Young jockey Josh Williamson is quickly becoming one of the rising stars of Irish National Hunt racing. The son of Cheltenham Festival-winning jockey Norman Williamson, Josh has already enjoyed major success in the saddle despite still being in the early stages of his career.
From riding winners for the late Edward O’Grady to gaining valuable experience in France with Noel George and Amanda Zetterholm, the 19-year-old continues to build an impressive reputation in the weighing room.
We caught up with the Athboy native to discuss life at Gordon Elliott’s yard, his biggest career win so far, favourite racecourses and his long-term racing ambitions.
Who Is Josh Williamson?
Josh Williamson is a promising Irish National Hunt jockey from Athboy, Co. Meath. He is the son of former top jockey Norman Williamson, who famously rode four winners at the 1995 Cheltenham Festival including the Champion Hurdle on Alderbrook and the Cheltenham Gold Cup aboard Master Oats.
Josh rode his first career winner on Housemartin at Clonmel on October 26, 2023 for legendary trainer Edward O’Grady.
Since then, his career has gone from strength to strength with notable victories aboard Casheldale Lad in the €100,000 Two Mile Handicap Hurdle at Listowel and I’m Slippy in the Tattersalls Ireland George Mernagh Memorial Sales Bumper at Fairyhouse.
Q&A With Josh Williamson
Where are you from and how did you get into racing?
I’m from Athboy in Co. Meath and I was very much born into racing on both sides of the family, so it was a natural progression for me to get involved in the sport.
Does your dad Norman Williamson give you much advice?
Yes, he gives me huge amounts of advice. Depending on the occasion, I might ask his opinion on how to ride a certain horse or approach a race. After nearly every ride he’ll usually pick out something I can improve on.
You’ve spent time riding in France for Noel George and Amanda Zetterholm. How did that opportunity come about?
I have to mention Jordan Gainford, who suggested me to Noel when they were looking for someone to ride in a conditional jockeys’ race a few weeks ago.
There’s definitely a fair difference between riding in France and Ireland. The hurdles take a lot more jumping and there’s a big emphasis on riding certain tracks in specific ways. They also tend to get racing a little later in France which is another difference.
What is it like riding out for Gordon Elliott?
I’d usually spend three or four days a week at Gordon Elliott’s depending on the schedule. It’s a brilliant place to ride out with plenty of quality horses and somewhere everyone gets an opportunity.
Which jockey did you idolise growing up?
Ruby Walsh was and still is my idol.
What has been the biggest win of your career so far?
Probably winning the €100,000 Two Mile Handicap Hurdle at Listowel on Casheldale Lad.
What race would you most like to win?
The Cheltenham Gold Cup or the Irish Grand National.
What is your favourite racecourse?
It’s probably between Fairyhouse and Leopardstown. They’re both big, fair galloping tracks and Fairyhouse being local is an added bonus.
Which racecourse do you find toughest to ride?
Punchestown can be very tricky in big-field hurdle races.
Horse to follow for next season?
I’ll give one for next season — Keep Him Company.
What hobbies do you enjoy away from horse racing?
I don’t really play golf unlike a lot of the other jockeys, but I enjoy running when racing is quiet enough. I’m also a big rugby fan and enjoy Formula One.
Josh Williamson Looking Like One To Watch
Still only 19, Josh Williamson has already shown plenty of promise in the saddle and looks set for a bright future in Irish racing.
With strong guidance from his father Norman Williamson, experience gained in Ireland and France, and opportunities at Gordon Elliott’s powerful yard, he could become a name racing fans hear a lot more of over the coming seasons.
