enough to win a lot of big races.

"I suppose missing out on the Martell Grand National and the Queen Mother Champion Chase were the two that I would loved to have won."

Reflecting on his big-race wins in Ireland, where he spent the final year of his career, Williamson said: "Winning the Irish Champion Hurdle on Ned Kelly was a big day and definitely one of the highlights, whereas Nick Dundee was one of the downfalls.

"It was a terrible pity that injury prevented him from maximising his potential."

After being based in Britain for most of his career Williamson, who rode in Ireland on a frequent basis, returned to his home country to ride as first jockey to O'Grady last season.

"The pressure was on to make a good job of it when I came home and I ended up riding 40 winners. I was happy with that as I didn't really start off until Listowel in September."

Regarding the future, Williamson, who with his wife, Janet, recently bought a farm near Athboy in County Meath, said: "I have no concrete plans. We'll be keeping a few horses on the farm and I'd like to think there might be some TV work. I've done plenty of it and I'd like to do more."

The fall which led to Williamson's retirement came at Downpatrick on October 8 when Cmewin came down at the seventh fence in the Cuisine de France EBF Beginners Chase.

"People might wonder what I was doing riding in a beginners chase on fast ground at Downpatrick at that time of the year. I was doing what jump jockeys do. You can't get into a hole and hide."