Evan Williams, a 51-year-old whose journey began in farming, has established himself as a highly accomplished racehorse trainer. His early success was marked by notable horses such as State of Play, the winner of the 2008 Charlie Hall, and Deep Purple, who secured victories in the 2009 Peterborough Chase and the 2009 Charlie Hall. High Chimes triumphed in the Kim Muir at the 2008 Cheltenham Festival, and Firebird Flyer continued the legacy of talented chasers by winning the 2016 Midland Grand National. More recently, talented two-mile hurdler Silver Streak and Welsh National winner Secret Reprieve have showcased the stable’s continued prowess. A true yard legend, Coole Cody, has been an exceptional servant, winning the Paddy Power Gold Cup in 2020, the December Gold Cup the following year, and concluding the previous season with a celebratory win at the 2022 Festival.
The inspiration behind these equine athletes is a testament to the dedication of a family deeply involved in the racing world. Isabel, an accomplished jockey, Eleanor, an amateur rider, and young William, who manages the office and pursues his rugby passion, all contribute to the operation of the seventy racehorses in training at Aberogwrn Farm in the Vale of Glamorgan. Their wife and mother, Catherine, oversees the broader aspects of the extensive operation. Off the track, the family shares their home with three beloved pets: Dotty, a Jack Russell, Nancy, a whippet, and Franco, a whippet-cross, alongside a small herd of cattle.
The Transition from Farming to the Racing World
The pivotal moment that led Evan Williams to transition from farming to racehorse training was the devastating impact of the foot and mouth epidemic during the 2000-01 season, which significantly affected the family farm. This challenging period spurred a diversification into training. Within a year, Evan achieved champion point-to-point trainer status. By the 2003-04 season, he had obtained his professional trainer’s license, marking the beginning of an unwavering upward trajectory. His inaugural professional winner crossed the finish line on Classic Trials Day at Sandown in April 2006, a significant moment ridden by Mick Kinane. This success was replicated in June of the same year, with Ryan Moore in the saddle.
A Life Shaped by Horses and Farming
Evan’s childhood was steeped in the agricultural world, with a constant presence of ponies and horses. This early exposure naturally led him to become a farmer and a successful point-to-point rider, accumulating over 200 winners. During his formative years, jockeys such as Arthur Stephenson and Chris Grant were figures he admired. He was also captivated by the yards of trainers Mary Reveley and Peter Niven, impressed by their consistent string of winners.
The Genesis of a Training Career
The decision to pursue a professional training license was a direct response to the halt in point-to-point racing caused by the foot and mouth disease. This experience, while challenging, ultimately redirected his passion into a thriving career. The allure of working with animals, a love cultivated during his farming days, extended seamlessly to his role as a racehorse trainer.
The Joys and Sorrows of Training
For Evan Williams, the most rewarding aspect of training racehorses lies in his deep affection for animals. The connection and care he provides to the horses bring immense satisfaction. However, the profession is not without its hardships. The injuries sustained by both horses and jockeys are the most difficult parts of the job to bear.
Memorable Victories and Favorite Pursuits
Every victory is a cherished moment, and Evan describes any day with a winning horse as a good day. Among his favored racing venues is Chepstow, which he considers a “great old course.” The Welsh Grand National meeting held at Chepstow is his most anticipated event of the year. The success of horses like Silver Streak, trained by Evan Williams, highlights the exceptional talent nurtured at his stable. For those interested in the business side of racing, understanding the [average salary for horse trainer] can offer insights into the financial landscape of this demanding profession.
Guiding Principles and Personal Preferences
Evan has received a wealth of advice throughout his career, but a particularly memorable piece of wisdom from a renowned racehorse trainer was to “not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing.” This suggests a focus on disciplined execution and perhaps a degree of strategic discretion. When it comes to personal tastes, Evan identifies as a “teapot,” consuming large quantities of tea. He is not a picky eater but has a fondness for seafood paired with white wine. His ideal holiday destination is anywhere accessible from Cardiff, such as Mallorca, though he prefers to limit these trips to once a year. His interests remain firmly centered on training racehorses and tending to his cattle, finding complete contentment in these pursuits. For those seeking to delve deeper into the world of equine expertise, exploring resources on [bode miller horse trainer] can provide further context on different training philosophies. The importance of specialized training can also be seen in discussions about [harness horse training centers florida].
A Family Affair in Racing
The Williams family’s involvement in racing extends beyond Evan, with his wife Catherine playing a crucial role in managing the daily operations. Their children, Isabel, Eleanor, and William, are all active participants, contributing their skills and passion to the stable. This familial dedication is a cornerstone of their success. For individuals aspiring to enter this field, understanding potential career paths, such as [horse trainer jobs colorado] and [how much does a horse trainer make a year], is essential.
References
- Old Gold Racing for their assistance in securing this interview, originally published in their newsletter Racing Weekly. To subscribe, visit https://mailchi.mp/2f6ba62d6182/racing-weekly-lead-capture
- Great British Racing (Photo Credit for Evan Williams with Coole Cody)
- Horse & Hound (Photo Credit for Silver Streak)
