William (Willie) Carson

1942 -

Champion jockey, born in Stirling. Despite a car accident in 1967, Carson became one of Britain's most successful jockeys, renowned for his fiery determination on the race-track. He was the first Scot to become a Champion jockey, the first of five championships (1972, 1973, 1978, 1980 and 1983). He became the first "Jockey to the Queen" in 1977 and was awarded an OBE in 1983.

Carson retired as a jockey in 1997, with more than 3800 race wins, including the Derby at Epsom on four occasions (1979, 1980, 1989 and 1994). He now works as a television commentator and a racing manager.

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